It would probaly not be safe to shoot steel shot or any of the tungsten shot out of a gun that old because it is probaly choked too tight and the older barrels are not designed to handle the harder shot. Lead shot would be fine but as you know you can't legally use that for waterfowl.
Lead. Shells are marked for waterfowl hunting & are much more expensive
Lead (the metal Lead). Hunting waterfowl requires the use of non-toxic shot.
Lead
Richard LeMaster has written: 'Waterfowl' -- subject(s): Anatomy, Birds, Art, Color, Waterfowl, Technique, Waterfowl in art 'Waterfowl identification' -- subject(s): Waterfowl, Identification 'Decoys' -- subject(s): Decoys (Hunting)
Except when hunting waterfowl from a boat, unloaded. When hunting, muzzle up.
Samuel M Carney has written: 'Distribution of waterfowl species harvested in states and counties during 1971-80 hunting seasons' -- subject(s): Statistics, Waterfowl shooting, Hunting surveys
Steel shot bullets were first used in the late 19th century as an alternative to lead ammunition. Steel shot gained popularity for its environmental benefits and is commonly used in hunting waterfowl to comply with regulations on lead toxicity.
R. K. Sawyer has written: 'A hundred years of Texas waterfowl hunting' -- subject(s): Waterfowl shooting, History
Brian T. Gray has written: 'Illegal waterfowl hunting in the Mississippi flyway and recommendations for alleviation' -- subject(s): Birds, Birds, Protection of, Conservation, Protection of Birds, Waterfowl management, Waterfowl shooting
Lead shot was banned for waterfowl hunting in the United States in 1991. The ban was implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce lead poisoning in waterfowl and other wildlife, as lead shot was found to be toxic when ingested. This regulation has significantly contributed to the conservation of various bird species affected by lead exposure.
Waterfowl hunting videos can be purchased from the website Cabelas. If you do not want to purchase a video or DVD then the website ducks has a featured video that can be watched free of charge. Websites like YouTube may also have videos in this theme.
Only when you need aiming. Which is mostly never. Roe deer hunting in Scandinavia or Turkey hunting in the US might be examples of exceptions.