First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell 20 ga 2-3/4in 7/8oz 1360 fps Slug RSL20 26% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell in 20 gauge promises a blend of manageable recoil and effective stopping power, a combination often sought after by hunters and those looking for home defense options. The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell is a 2-3/4 inch shell, packing a 7/8 ounce slug at a stated velocity of 1360 fps. This offering from RIO Ammunition aims to provide consistent performance and accuracy at a price point that doesn’t break the bank.
My need for these slugs arose from a desire to expand my whitetail deer hunting options in heavily wooded areas where longer shots are rare. I was specifically looking for a reliable 20-gauge slug that offered a good balance of energy transfer and manageable recoil for quick follow-up shots. I was also evaluating alternatives for home defense in a semi-rural environment.
Upon receiving the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells, the packaging was standard, but the shells themselves appeared well-constructed with a clean crimp. The plastic casing felt sturdy, and the slug seemed securely seated. The vibrant blue color of the shell casing is distinctive and makes it easy to differentiate from birdshot in a hurry.
I considered other popular 20-gauge slug options from Federal and Winchester, but ultimately chose the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell due to its advertised velocity and the positive reviews I had read regarding its consistent performance. The 26% discount at the time of purchase also heavily influenced my decision. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping the on-paper specifications would translate into real-world performance.
There was a sense of anticipation mixed with a little skepticism about whether a budget-friendly slug could truly deliver on its promises. Only time at the range would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell 20 ga 2-3/4in 7/8oz 1360 fps Slug RSL20 26% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on accuracy at 50 and 75 yards. I used a 20-gauge shotgun with a smoothbore barrel and iron sights for a more traditional hunting setup. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, and the range was relatively dry.
The initial shots revealed a noticeable recoil, certainly present, but not punishing like some 12-gauge slugs I’ve experienced. Accuracy was acceptable, with groupings of approximately 4-5 inches at 50 yards, but I struggled to consistently hit the target at 75 yards with the iron sights. The felt recoil was manageable enough for quick follow-up shots, which is crucial in a hunting scenario.
I experienced no malfunctions or failures to eject during the first session, which was a positive sign for reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells in different scenarios, including a hog hunt and several more range sessions, my assessment of their reliability is positive. The shells have consistently cycled and fired without issue. I’ve put around 75 rounds through my shotgun with zero malfunctions.
Durability seems good, with no noticeable signs of degradation or deformation of the shells even after being stored in my hunting pack for extended periods. The shells are easy to wipe down and keep clean after use. Compared to some cheaper imported slugs I’ve used in the past, these RIO Ammunition offerings feel significantly more consistent and reliable.
While the accuracy at longer ranges still isn’t stellar with my current setup, I’m confident that with an optic or a rifled barrel, the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells could deliver even better performance. Overall, my experience has been positive, and the shells have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective option for my needs.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell 20 ga 2-3/4in 7/8oz 1360 fps Slug RSL20 26% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell in 20 gauge boasts the following specifications:
- Gauge: 20
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches
- Bullet Weight: 7/8 oz
- Muzzle Velocity: 1360 ft/s
- Bullet Type: Slug
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic
- Number of Rounds: 5
- Application: Hunting
- Included Accessories: None
- Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition
These specifications are important because they directly impact the slug’s performance in terms of range, accuracy, and stopping power. The 7/8 oz slug, combined with the 1360 fps velocity, translates to a significant amount of energy upon impact, making it suitable for taking down medium-sized game like deer and hogs at reasonable distances. The 2 3/4 inch shell length keeps recoil manageable in lighter 20-gauge shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells perform adequately for their intended purpose. At shorter ranges (50 yards or less), they offer acceptable accuracy for hunting in dense woods. Their reliability is a strong point, with consistent cycling and firing.
However, the accuracy beyond 50 yards can be inconsistent with a smoothbore barrel and iron sights. I believe this is likely due to the lack of stabilization a rifled barrel would provide, but this limitation should be considered if long-range accuracy is a primary concern. The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell meets expectations for a budget-friendly, reliable slug, but don’t expect match-grade accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells feature a standard plastic casing and a securely seated slug. The shells are easy to load and handle. The blue color is helpful for quick identification.
There’s no significant design innovation or ergonomic consideration to note, as they are fairly standard slug shells.
Durability & Maintenance
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells appear to be durable enough for typical hunting and range use. The plastic casing is resistant to minor impacts and abrasions. They are easy to wipe clean and require minimal maintenance.
Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent any potential degradation over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells themselves don’t have accessories, but their performance can be enhanced by using them with appropriate shotgun accessories. A rifled barrel will drastically improve accuracy at longer ranges. An optic, such as a red dot sight or a low-power scope, can also improve aiming precision.
There are no inherent limitations to using these shells with aftermarket chokes or recoil pads.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell 20 ga 2-3/4in 7/8oz 1360 fps Slug RSL20 26% Off
Pros
- Reliable ignition and cycling for consistent performance in the field.
- Manageable recoil allows for quicker follow-up shots, crucial in hunting scenarios.
- Effective stopping power for medium-sized game at reasonable distances.
- Affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option for hunters and shooters.
- Distinctive blue color aids in quick identification.
Cons
- Limited accuracy at longer ranges with smoothbore barrels, requiring a rifled barrel for optimal performance.
- Recoil, while manageable, is still noticeable, and may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell 20 ga 2-3/4in 7/8oz 1360 fps Slug RSL20 26% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshells are perfect for hunters seeking an affordable and reliable 20-gauge slug for deer or hog hunting in wooded areas where shots are typically within 75 yards. They are also suitable for individuals looking for a home defense option with manageable recoil. New hunters who are just starting their shooting adventures with a 20 gauge should also find this a viable round.
Those who prioritize long-range accuracy or demand match-grade performance should skip this product and invest in premium-grade slugs and a rifled barrel setup.
Must-have accessories include a quality optic for improved aiming and a rifled barrel for increased accuracy at longer ranges.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell 20 ga 2-3/4in 7/8oz 1360 fps Slug RSL20 26% Off
In summary, the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell in 20 gauge offers a solid balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. It is a practical choice for hunters and home defenders who prioritize consistent performance at shorter ranges. The product does exactly what it is supposed to do and has good reliability as I put it through the paces.
The price is certainly justified given its reliable performance and acceptable accuracy within its intended range. The RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell provides great value.
I would personally recommend these slugs to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and dependable 20-gauge slug option for hunting or home defense.
Give the RIO Ammunition Royal Star Slug Shotshell a try and experience its reliable performance for yourself.