First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off
Steel shot has become the unavoidable reality for any serious waterfowl hunter. Regulations have pushed lead shot out of the picture, forcing us to adapt to a new era of non-toxic ammunition. The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off promises a reliable and potent load for taking down ducks and geese. The RIO Ammunition brand isn’t as universally recognized as some of the bigger names, but I’m always eager to see how different manufacturers approach the challenges of steel shot.
I was looking for a waterfowl load that offered a good balance of pattern density, range, and affordability. I’ve previously used some of the premium, high-velocity steel loads on the market, but the price point can be prohibitive for frequent hunts. When considering options like Federal Speed-Shok or Winchester Xpert Steel, the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel stood out due to its competitive price and promising velocity. My initial impressions were cautiously optimistic; I was hoping for performance that punched above its price tag.
The packaging was standard, nothing particularly flashy. Upon closer inspection, the shells themselves looked clean and well-crimped. The weight felt right, and the blue hull gave it a distinctive look. Compared to the slightly rougher appearance of some budget steel loads, these looked like they were manufactured with care. The promise of 1550 ft/s muzzle velocity intrigued me, as that’s a significant factor in achieving clean kills at longer ranges.
I was definitely excited to test these out. There’s always a bit of anticipation when trying a new load, especially when waterfowl hunting where ethical, clean kills are paramount. I hoped they would provide the knock-down power I needed without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel out on a flooded timber duck hunt in Arkansas. The conditions were fairly typical for late-season duck hunting: cold, damp, and with a persistent drizzle. I was using a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke. The shots were generally close to medium range, averaging around 30-40 yards.
The shells cycled reliably through my semi-auto without any hiccups. I experienced consistent patterns on the patterning board, with a good spread of shot within a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. More importantly, the ducks that came into range dropped cleanly. There were no cripples, which is always the primary concern when using steel shot.
The recoil was noticeable, as expected with a 3-inch steel load, but manageable. After a couple of boxes, I didn’t notice any unusual residue or fouling in the action of my shotgun. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using several boxes of the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel over the course of the entire waterfowl season, I can confidently say it’s a reliable performer. I have experienced no malfunctions or failures to eject. The shells have consistently delivered tight patterns and sufficient knock-down power. I’ve used them in temperatures ranging from below freezing to relatively mild (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) without any changes in performance.
The hulls show no signs of excessive swelling or deformation after firing. Cleaning my shotgun after each hunt has been straightforward, with no unusual buildup of residue. Compared to some cheaper steel loads I’ve used in the past, the RIO Ammunition shells seem to burn cleaner.
I’ve found the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel to outperform some of the budget steel loads in terms of pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. While it may not quite match the performance of the ultra-premium loads, it offers a very compelling price-to-performance ratio.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition.
Gauge: 12.
Shell Length: 3 inches.
Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz.
Shot Size: 4.
Shot Material: Steel.
Muzzle Velocity: 1550 ft/s.
Number of Rounds: 25.
Primer Style: Centerfire.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic.
Lead Free: Yes.
Application: Multi-Gun Competition, Competition, Hunting, Sporting Clays, Trap, Skeet.
The 3-inch shell length provides a greater payload of shot for increased pattern density and downrange energy. The 1 1/8 oz shot weight offers a good balance between recoil and stopping power. Size 4 steel shot is a versatile choice for ducks and geese, providing enough penetration for larger birds while maintaining a decent pellet count for pattern density on smaller ducks. A high muzzle velocity like 1550 ft/s is crucial for steel shot because steel is lighter than lead. The higher velocity ensures that the shot retains its energy downrange.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel performs admirably. It consistently delivers tight, even patterns and possesses sufficient knock-down power for ethical waterfowl hunting. The ammunition cycles reliably through semi-automatic shotguns.
The strengths lie in its consistent performance and affordable price. The main weakness is perhaps the increased recoil associated with a 3-inch, high-velocity steel load; however, this is common to all similar loads. It meets my expectations, providing reliable and effective performance at a price point that doesn’t break the bank.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel features a standard shotshell design. The blue plastic hull is easily identifiable. The shells feel well-constructed and consistent in weight.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special knowledge or adjustments for use. There is no learning curve associated with using these shells.
Durability & Maintenance
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel is designed for single-use. The shells themselves are durable enough to withstand typical hunting conditions without deformation or damage. Cleaning your shotgun after use is standard practice and will ensure the longevity of your firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the ammunition itself. The performance of the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel can be optimized by using different chokes to achieve desired pattern densities at various ranges. Compatibility with various choke tubes depends on your shotgun model.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off
Pros
- Reliable cycling in semi-automatic shotguns.
- Consistent patterns at medium ranges.
- High muzzle velocity for increased downrange energy.
- Affordable price point compared to premium steel loads.
- Effective knock-down power on ducks and geese.
Cons
- Noticeable recoil due to being a 3-inch load.
- Patterning might require choke adjustments for optimal performance at different ranges.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking a reliable and effective steel load at a reasonable price. It is also well-suited for sporting clays shooters looking for a lead-free alternative for practice or competition. Anyone engaging in multi-gun competitions where steel shot is required would also benefit from this product.
Hunters primarily targeting very large geese at extreme ranges might want to consider more premium, specialized steel loads. Those who are particularly sensitive to recoil may prefer 2 3/4-inch loads or lower velocity options. A must-have accessory is a good choke tube set to fine-tune your patterns at different ranges.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 4 RBSM324 37% Off delivers on its promise of reliable performance and affordability. It consistently cycles, patterns well, and provides sufficient knock-down power for ethical waterfowl hunting. The price is justified, making it a great value for hunters who shoot frequently.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a cost-effective and dependable steel load. Don’t let the relatively unknown brand name deter you; this ammunition punches well above its weight. So, gear up, get out there, and put some birds on the table!