First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off
As an avid waterfowl hunter, I’m always on the lookout for reliable ammunition that performs consistently in various weather conditions. The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off immediately caught my eye due to its promise of high velocities and its design specifically tailored for nontoxic waterfowl hunting. With a 35% discount, it felt like the perfect opportunity to test out a new brand and potentially find a go-to load for the upcoming season.
My search for a reliable steel shot load that patterns well in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II led me to consider this RIO Ammunition. I needed a shell that could consistently deliver tight patterns at moderate ranges, especially when hunting ducks over decoys in less-than-ideal weather. I was seeking a blend of affordability and performance, something that wouldn’t break the bank while still ensuring ethical and effective shots.
Upon receiving the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel, the packaging looked solid, and the shells themselves appeared well-constructed. The vibrant blue hull is certainly eye-catching, and the crimp looked tight and consistent across the box. Handling a few shells, they felt substantial, conveying a sense of quality in the materials used.
Compared to my usual Winchester Blind Side or Federal Black Cloud, the RIO Ammunition seemed to offer a slightly different approach. While Blind Side is known for its unique hex-shaped shot and Black Cloud for its Flitecontrol wad, the RIO Ammunition seemed to focus on achieving performance through a combination of high velocity and consistent round steel shot. I hoped this more traditional approach would translate to reliable patterns.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic about the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel. The price point, especially with the discount, was definitely appealing. I was eager to see how they would perform on the patterning board and in actual hunting scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel was at my local shooting range, specifically the patterning board. I wanted to see how these shells would group at 30 and 40 yards using my modified choke. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle, simulating typical duck hunting conditions.
The RIO Ammunition cycled flawlessly through my Benelli, and the recoil was manageable, perhaps slightly heavier than my usual target loads but certainly not excessive. At 30 yards, the patterns were surprisingly tight and consistent, with a good spread of pellets within a 20-inch circle. At 40 yards, the pattern opened up slightly, but still maintained enough density to be effective on ducks.
Initially, I did experience some plastic fouling in the barrel, more so than I’m used to with other steel loads. This required a bit more cleaning afterward. However, the patterning performance was encouraging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel during the early teal season and a few duck hunts, I’ve formed a more comprehensive opinion. The shells have proven to be consistently reliable in terms of cycling and ignition. I experienced no misfires or failures to eject.
Durability-wise, the hulls show no significant signs of wear and tear after being exposed to wet conditions in my blind bag. The blue color has remained vibrant, and the crimps have held their shape. Cleaning the gun after each hunt remained consistent; however, I still noticed slightly more plastic fouling compared to other premium steel loads.
Compared to my previous go-to, Federal Black Cloud, the RIO Ammunition doesn’t offer the same advanced wad technology. The patterns are generally tighter with the Black Cloud at longer ranges. However, the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel is more affordable, and its performance is certainly adequate for most of my hunting scenarios, especially within 40 yards.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition. This company has a long-standing reputation in the ammunition industry.
- Gauge: 12. This is the most common gauge for waterfowl hunting.
- Shell Length: 3 inches. This provides a good balance between payload and manageable recoil.
- Shot Weight: 1 1/4 oz. This is a standard waterfowl load, providing a sufficient number of pellets for effective patterns.
- Shot Size: 5. This is a versatile size, suitable for a wide range of waterfowl, including ducks and teal.
- Shot Material: Steel. This is required for waterfowl hunting in most areas due to lead restrictions.
- Muzzle Velocity: Advertised at 1400 ft/s (spec table) and 1300 fps (spec table) / up to 1550 ft/s (description). This indicates the speed at which the shot leaves the barrel, affecting range and energy.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. This is a standard primer type for shotgun shells.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. This is the most common material for shotgun shells due to its weather resistance and ease of manufacturing.
- Lead Free: Yes. This is essential for compliance with environmental regulations for waterfowl hunting.
- Application: Multi-Gun Competition, Hunting, Trap, Competition, Skeet, Sporting Clays. The specs say it can be used for competition, but this is primarily a hunting load.
- Number of Rounds: 25. This is a standard box size for shotgun ammunition.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the effectiveness of the RIO Ammunition for waterfowl hunting. The 3-inch shell length and 1 1/4 oz shot weight offer a good payload, while the steel shot ensures compliance with regulations. The high velocity is intended to provide sufficient energy and range for taking down birds at moderate distances.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 performs admirably within its intended range. Accuracy is generally good, with consistent patterns out to 40 yards using appropriate chokes. Reliability has been excellent, with no malfunctions encountered during testing or hunting.
The primary strength lies in its consistent patterning and reliable ignition. However, the slightly higher plastic fouling compared to premium brands is a minor weakness. Overall, the RIO Ammunition meets expectations as a dependable and affordable steel shot load for waterfowl hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The blue plastic hull is visually appealing and easily identifiable in the field. The shells are well-constructed and feel solid in hand. There is no noticeable learning curve; they function just like any other standard 12-gauge shell.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel should last for several seasons if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The plastic hulls are resistant to moisture and the crimps seem well-sealed. As mentioned previously, slightly more frequent cleaning may be required due to plastic fouling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, choosing the right choke for your shotgun is essential to optimize the patterns. It is compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 3-inch shells.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off
Pros
- Reliable ignition and cycling in various shotguns.
- Consistent and effective patterns at typical waterfowl hunting ranges (up to 40 yards).
- More affordable than premium steel shot loads like Federal Black Cloud or Winchester Blind Side.
- Lead-free, making it compliant with regulations for waterfowl hunting.
- Visually appealing and easily identifiable blue hull.
Cons
- Slightly higher plastic fouling compared to some premium brands.
- The specs have conflicting Muzzle Velocity information, this could mislead buyers.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking a reliable and affordable steel shot load for ducks and teal. It is also a good option for hunters who prioritize value without sacrificing performance at typical hunting ranges. This ammunition is suitable for casual and experienced hunters alike.
Hunters who primarily target geese at longer ranges or demand the absolute tightest patterns possible may want to consider premium loads with advanced wad technology. Those who are extremely sensitive to cleaning frequency might also prefer other options.
A good choke is a must-have accessory to optimize the patterns with this ammunition.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 RBSM365 35% Off
Overall, the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/4oz Size 5 is a solid performer at an attractive price point. It offers reliable ignition, consistent patterns, and a lead-free construction, making it a practical choice for waterfowl hunters. The slightly higher plastic fouling is a minor drawback, but it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall value.
The price is certainly justified, especially with the 35% discount. I would personally recommend this ammunition to fellow waterfowl hunters looking for a dependable and affordable option. It’s a great choice for filling your blind bag without emptying your wallet. Give it a try and see if it patterns well in your shotgun!