First Impressions of RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK
The world of 12-gauge ammunition is vast, ranging from birdshot for clay pigeons to specialized slugs for hunting big game. Among the many options, the RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK aims to be a versatile choice for both personal defense and hunting smaller game. This review will explore whether it lives up to the hype.
For years, I’ve relied on a specific brand of buckshot for my home defense shotgun, but recent supply chain issues left me scrambling. I needed a readily available, reasonably priced alternative that I could trust. The RedStar Ordnance buckshot appeared as a promising contender.
Upon receiving the RedStar Ordnance shells, my initial impression was positive, but reserved. The packaging was standard, nothing flashy, but the shells themselves appeared well-constructed. The crimps were clean, and the plastic hulls felt sturdy. My usual go-to is Federal Premium 00 Buck, and compared to those, the RedStar Ordnance rounds felt…adequate. S&B buckshot was another alternative I considered, but ultimately the price point of the RedStar Ordnance won me over.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. My initial excitement was tempered by the “too good to be true” price tag.
Real-World Testing: Putting RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the RedStar Ordnance buckshot was at an outdoor shooting range, simulating a home defense scenario. I set up a silhouette target at 15 yards. I ran drills focusing on speed and accuracy. The day was slightly windy, but otherwise conditions were ideal.
The recoil was definitely noticeable, a bit sharper than my usual Federal loads. However, it was manageable and didn’t significantly affect my follow-up shots. After five rounds, I noticed a slightly larger spread pattern than I was accustomed to, with a few pellets straying outside the vital area. This immediately raised a concern.
There were no malfunctions; every round chambered, fired, and ejected flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use during range sessions, the RedStar Ordnance buckshot has proven to be reliable in terms of cycling. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through my shotgun without a single failure to feed, fire, or eject. However, the consistent spread pattern, which is wider than premium brands, remains a concern.
There are no noticeable signs of significant wear and tear on my shotgun from using this ammunition, but I do clean it thoroughly after each range session. The shells themselves haven’t shown any signs of degradation during storage. Compared to my previous experience with premium buckshot, the RedStar Ordnance performs adequately for practice, but I’m still hesitant to fully rely on it for critical situations.
The wider spread means more training to ensure accurate shot placement.
Breaking Down the Features of RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK
Specifications
The RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK features a standard 2 ¾ inch shell length. Each shell contains nine 00 buckshot pellets. The manufacturer, RedStar Ordnance, advertises a muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second. It’s designed for a variety of applications including hunting, personal protection, and personal defense.
- Gauge: 12
- Number of Rounds: 25
- Shot Size: 00 Buck
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 in
- Muzzle Velocity: 1200 ft/s
- Application: Hunting, Personal Protection, Personal Defense
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 oz
- Shot Material: Lead
- Shotgun Pellet Count: 9
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic
- Condition: New
These specifications are important because they directly influence the ammunition’s effectiveness for its intended purpose. The 2 ¾ inch shell is a standard size, compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns. The nine 00 buckshot pellets provide a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. The 1200 ft/s muzzle velocity is a key factor in determining the ammunition’s range and terminal ballistics.
Performance & Functionality
The RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK performs adequately but not exceptionally. Its reliability in cycling is commendable. Accuracy, however, is its main drawback, due to the wider spread pattern.
Its biggest strength is its consistent cycling and affordability. A significant weakness is the inconsistent pattern compared to higher-end buckshot. The ammunition meets basic expectations for practice and recreational shooting but falls short for applications where tight patterns are crucial.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the RedStar Ordnance shells is utilitarian and straightforward. The plastic hulls and crimps appear well-made, but not aesthetically pleasing. The shells are easy to load and handle, and the recoil is manageable for most shooters.
There isn’t a significant learning curve involved in using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells themselves appear durable, and I haven’t experienced any issues with them degrading during storage. My shotgun requires standard cleaning after use, and this ammunition doesn’t seem to cause any undue fouling or wear. With proper storage and maintenance of my firearm, the ammunition should last for years.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK itself. It is compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun. You can potentially enhance its performance by using a shotgun with a choke that’s designed to tighten buckshot patterns.
Pros and Cons of RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: RedStar Ordnance is significantly cheaper than premium buckshot options, making it ideal for practice and training.
- Reliable Cycling: The ammunition cycles reliably in my shotgun, without any failures to feed, fire, or eject.
- Readily Available: It’s relatively easy to find in stock at various retailers, which is a huge plus during times of shortages.
- Standard Specifications: The 2 ¾ inch shell length and 00 buckshot size are compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns.
- Manageable Recoil: The recoil is noticeable but not excessive, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Cons
- Wider Spread Pattern: The buckshot tends to spread more than premium brands, reducing accuracy at longer ranges.
- Not Ideal for Critical Situations: Due to the wider spread, it’s not the best choice for applications where tight patterns and precise shot placement are paramount.
Who Should Buy RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK?
The RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK is perfect for budget-conscious shooters, those who need a readily available practice round, or individuals who use shotguns primarily at close range. It’s also a solid option for those who are new to shotguns and want to get comfortable with recoil and handling. It’s a great option for recreational shooters.
This product is not ideal for experienced hunters who require tight patterns at longer distances, or individuals who demand the absolute best terminal performance for self-defense scenarios. If you prioritize maximum accuracy and stopping power over price, look elsewhere.
A must-have modification to consider is investing in a quality choke designed to tighten buckshot patterns, which can help mitigate the wider spread.
Conclusion on RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK
The RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK is a decent, budget-friendly option for practice and recreational shooting. Its reliable cycling and manageable recoil make it a serviceable choice for those on a budget.
The value proposition is justified, considering its low price point and readily availability. For practice and close-range applications, it’s a reasonable choice.
I would recommend this ammunition for budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable practice round. However, I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary self-defense load, due to the wider spread pattern. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable option for range training, give the RedStar Ordnance 12 Gauge 9 Pellet 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition RSOBUCK a try – but always prioritize safety and responsible gun ownership!