First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off promises high velocity and reliable performance for waterfowl hunting, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. I’ve spent years slogging through marshes and fields, chasing ducks and geese, and the right ammunition can make or break a hunt. The fact that RIO Ammunition designed these specifically for non-toxic waterfowl hunting, with impressive muzzle velocities, signaled a commitment to both performance and environmental responsibility.
I was looking for a steel shot load that could consistently deliver tight patterns at longer ranges. Many cheaper steel loads I’ve used in the past often result in unpredictable patterns and crippled birds. The promise of a consistent 1550 fps from these shells suggested the potential for cleaner, more ethical harvests.
Opening the box, the first thing I noticed was the vibrant blue hull – a distinctive touch that makes them easily identifiable in the field. The shells felt well-constructed, with a clean crimp and consistent dimensions. Compared to budget steel loads, these immediately felt like a step up in quality.
I’ve used Federal Black Cloud and Winchester Blind Side in the past. I decided to try the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel because of the attractive price point, especially with the discount. I was hoping to find a more affordable option that didn’t sacrifice performance. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see if they lived up to the hype out in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel during a late-season goose hunt in a flooded cornfield. The conditions were harsh: a biting wind, temperatures hovering around freezing, and a persistent drizzle turning to sleet. I wanted to see how these shells performed in adverse conditions.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, with no failures to feed or eject. The recoil was noticeable, as expected with a 3-inch magnum load, but manageable.
The first volley at a flock of honkers yielded impressive results. Three birds folded cleanly, dropping stone dead. After first use, I was pleased with the clean kills and the consistent performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using several boxes of the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel over the course of the hunting season, I’m happy to report they held up remarkably well. There were no noticeable changes in performance, even after being exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The consistent primer ignition was particularly noteworthy.
The hulls showed minimal signs of wear and tear, even after multiple uses in semiautomatic shotguns. Cleaning my shotgun after each hunt was straightforward, with no excessive fouling or residue.
Compared to some of the cheaper steel loads I’ve used, the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel clearly outperformed them in terms of consistency and clean kills. I felt more confident taking longer shots, knowing that the pattern would hold together. This ammunition consistently outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off boasts the following specifications:
- Gauge: 12
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz
- Shot Size: 2
- Muzzle Velocity: 1550 fps
- Shot Material: Steel
These specifications are crucial for waterfowl hunting. The 3-inch shell provides increased payload for longer-range shots. The size 2 steel shot offers a good balance of pattern density and penetration for geese and larger ducks.
The 1550 fps muzzle velocity translates to flatter trajectories and increased downrange energy. This gives the hunter more forgiveness in estimating range and leads to more ethical kills. The use of steel shot is mandatory in many areas for waterfowl hunting, making this a practical and legal choice.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel performs admirably in its intended role. The patterns were consistently tight and even, providing ample coverage at typical waterfowl hunting distances. The high velocity ensured adequate penetration, even through feathers and thick down.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its reliability and consistency. The only area for potential improvement is the recoil. While manageable, it can become fatiguing during high-volume shooting. Overall, the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel meets and exceeds expectations for a mid-range steel load.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel is designed for functionality, with no unnecessary frills. The blue hull makes it easy to distinguish from other loads in your bag. The shells load smoothly and eject cleanly, contributing to a positive shooting experience.
The build quality is excellent, with a consistent crimp and a smooth, durable hull. The weight is typical for a 3-inch magnum load. There’s no real learning curve to using this ammunition; it performs as expected straight out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel should last for years. The shells are resistant to moisture and temperature changes, which is important for hunters who spend time in harsh environments.
Maintenance is non-existent, as these are disposable shells. Cleaning your shotgun after using these shells is no different than with any other ammunition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel itself doesn’t require any accessories. However, pairing it with the appropriate choke tube is essential for optimizing performance. I recommend using a modified or improved modified choke for most waterfowl hunting situations.
This ammunition is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells. There are no specific customization options for the ammunition itself.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off
Pros
- Consistently tight patterns.
- High muzzle velocity for increased downrange energy.
- Reliable primer ignition in all weather conditions.
- Affordable price point, especially with the discount.
- Clean-burning powder reduces fouling.
Cons
- Recoil can be significant, especially in lighter shotguns.
- Limited shot size options.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking a reliable and affordable steel load. It’s particularly well-suited for those who hunt geese and larger ducks at moderate to longer ranges. It is also good for multi-gun competitors, trap, skeet, and sporting clays.
This ammunition might not be ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters or those who primarily hunt smaller ducks at close ranges. Those hunters might prefer a lighter load with smaller shot sizes.
A quality choke tube is a must-have accessory to maximize the performance of this ammunition.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel 12 ga 3in MAX 1 1/8 oz Size 2 1550 fps RBSM322 36% Off offers exceptional value for the price. It delivers consistent performance, reliable ignition, and tight patterns, making it a solid choice for waterfowl hunting.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the performance and reliability it offers compared to other budget steel loads. I would personally recommend this ammunition to any waterfowl hunter looking for a dependable and affordable option. Don’t hesitate to give the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel a shot – you might just find your new go-to load for the duck blind or goose field.