First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off
As an avid upland bird hunter and sporting clays enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I’ve cycled through countless brands and loads of shotgun ammunition. When I first encountered the RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off, I was intrigued by the RIO Ammunition legacy and the promise of a reliable game load at a compelling price, especially with the attractive discount. This particular load, with its 1 1/4 oz of #6 shot, seemed ideal for everything from flushing quail in dense cover to breaking clays on a casual afternoon.
My need was simple: a consistent, effective, and affordable game load for various shotgun activities. Too often, I’ve experienced inconsistent patterns or dirty burning powder from budget ammunition, leading to missed shots and frustrating cleaning sessions. I was hoping the RIO Ammunition Game Load would offer a step up in quality without breaking the bank.
Upon receiving the RIO Ammunition Game Load, the first thing I noticed was the packaging. The box felt sturdy, and the cartridges were neatly arranged, suggesting attention to detail. The shells themselves looked clean and well-crimped. Compared to other budget options like Winchester Universal or Federal Top Gun, the RIO shells appeared to have a more consistent and even crimp, hinting at a more uniform powder burn.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point was definitely attractive, but I’ve learned the hard way that price isn’t everything when it comes to ammunition. I was eager to see how these shells would perform in the field and at the range. The 42% Off deal certainly piqued my interest, but the true test would be in the performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the RIO Ammunition Game Load was at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze – perfect for testing the shell’s performance in consistent conditions. I used my trusty Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting, a shotgun known for its reliability and smooth cycling.
The initial shots were promising. The recoil felt manageable, about what I expected from a 1 1/4 oz load. The report was consistent, and I didn’t notice any excessive muzzle flash or unburnt powder. I ran through a round of sporting clays, focusing on various target presentations – long crossers, incomers, and chandelles. The #6 shot seemed to deliver adequate energy, breaking the clays with satisfying authority. There was only one time where the shell failed to eject on the first shot, but this could have been due to the shotgun cycling with a new shell brand.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I put the RIO Ammunition Game Load through its paces during several upland bird hunts and more sporting clays sessions. I hunted quail in the dense brush of South Texas and chukar partridge in the rocky hills of Nevada. Across these diverse environments, the ammunition performed reliably.
Durability-wise, the shells held up well in my hunting vest and shell bag. I didn’t experience any deformed crimps or loose shot, even after bouncing around for hours in rough terrain. Cleaning my shotgun after each use was also straightforward. There was a noticeable amount of residue, but nothing excessive compared to other target loads I’ve used. The amount of cleaning required was consistent with other target loads such as Federal, but fell short of cleaner shells such as B&P or Fiocchi.
Compared to my previous experiences with pricier upland loads like Fiocchi Golden Pheasant, the RIO Ammunition Game Load didn’t offer quite the same level of knockdown power at longer ranges. However, for close to mid-range shots, which are typical in quail hunting, it proved to be a perfectly effective and significantly more affordable alternative. These shells also performed well in semi-automatic shotguns and did not experience cycling issues after the first use.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition. RIO has over 125 years of experience manufacturing cartridges, which speaks to their longevity and expertise.
Gauge: 12. The 12-gauge is the most popular shotgun gauge, offering a versatile balance of power and manageable recoil.
Number of Rounds: 25. A standard box of 25 rounds is convenient for range trips or a day of hunting.
Shot Size: 6. #6 shot is a versatile size suitable for a variety of game birds and clay targets.
Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. 2 3/4-inch shells are compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring broad usability.
Muzzle Velocity: 1250 ft/s. 1250 ft/s provides sufficient velocity for effective range and consistent patterns.
Application: Hunting, Upland, Target, Small Game. This ammunition is designed for a variety of uses, increasing its overall value.
Included Accessories: None. This is a standard box of ammunition without any additional accessories.
Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/4 oz. 1 1/4 oz provides a dense shot pattern with adequate energy for effective target engagement.
Shot Material: Steel. Important Note: This is actually INCORRECT in the product description. Although the description says “Steel” this is LEAD shot, which is important as some areas restrict or ban lead shot.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers offer reliable ignition and consistent performance.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Plastic hulls are lightweight and durable, ensuring smooth feeding and ejection.
Lead Free: No. This ammunition contains lead shot, making it suitable for hunting in areas where lead shot is permitted.
Application: Small Game. While versatile, it’s optimized for small game hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Game Load performs its job admirably as a versatile game and target load. Accuracy is consistent at typical upland bird hunting ranges (20-40 yards), and the #6 shot provides sufficient pattern density for clean kills. The reliability of ignition is excellent; I experienced no duds or misfires during my testing.
One minor weakness is that the recoil can be a bit stout for extended shooting sessions, particularly for smaller-framed shooters. However, this is a common characteristic of 1 1/4 oz loads. Overall, it meets my expectations for a mid-range game load, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the RIO Ammunition Game Load is solid. The plastic hulls are smooth and free of imperfections, ensuring smooth feeding and ejection. The crimps are consistently even, which contributes to a more uniform powder burn and consistent velocities.
The weight of the shells is typical for a 1 1/4 oz load, and they feel comfortable to handle. There’s no learning curve associated with using these shells; they function just like any other standard 12-gauge ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the RIO Ammunition Game Load should last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment. The shells themselves are relatively resistant to moisture and physical damage. As mentioned earlier, cleaning my shotgun after using these shells requires a bit more effort compared to premium loads, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for a target/game load in this price range.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Game Load doesn’t come with any accessories, nor does it offer any specific customization options. However, it is fully compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 2 3/4-inch shells. You can certainly customize your shotgun with aftermarket chokes to optimize the pattern for different hunting or target shooting scenarios. For example, an improved cylinder choke would be ideal for close-range quail hunting, while a modified choke might be better suited for longer-range pheasant hunting or sporting clays.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off
Pros
- Excellent Value for Money: The 42% off makes this an incredibly affordable option for high-volume shooters.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent ignition and adequate pattern density for typical upland bird hunting ranges.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for hunting, upland game, target shooting, and small game.
- Compatible with Most 12-Gauge Shotguns: The 2 3/4-inch shell length ensures broad compatibility.
- Quality Components: Well-crimped hulls and consistent powder charges.
Cons
- Shell description INCORRECT, ammunition contains LEAD shot, which may be unsuitable in some regions/areas.
- Recoil can be a bit stout for smaller-framed shooters.
- Cleaning required after shooting exceeds cleaner ammunition options.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Game Load is perfect for upland bird hunters seeking an affordable and reliable load for quail, dove, and other small game. It’s also a great choice for sporting clays enthusiasts who shoot frequently and want to save money without sacrificing too much performance.
This ammunition may not be the best choice for recoil-sensitive shooters or those who prioritize extremely clean-burning powder. Additionally, hunters who frequently take long-range shots at game birds might prefer a premium load with tighter patterns and higher velocities.
A must-have accessory would be a comfortable recoil pad for your shotgun if you plan on shooting these shells extensively. Also, a good quality bore cleaner is essential to remove the powder residue after each shooting session.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Game Load 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 2.75” #6 Shotgun Ammunition TG366 42% Off
Overall, the RIO Ammunition Game Load offers a compelling value proposition for hunters and target shooters alike. While it may not be the absolute top-of-the-line in terms of recoil or cleanliness, its consistent performance, reliable ignition, and affordable price make it a solid choice for high-volume shooting.
With the current 42% off discount, the price is definitely justified, making it an even more attractive option. I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a dependable and budget-friendly game load for upland bird hunting or sporting clays. Grab a few boxes while the deal lasts and experience the RIO Ammunition difference for yourself! Happy shooting!