First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off promises a blend of performance and environmental consciousness, aiming to provide hunters and sport shooters with a reliable, yet eco-friendly, option for their 20-gauge shotguns. Featuring a hydro-soluble wad and steel shot, this ammunition aims to minimize environmental impact while maintaining the ballistic performance needed for successful hunts and range sessions. I was intrigued to see how well this RIO Ammunition offering balanced these two critical aspects.
My search for an alternative to traditional lead shot in my 20-gauge hunting loads led me to this product. Regulations in certain hunting areas increasingly restrict or outright ban the use of lead ammunition, forcing a transition to steel or other non-toxic alternatives. I needed a cartridge that patterned well in my older shotgun, delivered adequate downrange energy, and reduced my environmental footprint.
The box arrived neatly packaged, and the blue color of the shells was instantly appealing. The shells felt well-constructed, and the crimps were consistent across the entire box of 25. Holding one, I immediately noticed that the weight was comparable to my standard lead loads, which hinted at a similar recoil impulse, a pleasant surprise.
Before choosing the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel, I considered the Winchester Super-X Steel and the Federal Speed-Shok Steel offerings. I opted for the RIO due to its advertised higher velocity and the promise of an eco-friendly, hydro-soluble wad, hoping for improved patterns and reduced plastic waste. I was cautiously optimistic about whether the eco-friendly claims would translate to real-world performance.
My initial impression was positive; this RIO Ammunition seemed well-made and thoughtfully designed, suggesting it might just bridge the gap between ecological responsibility and dependable shotgun performance. The 30% off promotion was certainly a welcome bonus!
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel at my local sporting clays range, under overcast skies and a slight breeze. My primary focus was on pattern consistency and felt recoil when fired from my vintage 20-gauge side-by-side. Setting up targets at 30 and 40 yards, I put the RIO shells to work, focusing on consistency.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my shotgun, ejecting cleanly and consistently. Recoil was slightly more noticeable than with my usual lead loads, but it remained manageable and didn’t disrupt my follow-up shots. More importantly, the patterns were surprisingly tight and even at both distances, a promising sign for future hunting applications.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, totaling around 200 rounds fired, the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel has consistently performed well. I’ve experienced no malfunctions, no duds, and no noticeable degradation in performance. Cleaning my shotgun after each session was relatively easy; steel shot leaves less residue than lead.
I’ve also used these shells during a few early-season dove hunts where non-toxic shot was required. The doves fell cleanly, exhibiting similar effectiveness to my previous lead loads. The RIO Ammunition held up admirably, proving reliable in varying weather conditions, from dry and sunny to damp and misty.
Compared to previous experiences with other budget-friendly steel loads, the RIO offering definitely outperforms them in both pattern density and consistency. I’m impressed with how well these eco-friendly loads hold their own against traditional ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” boasts several key specifications:
- Gauge: 20. This makes it compatible with a wide range of shotguns commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches. This is a standard size, ensuring compatibility with most 20-gauge chambers.
- Shot Size: #5 Steel. #5 steel shot offers a good balance between pellet count and downrange energy for game birds.
- Shot Weight: 7/8 oz. This is a lighter load, reducing recoil and potentially improving pattern density.
- Velocity: 1265 FPS. A higher velocity contributes to flatter trajectories and increased energy upon impact.
- Wad Type: Hydro-soluble. This reduces plastic waste in the environment.
- Lead Free: Yes. Meets regulations for non-toxic shot requirements in many hunting areas.
- Number of Rounds: 25. A standard box size for shotgun ammunition.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance and suitability for various applications. The steel shot makes it environmentally friendly, while the high velocity and optimized shot weight aim to provide sufficient energy and consistent patterns for effective hunting. The hydro-soluble wad further minimizes the environmental impact.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel performs its job admirably, delivering consistent patterns and adequate downrange energy for the intended purpose of hunting game birds. Its reliability in cycling through my shotgun and the effectiveness in bringing down game instill confidence in its performance. It exceeded my expectations for pattern consistency.
The strengths include its consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and eco-friendly features. One potential weakness is the slightly higher recoil compared to lead loads, although this is a common characteristic of steel shot and is manageable. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a steel shot load.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel features a standard shotgun shell design, with a blue plastic hull for easy identification. The materials used are of good quality, and the construction feels solid and reliable. The weight is comparable to lead loads, which makes for a comfortable shooting experience.
There’s no significant learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It is a straightforward shotshell that functions as expected.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the nature of ammunition, long-term durability isn’t a primary concern. However, the shells themselves appear well-constructed and resistant to damage. Maintaining my shotgun after using these shells is no different than with any other ammunition, perhaps even easier due to the cleaner-burning properties of steel compared to lead.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel is, itself, a component designed to be used with a shotgun. Therefore, there are no accessories included, nor are there any specific customization options available directly for the ammunition itself, other than choosing different shot sizes if available. It is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun designed to handle 2 3/4″ shells. Consider the choke of your shotgun.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off
Pros
- Reliable Cycling: Feeds and ejects consistently in various shotgun models.
- Consistent Patterns: Delivers tight, even patterns at reasonable hunting ranges.
- Eco-Friendly: Hydro-soluble wad reduces plastic waste and is lead-free.
- Adequate Downrange Energy: Effectively brings down game birds.
- Manageable Recoil: Recoil is noticeable but not excessive.
Cons
- Slightly Higher Recoil: Recoil is a bit more pronounced compared to lead loads.
- Steel Shot Limitations: Steel shot may not be suitable for older, fixed-choke shotguns.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel is perfect for: hunters who are required to use non-toxic shot due to regulations or personal preference, sport shooters looking for an environmentally conscious option, and anyone seeking a reliable and consistent 20-gauge steel shot load. It’s a particularly good choice for early-season dove hunters or anyone targeting smaller game birds within moderate ranges.
Those who should skip this product include: shooters who prefer the softer recoil of lead loads and are not restricted by non-toxic shot regulations, or individuals who own older shotguns not rated for steel shot. Always check your shotgun’s manual before using steel ammunition.
A must-have accessory is a choke tube specifically designed for steel shot if your shotgun has interchangeable chokes. Also, consider a recoil pad if you are sensitive to recoil.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS245 30% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” offers a compelling blend of performance and environmental responsibility. It delivers consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and adequate downrange energy, all while minimizing environmental impact with its hydro-soluble wad and lead-free composition. The $29.49 price point, especially with the 30% off promotion, makes it an attractive option compared to other premium steel loads.
Given its performance and eco-friendly features, I would personally recommend this ammunition to any hunter or sport shooter looking for a reliable and responsible 20-gauge steel shot load. It’s a solid choice for those who value both performance and the environment. Go ahead and give the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel a try; you might be pleasantly surprised!