First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off promises a blend of performance and environmental consciousness. With its hydro-soluble wad and steel shot, it aims to deliver a potent hunting load while minimizing environmental impact.
As a seasoned outdoorsman, I’ve always sought ammunition that performs reliably and aligns with responsible environmental practices. Living near several waterfowl management areas that require non-toxic shot, the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel immediately caught my eye. The lure of a 30% discount made the prospect even more attractive.
The packaging is standard for shotgun ammunition – a sturdy cardboard box containing 25 shells. Upon opening, the vibrant blue hulls are immediately noticeable, a far cry from the usual drab colors of other steel shot. The shells feel well-constructed, with a consistent crimp and no visible defects.
Compared to other 20-gauge steel shot options like Federal Speed-Shok or Winchester Blind Side, the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel stands out due to its eco-friendly wad. While I’ve used both Federal and Winchester extensively in the past, the promise of reduced plastic pollution with the RIO offering was a deciding factor.
Initially, I was excited to try these out, hoping they would live up to their eco-friendly billing without sacrificing performance in the field. I felt hopeful that the RIO Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel would offer a greener alternative without compromising reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel during a dove hunting trip at a local wildlife management area. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the ammunition’s performance.
The RIO shells cycled flawlessly through my Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge, and the recoil felt manageable. The shot patterns at 30 yards were surprisingly consistent, effectively downing doves with clean, ethical kills.
There were no noticeable issues during the first use; the shells performed exactly as expected. The hydro-soluble wad seemed to disintegrate quickly after firing, leaving minimal residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, primarily targeting waterfowl, the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through my shotgun in varying weather conditions, including damp mornings and windy afternoons.
The ammunition has shown no signs of degradation or performance drop-off, even when exposed to moisture for brief periods. The blue hulls have held their color well, and the crimps have remained intact.
Maintenance has been standard; I clean my shotgun after each use, and there is no excessive fouling from these shells. Compared to some cheaper steel shot brands I’ve used in the past, the RIO shells leave less residue in the barrel.
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel outperforms cheaper alternatives, delivering consistent patterns and reliable cycling in my experience. They stand up well against higher-priced premium shells in terms of on-target performance.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel boasts several key specifications. These include a 20-gauge, 2 3/4-inch shell length, and a 7/8 oz shot weight.
The ammunition utilizes #6 steel shot and achieves a velocity of 1265 FPS. The primary feature is the hydro-soluble wad designed to minimize environmental impact.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance and suitability for various hunting applications. The 20-gauge is a versatile choice, offering a balance between power and recoil, making it suitable for smaller-framed shooters.
The 7/8 oz shot weight provides sufficient payload for effective targeting of upland game and waterfowl at moderate ranges. The 1265 FPS velocity ensures adequate energy transfer to the target for clean kills.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel performs its job admirably, providing consistent patterns and reliable knockdown power. Its accuracy at typical hunting ranges (20-40 yards) is excellent, resulting in ethical and humane kills.
Its main strengths are its consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and the environmentally friendly wad. One potential weakness is that #6 steel shot may not be ideal for larger waterfowl at longer ranges, where a larger shot size might be preferred.
The ammunition meets my expectations for a quality steel shot load designed for hunting smaller game and waterfowl. I find it to be an effective and responsible choice.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel features a well-designed and robust construction. The blue plastic hull is durable and easily identifiable.
The shells are user-friendly, with no special requirements for handling or storage. There is minimal learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel is designed to last for an extended period when stored properly. The durable hulls prevent moisture from damaging the powder charge.
Maintenance is minimal; simply cleaning your firearm after use is sufficient. These shells will likely outlast many hunting seasons if stored in a cool, dry environment.
Accessories and Customization Options
No specific accessories are included with the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel, as it is ammunition. However, the performance can be enhanced by using appropriate choke tubes in your shotgun.
The ammunition is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun designed for 2 3/4-inch shells and rated for steel shot. The use of aftermarket choke tubes allows for customization of shot patterns at different ranges, enhancing the overall hunting experience. Using a modified or improved cylinder choke will provide optimal patterns at typical waterfowl hunting distances.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off
Pros
- Eco-friendly hydro-soluble wad reduces plastic pollution.
- Reliable cycling in various shotgun models.
- Consistent shot patterns for ethical and effective hunting.
- Manageable recoil for comfortable shooting.
- Durable construction for long-lasting storage.
Cons
6 steel shot may not be optimal for larger waterfowl at longer ranges.
- Slightly higher price point compared to some non-eco-friendly steel shot options.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel is perfect for environmentally conscious hunters who target upland game, doves, and smaller waterfowl within moderate ranges. It is also ideal for shooters who appreciate reliable performance and consistent patterns.
This ammunition may not be the best choice for hunters pursuing larger waterfowl at longer distances, who might benefit from a larger shot size or higher velocity loads. Shooters on a very tight budget might find cheaper, albeit less environmentally friendly, alternatives.
A must-have accessory is a good set of choke tubes that allow you to optimize your shot patterns for the specific game and range you are hunting. A high-quality gun cleaning kit is also essential for maintaining your shotgun and ensuring reliable performance with any ammunition.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel 20 Gauge 2 3/4” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition REBS246 30% Off is a well-designed and reliable steel shot load that combines performance with environmental responsibility. The hydro-soluble wad is a significant advantage, appealing to hunters seeking to minimize their impact on the environment.
The price is justified by the quality and the eco-friendly features of this ammunition. The consistent patterns and reliable cycling make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters.
I would personally recommend the RIO Ammunition Royal 24 ECO BlueSteel to anyone looking for a high-quality, environmentally conscious steel shot load. Step up your game, respect the environment, and bag more birds with RIO.