First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off presents itself as an environmentally conscious option for shotgun enthusiasts, particularly hunters and sport shooters. The biodegradable wad and steel shot construction immediately set it apart from traditional lead-based ammunition. Coming from RIO Ammunition, a brand known for its global presence and a decent reputation for quality, this offering piqued my interest as someone always seeking to minimize my environmental impact while pursuing my outdoor passions.
I’ve been an avid upland bird hunter and a recreational clay shooter for over a decade. My primary focus in recent years has been finding viable alternatives to lead shot, given the growing concerns about its toxicity and environmental persistence. The RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel promised to deliver both the performance I need in the field and a reduced ecological footprint, a combination that’s often elusive.
The 25-round box arrived well-packaged, with the vibrant blue hull and “ECO BlueSteel” branding clearly displayed. Upon opening, the shells appeared consistently manufactured, with a clean crimp and no visible imperfections. The plastic casing felt durable, suggesting reliable feeding and ejection.
Compared to similar steel shot offerings from Federal or Winchester, the RIO ammunition boasts the biodegradable wad, a feature that immediately swayed my decision-making process. I had been using Winchester Blind Side for waterfowl, which offers excellent performance, but it lacks the ecological consideration. The Federal Black Cloud also offers premium performance, but it too, lacks the commitment to biodegradability.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the prospect of using an environmentally friendly shotgun load that could deliver consistent performance. It remained to be seen how the RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel would perform in the field, particularly in terms of pattern density, range, and overall reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel primarily at a local sporting clays course and during a pheasant hunting trip in South Dakota. The clays course offered a controlled environment to evaluate pattern consistency and recoil, while the pheasant hunt provided a real-world test of its effectiveness on game. The weather conditions during both tests were varied, ranging from sunny and mild to cold and slightly damp.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Benelli Montefeltro and my Beretta A400 Xplor Action, two semi-automatic shotguns known for their reliability. The felt recoil was noticeably sharper compared to lead loads of similar weight and velocity, a common characteristic of steel shot. The 1315 FPS velocity delivered a punch, but it wasn’t unmanageable.
During the first round of clays, I noticed that the pattern seemed slightly more open than what I was accustomed to with lead #7.5 shot. This required me to adjust my lead on longer targets, but the breaks were clean and consistent once I found the sweet spot. There were no malfunctions or failures to fire.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 200 rounds fired, the RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel has proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve observed no signs of degradation or performance loss due to storage or handling. The plastic hulls have held up well, with no signs of cracking or deformation.
Maintenance has been minimal; standard cleaning of my shotguns after each use has been sufficient. The biodegradable wads appear to break down quickly after firing, leaving minimal residue in the barrels. Compared to my previous experiences with some other steel shot loads, which can sometimes leave stubborn plastic fouling, the RIO ammunition requires less aggressive cleaning.
The pheasant hunt was the ultimate test. The RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel performed admirably. The #7 steel shot provided sufficient knockdown power on pheasants at ranges of up to 35 yards. I experienced clean kills with well-placed shots, and I was impressed with the pattern density at typical upland hunting distances.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition
- Gauge: 12
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches
- Shot Size: 7
- Shot Weight: 1 oz
- Shot Material: Steel
- Muzzle Velocity: 1315 FPS
- Wad: Bio-degradable
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic
- Number of Rounds: 25
- Application: Hunting
- Lead Free: Yes
These specifications are important because they dictate the performance characteristics of the ammunition. The 1 oz. shot weight and 1315 FPS velocity provide a balance of power and speed suitable for various game birds. The steel shot ensures compliance with regulations in areas where lead shot is prohibited.
The bio-degradable wad is a critical feature for environmentally conscious shooters. It reduces the amount of plastic debris left in the field. This feature alone significantly elevates the RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel above many competitors.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel performs its intended job effectively, providing consistent patterns and sufficient knockdown power for upland game and sporting clays. Accuracy is excellent within typical shotgun ranges. The shells cycle reliably in semi-automatic shotguns, and the recoil is manageable.
One of its strengths is its consistency. Shot-to-shot variation in velocity and pattern density is minimal, contributing to predictable performance. A minor weakness is the slightly more open pattern compared to lead, which may require some adjustment in shooting technique.
The ammunition meets and largely exceeds my expectations for an environmentally friendly steel shot load. It delivers reliable performance in the field and at the range.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The blue plastic hulls are visually appealing and easy to identify. The ammunition feels well-made and consistent in weight and dimensions.
There’s no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It functions just like any other 12-gauge shotgun shell.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition is designed for single use and should last indefinitely when stored properly. The plastic hulls are robust and resistant to damage. Maintenance is limited to cleaning the shotgun after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
This ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories. It’s compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells. Choke selection is crucial for optimizing pattern density with steel shot, as steel doesn’t compress like lead.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off
Pros
- Environmentally Friendly: The biodegradable wad significantly reduces plastic pollution.
- Consistent Performance: Reliable patterns and knockdown power.
- Cycles Reliably: Functions flawlessly in semi-automatic shotguns.
- Lead-Free: Compliant with regulations in lead-restricted areas.
- Good Value: Competitively priced compared to other steel shot options.
Cons
- Slightly Stiffer Recoil: More noticeable recoil compared to lead shot.
- More Open Patterns: Patterns may be more open than lead, requiring adjustments.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off?
This ammunition is perfect for:
- Hunters who hunt in areas with lead shot restrictions or who are simply environmentally conscious.
- Sporting clays shooters seeking a lead-free alternative for practice and competition.
- Anyone who prioritizes responsible environmental stewardship in their outdoor activities.
Who should skip this product?
- Shooters who are highly sensitive to recoil and unwilling to adapt to the slightly different shooting characteristics of steel shot.
- Hunters targeting large waterfowl at extended ranges, where more specialized steel loads may be more effective.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A set of steel-shot compatible chokes to optimize pattern density for different ranges and target sizes.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition GLEBS287 30% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel 12 Gauge 2 3/4” 7 Shot Shotgun Ammunition is a commendable offering that successfully balances performance and environmental responsibility. It delivers consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and sufficient knockdown power for its intended applications.
The value proposition is strong, particularly with the current 30% discount. The price is justified by the ammunition’s performance, reliability, and eco-friendly features.
I would personally recommend it to any hunter or sport shooter looking for a viable lead-free alternative. It’s a solid choice that allows you to enjoy your passion while minimizing your impact on the environment. Consider RIO Ammunition Royal 28 ECO BlueSteel for your next shotgun purchase and experience the future of responsible shooting!