First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off
RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off – it’s a mouthful, I know, but this particular shotshell has been making waves in the clay target and recreational shooting communities for good reason. RIO Ammunition has a solid reputation, and this offering promised a balance of performance and affordability, particularly with that enticing “35% Off” tag. Let’s dive into whether it lives up to the hype.
My search for reliable and cost-effective target loads led me to this product. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank while providing consistent patterns and adequate velocity for breaking clays at my local sporting clays range.
Unboxing isn’t exactly a cinematic experience with shotshells, but I immediately appreciated the clean packaging and the consistent appearance of the shells. The hulls looked well-formed, and the crimps were uniform, suggesting good quality control. My initial thought was: “These look like they’re ready to work.”
I’ve used similar offerings from Winchester and Federal in the past. While those are typically reliable, the RIO Ammunition Star Team‘s lower price point, especially with the discount, was a major draw. Plus, I’d heard whispers about their clean burning powder, something I desperately wanted to test.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. Shot shells are not created equal, and a low price can sometimes mean compromises in performance. I was eager to see if the RIO Ammunition Star Team could deliver on its promise of reliable performance without sacrificing my wallet.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the RIO Ammunition Star Team was at the local sporting clays range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for testing ammo. I ran these shells through my Beretta A400 Xcel, a shotgun known for its reliability and consistent performance.
These shells cycled flawlessly through my semi-auto, ejecting cleanly and reliably. The recoil was noticeable but manageable, typical for a 12-gauge. I was particularly impressed with the clean burning powder.
I didn’t experience any misfires or duds, and the patterns seemed consistent at various distances. Even more impressively, there was noticeably less residue left in the barrel after a few rounds than with other value-priced shells.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, I’ve put hundreds of rounds of the RIO Ammunition Star Team through my shotgun. They have consistently performed without any issues. The reliability has been outstanding.
I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear on my shotgun’s components, further solidifying my impression of the clean-burning powder. Cleaning is surprisingly easy. I have a lot more time to actually enjoy my shotgun rather than spend endless amounts of time trying to clean it.
Compared to other budget-friendly options, the RIO Ammunition Star Team has consistently outperformed them in terms of cleanliness and consistent patterns. It’s become my go-to choice for practice rounds, allowing me to save the more expensive shells for competition days. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off shells are designed for target shooting and recreational use. They are a standard 12-gauge shell with a 2 3/4-inch length, making them compatible with most shotguns.
Each shell contains 7/8 oz of #9 shot. The smaller shot size is ideal for breaking clay targets at closer ranges. The shells boast a muzzle velocity of 1360 feet per second (FPS). This provides sufficient energy for consistent breaks without excessive recoil.
The RIO Ammunition Star Team shells use a centerfire primer. This ensures reliable ignition in a variety of conditions. The cartridge case is constructed from plastic. This helps with smooth feeding and ejection.
These specifications matter because they strike a good balance between performance and comfort. The lighter 7/8 oz load reduces recoil, making it easier to shoot for extended periods, while the 1360 FPS velocity ensures the shot has enough energy to break targets at typical sporting clays distances. The #9 shot provides a dense pattern for consistent breaks.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off shells perform exceptionally well for their intended purpose. They consistently cycle through my semi-automatic shotgun without any hiccups.
The patterns are tight and consistent at distances of up to 30 yards. This ensures reliable target breaks. Recoil is manageable, making it comfortable to shoot multiple rounds in a single session.
The RIO Ammunition Star Team shells exceeded my expectations in terms of cleanliness. The minimal residue left in the barrel reduces cleaning time. The overall functionality is excellent for target shooting and recreational use.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the RIO Ammunition Star Team shells is straightforward and functional. The hulls are well-formed, and the crimps are uniform, which helps with smooth feeding and ejection.
The shells are relatively lightweight due to the 7/8 oz payload. This translates to less felt recoil, enhancing the shooting experience. There is no real learning curve. They load easily, shoot smoothly, and eject cleanly.
The build quality is evident in the consistent performance and reliability of the shells. The materials used appear to be of good quality. This ensures they hold up well under repeated use.
Durability & Maintenance
The RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off shells are designed for single use. However, the components seem durable enough to withstand typical shooting conditions.
The clean-burning powder helps reduce the amount of residue in the barrel. This extends the life of your shotgun and reduces maintenance. Cleaning is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
With proper care and storage, these shells should maintain their performance over time. They are a reliable and durable choice for target shooting.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the RIO Ammunition Star Team shells themselves. However, the shells are compatible with any shotgun designed to shoot 2 3/4-inch 12-gauge shells.
You can customize your shooting experience by selecting different chokes for your shotgun. This allows you to adjust the pattern density for different target distances.
These shells can be used with various aftermarket recoil pads. This further reduces felt recoil for enhanced comfort. The RIO Ammunition Star Team shells offer a versatile and customizable shooting experience.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off
Pros
- Excellent value for the price, especially with the 35% discount. These are budget-friendly shells that don’t sacrifice performance.
- Clean-burning powder. This results in less residue in the barrel and easier cleaning.
- Consistent patterns. They ensure reliable target breaks at typical sporting clays distances.
- Manageable recoil. Allows for extended shooting sessions without excessive fatigue.
- Reliable performance. They cycle flawlessly through semi-automatic shotguns.
Cons
- The #9 shot may not be suitable for longer-range shots or larger game. It is optimized for close range clay targets.
- Some shooters may prefer a heavier load for certain applications. This 7/8oz option prioritizes reduced recoil.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off is perfect for recreational shooters, target shooters, and those practicing at the range. It’s also suitable for youth shooters or anyone sensitive to recoil. These are great for anyone who wants to improve their skills without breaking the bank.
Anyone looking for shells for hunting larger game or engaging in long-range shooting should skip this product. Those uses typically call for larger shot sizes and heavier loads.
Must-have accessories include a good quality shotgun cleaning kit to take full advantage of the clean burning powder. Also, consider a comfortable recoil pad for even less felt recoil during extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off
The RIO Ammunition Star Team 12GA 2 3/4in 7/8OZ Size 9 1360 FPS ST249 35% Off shells are an excellent choice for target shooters and recreational shooters seeking a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. The price is definitely justified. The consistent performance and clean-burning powder make them a standout option in their price range.
I would absolutely recommend these shells. They have become my go-to choice for practice rounds.
Don’t miss out on the chance to improve your shooting skills without emptying your wallet! Grab a case of the RIO Ammunition Star Team while the 35% off deal lasts, and experience the difference for yourself.