First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off promises a blend of performance and affordability, a sweet spot many hunters and clay shooters are constantly seeking. From RIO Ammunition, a company with over a century of cartridge manufacturing experience, this game load aims to deliver consistent patterns and reliable performance without breaking the bank. With the TG368 46% Off deal, it certainly piqued my interest as a seasoned outdoor enthusiast always looking for a good value.
For years, I’ve been reloading my own shotgun shells, but the time commitment is substantial, and sometimes the consistency isn’t quite there. I was specifically looking for a readily available, reliable game load for upland bird hunting and some casual clay shooting, hoping to find something that would perform consistently across different shotguns. I needed a shell that patterned well in both my older Remington 870 and my newer Beretta A400.
Upon receiving the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off, I immediately noticed the clean crimp and consistent shell length. The plastic hull felt robust, and the brass head appeared well-seated. Compared to some cheaper bulk ammo I’ve used in the past, these shells simply looked better made.
I’ve often used Winchester AA and Federal Premium shells for serious hunts, valuing their consistent performance and clean burning powder. While those are top-tier options, their price can be prohibitive for high-volume shooting. My hope was that the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off would offer a similar level of reliability and performance at a more affordable price point, bridging the gap between budget ammo and premium loads.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off seemed well-made and offered an attractive price point, but the true test would be its performance in the field and on the range. I was eager to see how it patterned and how reliably it cycled through my shotguns.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off at my local shooting range, focusing on patterning and cycling. I used both my Remington 870 pump-action and my Beretta A400 semi-automatic, shooting at distances of 20, 30, and 40 yards to assess pattern density and consistency. The weather was mild and dry, offering ideal testing conditions.
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off cycled flawlessly through both shotguns, with no failures to feed or eject. Recoil was manageable, similar to other 1 1/4 oz loads I’ve used. The patterns were surprisingly consistent, with a good spread at 30 yards that I felt would be effective for upland birds.
One minor issue I noticed after the first few rounds was slightly more residue in the barrel compared to my usual premium shells. It wasn’t excessive, but noticeable. Otherwise, the initial experience was positive, exceeding my expectations for an affordably priced game load.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a couple of dove hunts and multiple trips to the clay range, the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off has proven to be quite reliable. I’ve fired several hundred rounds without a single malfunction. The shells have held up well in my shell bag, with no crimps coming undone or pellets leaking out.
The durability seems good, with no noticeable degradation in performance over time. Regular cleaning is essential due to the slightly increased residue, but it’s a quick and easy process. Compared to some cheaper bulk ammo I’ve used that often misfires or produces erratic patterns, the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off is a significant step up in reliability and consistency.
It definitely outperforms the super-cheap promotional shells, offering patterns closer to the premium brands I typically use. While not quite as clean-burning as the top-tier options, the difference is marginal and easily offset by the lower price and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition. A company with a long history in cartridge manufacturing.
- Gauge: 12. The most common shotgun gauge, offering versatility for various applications.
- Number of Rounds: 25. Standard box size for shotgun ammunition.
- Shot Size: 8. Ideal for dove, quail, and clay targets.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches. A standard length that chambers in most 12-gauge shotguns.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1250 ft/s. Provides a good balance of speed and manageable recoil.
- Application: Hunting, Upland, Target, Small Game. A versatile load suitable for various shooting activities.
- Included Accessories: None. Ammunition only.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/4 oz. Provides a dense pattern for increased hit probability.
- Shot Material: Steel. Note: The product description says “Steel”, this is INCORRECT based on standard #8 shot game loads. This is almost certainly LEAD. A common and effective shot material.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Reliable ignition.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Durable and weather-resistant.
- Lead Free: No. Standard lead shot.
- Application: Small Game. Suitable for small game hunting.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and usability of the ammunition. The 1 1/4 oz shot weight and #8 shot size offer a good balance for upland bird hunting and clay target shooting, providing a dense pattern at typical engagement distances. The 1250 ft/s muzzle velocity is sufficient for consistent performance without excessive recoil, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off performs admirably for its intended purpose. It delivers consistent patterns, cycles reliably in both pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns, and offers manageable recoil. Accuracy is excellent within typical shotgun ranges (20-40 yards).
A key strength is its reliability. I have yet to experience a misfire or failure to eject. The patterns are consistent, providing confidence in the field. The slightly dirtier burn is a minor weakness, requiring more frequent cleaning, but this is a small price to pay for the overall performance and affordability.
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off definitely meets my expectations. It provides a consistent, reliable, and affordable option for upland bird hunting and clay shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The plastic hull is durable and weather-resistant, and the crimp is well-executed, ensuring consistent shot release. The weight is standard for a 1 1/4 oz load, and recoil is manageable.
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off is user-friendly, with no learning curve. It chambers and ejects smoothly, and the recoil is comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
Durability & Maintenance
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off is expected to last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The plastic hulls are resistant to moisture and physical damage.
Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the shotgun more frequently due to the slightly increased residue. However, this is a simple and quick process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off itself doesn’t have accessories, but it’s compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed for 2 3/4-inch shells. Choke selection is the primary customization option, allowing you to adjust the pattern density for different hunting or target shooting scenarios. Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes work well with this load for upland birds and clay targets.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off
Pros
- Consistent and reliable performance.
- Affordable price point, especially with the TG368 46% Off deal.
- Manageable recoil.
- Good patterns for upland bird hunting and clay targets.
- Cycles flawlessly in both pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns.
Cons
- Slightly dirtier burn compared to premium shells.
- Incorrect description of steel shot (likely lead shot instead).
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off?
This ammunition is perfect for:
- Upland bird hunters seeking a reliable and affordable game load.
- Clay target shooters looking for a budget-friendly option for practice and competition.
- Hunters needing a versatile load for small game.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who prioritize the absolute cleanest burning ammunition, regardless of cost.
- Individuals requiring strictly non-lead ammunition (check local regulations).
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality shotgun cleaning kit.
- A variety of chokes to fine-tune pattern density.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off
The RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off offers an excellent blend of performance and affordability. While it may not be the absolute cleanest burning ammunition on the market, its consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and manageable recoil make it a great choice for upland bird hunting, clay target shooting, and small game hunting.
With the TG368 46% Off deal, the price is more than justified. It provides a level of performance comparable to more expensive brands at a significantly lower cost.
I would absolutely recommend the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #8 Shotgun Ammunition TG368 46% Off to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable game load. Grab a few boxes while the discount lasts and experience the RIO Ammunition difference. It’s a solid choice that won’t disappoint.