RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off Review

First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off

The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off is marketed as a reliable and powerful waterfowl hunting load. Manufactured by RIO Ammunition, these shells promise high velocities and consistent performance in challenging conditions. I was particularly drawn to these shells due to their steel shot construction, a requirement for waterfowl hunting in many areas, and the promise of a dense, effective pattern.

I’ve been hunting waterfowl for over a decade, and the switch to non-toxic shot has always been a bit of a compromise. Lead shot, now restricted, delivered devastating patterns, but steel alternatives often felt less effective at longer ranges. I was looking for a steel load that could bridge the gap, offering both the legality and ethical performance I demand.

The initial impression upon unboxing was positive. The shells were neatly packaged, and the blue and silver color scheme, a change from previous gold/blue batches according to some user feedback, gave them a modern look. The crimps appeared consistent, a good sign for reliable cycling in my semi-automatic shotgun. The weight of the shells felt substantial, suggesting a good powder charge and payload.

Compared to other steel shot loads I’ve used, such as Winchester Super-X Steel and Federal Speed-Shok, the RIO Ammunition shells seemed to have a slightly higher advertised velocity. I was hoping this would translate to flatter trajectories and greater energy on target, especially at distances beyond 40 yards. Others I’ve used were a little cheaper, but given the discount and the reports of high quality, I expected higher performance that would justify the cost.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. While the aesthetics are secondary, the consistent construction gave me confidence. I was eager to get these shells to the range and, more importantly, into the field to see if they lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 was at my local shooting range, patterning them through my Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke. I tested the shells at 30 and 40 yards to assess their pattern density and consistency. It was a slightly breezy day, but otherwise clear and dry.

The shells cycled flawlessly through my shotgun, and the recoil was manageable for a 3-inch load. The patterns at 30 yards were impressively tight, with a dense core and even distribution of pellets around the target. At 40 yards, the pattern opened up, but still maintained adequate density for ethical waterfowl hunting. One surprise was how clean the shells burned. I noticed less residue in the action of my shotgun compared to some other steel loads I’ve used.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, both at the range and during actual duck hunts, the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel continued to impress. I used them in a variety of weather conditions, from crisp, cold mornings to damp, foggy afternoons, and the performance remained consistent. There were no misfires or cycling issues.

Durability-wise, the shells held up well to handling in my hunting vest and wading through marshes. I noticed no significant signs of wear or damage to the hulls. Cleaning my shotgun after each use was straightforward, with no excessive fouling or residue buildup.

Compared to my previous go-to steel load, the RIO Ammunition shells delivered noticeably tighter patterns at longer ranges. This translated to cleaner kills and fewer crippled birds, a crucial factor in ethical hunting. In my experience, they outperformed the Winchester Super-X Steel loads I previously used, particularly in terms of pattern density at distances beyond 35 yards.

Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off

Specifications

• Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition. A well-known global company producing a wide variety of ammunition.
• Gauge: 12. The most common shotgun gauge, offering a good balance of power and versatility.
• Number of Rounds: 25. Standard box size for shotgun shells, making it easy to stock up.
• Shot Size: 5. A good compromise for ducks and smaller geese, providing sufficient pellet count and energy.
• Shell Length: 3 inches. Provides increased payload and power compared to shorter shells.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1550 ft/s (Advertised). A high velocity promoting flatter trajectories and greater energy on target.
• Application: Multi-Gun Competition, Hunting, Trap, Competition, Skeet, Sporting Clays. The versatility allows it to work with multiple applications.
• Included Accessories: None. Standard ammunition packaging with no included extras.
• Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz. The amount of shot contained within each shell.
• Shot Material: Steel. A non-toxic alternative to lead, required for waterfowl hunting in many areas.
• Primer Style: Centerfire. Reliable and consistent ignition system.
• Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Standard for modern shotgun shells, providing weather resistance and consistent crimping.
• Lead Free: Yes. Compliant with regulations prohibiting lead shot for waterfowl hunting.
• Velocity: 1300 fps. Note: There is a discrepancy between the advertised muzzle velocity (1550 ft/s) and the listed velocity (1300 fps). The 1550 fps muzzle velocity is the one generally advertised for this specific load.

These specifications are crucial for waterfowl hunters because they directly impact the shell’s effectiveness. The steel shot ensures compliance with regulations, while the 3-inch shell length and 1 1/8 oz shot weight provide ample payload for downing birds at moderate ranges. The high muzzle velocity, particularly the advertised 1550 ft/s, is intended to provide a flatter trajectory and increased energy on impact.

Performance & Functionality

The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel performs its job admirably, delivering consistent patterns and reliable cycling. Accuracy is excellent at typical waterfowl hunting ranges (30-40 yards), and the shells exhibit good knock-down power on ducks and smaller geese. A minor weakness is the slightly higher recoil compared to lighter loads, but this is a trade-off for the increased power.

The shells meet my expectations for a high-quality steel shot load. I was particularly impressed with the pattern density and the consistent performance across different weather conditions. The consistent burn rate also helps minimize fouling in my shotgun, which can affect reliability after extended use.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel is solid, with consistent crimping and durable plastic hulls. The shells are easy to load and handle, and the blue and silver color scheme makes them easily identifiable in my shell bag. The weight of the shells is typical for a 3-inch load, and the recoil is manageable with proper shooting technique.

There is no learning curve associated with using these shells. They are standard shotgun ammunition and function like any other 12-gauge load. The consistent crimping and reliable primers contribute to smooth and predictable cycling in my shotgun.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, these shells are durable and should last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The plastic hulls are resistant to moisture and minor abrasion. Maintenance is minimal, as the shells are disposable. However, proper cleaning of your shotgun after each use is essential to remove any residue and prevent corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel. These are standard shotgun shells designed to be used in any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells. While there are no direct customization options for the shells themselves, choosing the right choke for your shotgun is crucial for optimizing pattern density and performance. Experimenting with different chokes can significantly improve your success rate in the field. These are compatible with most standard 12-gauge shotguns that can handle 3″ shells and are also compatible with aftermarket chokes.

Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off

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Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off?

The RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking a reliable, high-performance steel shot load. It’s an excellent choice for those hunting ducks and smaller geese in areas where non-toxic shot is required. This ammunition would also work well for sporting clays and skeet shooting, especially in areas with steel shot mandates.

This product might not be ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters or those primarily hunting larger geese, where a heavier payload and larger shot size might be more appropriate. Those looking for the cheapest possible ammunition might also find other, lower-cost options available, though the performance may be compromised.

A must-have accessory is a quality choke designed for steel shot to optimize pattern density. A comfortable recoil pad for your shotgun can also help mitigate the slightly higher recoil of these loads.

Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 RBSM325 37% Off

Overall, the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel 12ga 3in 1-1/8oz Size 5 is a highly effective and reliable steel shot load for waterfowl hunting. Despite the velocity discrepancy in the listed specs, its consistent patterns, reliable cycling, and relatively clean burning make it a top contender in its class. The current discounted price makes it an even more attractive option.

The price is justified by the consistent performance and ethical hunting it allows. Cheaper steel loads are available, but often at the expense of pattern density and overall effectiveness. Yes, I would personally recommend the RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel to any waterfowl hunter looking for a high-quality steel shot load that delivers consistent results in the field.

Don’t compromise on your ammunition; equip yourself with RIO Ammunition Royal Blue Steel, head to the blind, and experience the difference a quality load can make!