First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off
As an avid waterfowl hunter, finding reliable and effective steel shot is always a top priority. Regulations mandating lead-free ammunition in wetlands have forced many of us to adapt, and the search for a consistent, hard-hitting steel load is ongoing. Enter the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off, a name I’d heard whispered among fellow hunters as a potential budget-friendly alternative to the more established brands.
My quest began with a desire to find a steel load that patterned well in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II and possessed enough knockdown power to reliably take down geese at reasonable distances. I was tired of inconsistent patterns and crippling birds. I needed something that inspired confidence.
Unboxing the RIO Royal BlueSteel Magnum was straightforward. The packaging was standard, but the shells themselves looked clean and well-made. The vibrant blue hull was a nice touch, making them easily identifiable in my shell bag. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. They looked the part.
I considered other options like Kent Fasteel and Winchester Blind Side. I chose the RIO offering primarily because of its attractive price point, especially with the advertised discount. The user feedback stating, “Shoots better for less cost,” sealed the deal.
My first impression was one of hopeful anticipation. Could this be the affordable, reliable steel shot I’d been searching for? Time would tell, but I was eager to get these shells to the range and, more importantly, into the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum was a goose hunt on a frigid December morning in the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The wind was howling, and the temperature hovered around freezing, creating challenging conditions. I was using my Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my semi-auto. I noticed a slightly sharper recoil than some other steel loads I’ve used. The report was loud and crisp. On the first volley, a flock of Canada geese locked into our spread. I dropped two with two shots at about 35 yards.
I was genuinely surprised by the clean kills. No cripples. The birds folded instantly. This gave me a lot of confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of the waterfowl season, I put roughly 100 rounds of the RIO Royal BlueSteel Magnum through my shotgun. The shells continued to perform reliably, with no malfunctions or misfires. Durability-wise, the plastic hulls held up well, showing no signs of cracking or deformation even after being exposed to wet conditions. Cleaning my shotgun after using these shells was no different than with any other steel load.
Compared to my previous experiences with bargain-brand steel shot, the RIO ammunition was a clear step up in terms of consistency and effectiveness. While it didn’t quite match the performance of premium loads like Kent Fasteel, it certainly exceeded my expectations for its price point. It gave me consistent patterns and knockdown power.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum is a 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with 1 3/8 ounces of #3 steel shot. The shell length is 3 inches, and it’s designed for use in shotguns chambered for 3-inch or longer shells. Its claimed muzzle velocity is 1300 feet per second.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance on waterfowl. The #3 shot size is a good all-around choice for ducks and geese, providing a balance of pellet count and energy. The 1 3/8 oz payload delivers a substantial amount of shot to the target. The 1300 fps velocity should provide adequate energy at reasonable hunting distances.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum performs admirably for its price range. Accuracy is acceptable, delivering consistent patterns with various choke constrictions. I found that a modified choke provided the best balance of pattern density and range in my Benelli. Its reliability is good, as I experienced no malfunctions during testing.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its affordability and consistent performance. Its weakness is that it is not a premium shell, therefore it doesn’t perform as well as high-end options. I found it to meet my expectations for an affordable steel load, but it didn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The RIO Royal BlueSteel Magnum features a standard plastic hull and a reliable primer. The vibrant blue color of the hull is aesthetically pleasing and makes it easy to distinguish from other loads in your shell bag. The weight is typical for a 3-inch steel load.
The design is functional and practical. There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that shotgun shells are single-use items, durability isn’t a primary concern in the same way it would be for a firearm or optic. The plastic hulls of the RIO Royal BlueSteel Magnum are reasonably robust and held up well in my testing. They’re designed to be discarded after firing. Maintenance primarily involves keeping the ammunition dry and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation of the powder and primer.
Accessories and Customization Options
Shotgun ammunition isn’t typically customized in the same way as rifles or pistols. However, choke selection is crucial for optimizing the performance of any shotgun load. I experimented with various chokes and found that a modified choke delivered the best results with the RIO Royal BlueSteel Magnum in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II.
The RIO ammunition is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 3-inch shells and steel shot.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off
Pros
- Affordable: It offers a significant cost savings compared to premium steel loads.
- Reliable: It cycles consistently in semi-automatic shotguns.
- Effective: It provides adequate knockdown power on ducks and geese at reasonable distances.
- Consistent patterns: It delivers predictable shot patterns with appropriate choke selection.
- Readily Available: RIO ammunition is relatively easy to find at major retailers.
Cons
- Recoil: It generates a slightly sharper recoil than some other steel loads.
- Performance: It doesn’t quite match the performance of premium steel shot in terms of pattern density and range.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum is perfect for waterfowl hunters on a budget who need a reliable and effective steel shot load. It’s also a good choice for high-volume shooters who participate in shooting clays. It is a great option for hunters looking for a cost-effective alternative to premium steel loads.
Hunters who demand the absolute best performance and are willing to pay a premium should consider higher-end options like Kent Fasteel or Hevi-Metal. Those sensitive to recoil might find this load a bit uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke specifically designed for steel shot.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off
The RIO Ammunition Royal BlueSteel Magnum 12 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition RBSM403 39% Off offers a compelling value proposition for waterfowl hunters seeking an affordable and reliable steel shot option. While it may not outperform premium loads in every aspect, it delivers consistent performance and adequate knockdown power at a significantly lower price. The price is justified by its reliability and effectiveness in the field.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to hunters looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance. Give the RIO Royal BlueSteel Magnum a try and see for yourself how it performs in your shotgun. Happy hunting!