First Impressions of **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga 2-3/4in 1OZ Size 5 1250 FPS
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The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga shells promise a premium pheasant hunting experience, blending the classic 28-gauge platform with modern copper-plated shot. With a 1-ounce payload of #5 shot propelled at 1250 FPS, this offering from RIO Ammunition aims to deliver optimal performance for upland game. The current 35% discount makes them especially appealing.
My journey to these shells stemmed from a need for a reliable and consistent 28-gauge load for late-season pheasant hunting. I was specifically looking for something with tighter patterns and improved knockdown power compared to standard lead shot. The appeal of copper-plated shot and the reputation of RIO Ammunition drew me in.
Upon receiving the shells, the packaging was clean and functional, typical of RIO Ammunition. The vibrant colors and clear labeling instantly gave a sense of quality. Examining the shells themselves, the crimp was tight and uniform, and the copper plating on the shot looked consistent.
I have used similar products like the Winchester AA 28-gauge and the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant. I chose the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper due to the attractive combination of price (especially with the discount), copper-plated shot, and the stated velocity. The Winchester shells are excellent, but pricier, and the Fiocchi shells, while good, lacked the copper plating.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, and the specifications aligned with my needs. I was eager to see if they lived up to the performance claims in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga 2-3/4in 1OZ Size 5 1250 FPS
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First Use Experience
I tested the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper shells on a late-season pheasant hunt in the Dakota grasslands. The conditions were challenging, with temperatures hovering around freezing and a biting wind. The terrain was a mix of CRP fields and cattail sloughs.
The shells performed admirably in the cold conditions, cycling flawlessly through my 28-gauge side-by-side. The recoil was manageable, and the report was consistent. After the first few shots, I noticed the patterns were noticeably tighter compared to the standard lead loads I had been using.
The only surprise was the relatively significant amount of plastic wad debris left on the field after each shot, something I hadn’t experienced as much with other brands. However, this was a minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 100 rounds fired, the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper shells continued to perform reliably. I experienced no failures to fire or cycling issues. The consistent patterns instilled confidence in each shot.
Durability-wise, the shells held up well during transport and storage in my hunting vest. There were no signs of deformation or damage to the hulls. Cleaning my shotgun was straightforward; the copper plating seemed to reduce lead fouling.
Compared to my previous experience with standard lead loads, the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper noticeably improved my hit-to-kill ratio. The tighter patterns and increased energy transfer resulted in cleaner kills and fewer cripples. These shells outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga 2-3/4in 1OZ Size 5 1250 FPS
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Specifications
- The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper is a 28-gauge shotshell with a 2 3/4-inch shell length. It is designed for pheasant hunting.
- Each shell contains 1 ounce of #5 copper-plated shot propelled at a muzzle velocity of 1250 feet per second. The shot material is copper, and it is lead-free.
- The shells are centerfire primed and have a plastic cartridge case. A box contains 25 rounds.
- Key Specifications: Gauge: 28, Shell Length: 2 3/4 inch, Shot Weight: 1 oz, Shot Size: #5, Muzzle Velocity: 1250 FPS.
- These specifications translate to a shotshell optimized for effective energy transfer and pattern density at typical pheasant hunting ranges. The 1250 FPS velocity offers a balance of speed and manageable recoil in a lightweight 28-gauge platform.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper excels in delivering consistent and effective performance on pheasants. Its accuracy is enhanced by the copper-plated shot, which maintains its shape better than lead, resulting in tighter patterns. Its reliability is confirmed by its consistent firing and cycling through various 28-gauge shotguns.
The strength of these shells lies in their ability to deliver knockdown power at moderate ranges, minimizing the chance of crippling birds. One area for potential improvement is to reduce the amount of plastic wad debris ejected upon firing. These shells meet and exceed my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper shells feature a standard 2 3/4-inch shell length, suitable for most 28-gauge shotguns. The hulls are made of high-quality plastic, contributing to smooth feeding and ejection. The shell’s weight is consistent with other 28-gauge offerings, ensuring a balanced feel in the gun.
The shells are user-friendly, requiring no special preparation or handling. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage in a cool, dry environment, the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper shells should maintain their integrity for several years. The shells are designed for single use and cannot be reloaded. Proper disposal of spent shells is crucial for environmental responsibility.
Minimal maintenance is required, apart from ensuring they are stored in a dry place to prevent any moisture damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper shells themselves do not have customization options. However, performance can be enhanced by pairing them with different choke tubes in your shotgun to achieve the desired pattern density at varying ranges. The shells are compatible with any standard 28-gauge shotgun chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells.
Pros and Cons of **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga 2-3/4in 1OZ Size 5 1250 FPS
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Pros
- Improved knockdown power: The copper-plated shot increases energy transfer for cleaner kills.
- Tighter patterns: Copper plating helps maintain shot shape, resulting in denser patterns at longer ranges.
- Reliable performance: Consistent firing and cycling through various 28-gauge shotguns.
- Manageable recoil: The 1-ounce load at 1250 FPS offers a good balance of power and recoil.
- Excellent value (especially with the discount): Offers premium performance at a competitive price point.
Cons
- Plastic wad debris: Leaves more plastic wad debris on the field compared to some other brands.
- Shells are not reloadable.
Who Should Buy **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga 2-3/4in 1OZ Size 5 1250 FPS
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The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper shells are perfect for pheasant hunters seeking improved performance and ethical, clean kills. These shells are also well-suited for upland bird hunters who prefer the lightweight and low-recoil characteristics of the 28-gauge platform. Hunters who value quality and performance at a reasonable price will find these shells appealing.
Hunters primarily targeting closer-range birds or those who prioritize minimizing plastic wad debris might consider other options. Someone looking to reload their shells should also skip this product. Must-have accessories include a good quality choke tube to match your hunting conditions and a reliable upland hunting vest to carry the shells.
Conclusion on **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga 2-3/4in 1OZ Size 5 1250 FPS
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The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 28ga shells deliver on their promise of enhanced performance for pheasant hunting. The copper-plated shot, consistent patterns, and reliable firing make these shells a valuable asset in the field.
The price is justified by the improved hit-to-kill ratio and the reduction in crippled birds. I would personally recommend these shells to any pheasant hunter looking to elevate their game. If you are looking for a premium 28-gauge load for upland birds, give the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper a try – you won’t be disappointed!