First Impressions of **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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For years, I’ve relied on various 20-gauge loads for upland bird hunting, specifically pheasant. Finding the perfect balance of power, pattern density, and recoil in a 20-gauge load can be challenging, but the promise of high velocity and copper-plated shot from RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
RPC20MGN5 40% Off immediately piqued my interest. I was excited to see if this ammunition could deliver on its claim of superior performance for fast-moving birds and at the current sale price, it was an excellent opportunity to test it.
My pursuit of this particular ammunition stemmed from a growing frustration with inconsistent patterns and insufficient knockdown power when using standard lead loads on late-season roosters. Those birds are wily and heavily feathered, requiring ammunition that can reach out and deliver a decisive blow. I was looking for a load that could reliably produce tight patterns at longer ranges, increasing my chances of clean kills and reducing crippling shots.
Upon receiving the shells, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the construction. The blue plastic hulls looked clean and uniformly crimped, which speaks volumes about the quality control during the manufacturing process. Compared to other budget-friendly 20-gauge loads I’ve used in the past, these shells felt significantly more robust and well-made.
I’ve used Winchester AA and Federal Premium Upland loads extensively, but these often come at a premium price. The RIO Ammunition shells offered a compelling alternative, promising similar performance at a more accessible price point, especially with the 40% discount. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of finding a high-performing, cost-effective 20-gauge load that could consistently deliver in the field, and the discounted price made it an easy choice. I was cautiously optimistic, but eager to put them to the test and see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first experience with the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN was on a crisp, late-autumn pheasant hunt in South Dakota. The weather was cold and dry, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for testing ammunition performance. I used them in my Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge, a lightweight and reliable semi-automatic shotgun known for its smooth cycling.
The first few shots were impressive; the recoil was manageable, and the report was consistent. The shells cycled flawlessly through my Benelli, which is crucial for maintaining a quick follow-up shot on flushing birds. I immediately noticed that the patterns seemed denser and more uniform at around 30 yards than the standard lead loads I typically used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continued use, the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN maintained its impressive performance. I experienced no malfunctions or failures to eject, a testament to the reliability of the shells. The hulls showed minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated handling and cycling.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard lead loads, the RIO Ammunition offered a noticeable improvement in knockdown power, particularly on birds flushed at longer distances. I consistently achieved cleaner kills, which reduced the number of birds lost or crippled. The RIO Ammunition shells have definitely exceeded my expectations for a mid-priced hunting load.
Breaking Down the Features of **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition features a 20-gauge, 3-inch shell loaded with 1 1/4 oz of copper-plated lead #5 shot. These shotshells boast a muzzle velocity of 1250 feet per second, designed for optimal performance on fast-moving birds. The shells are packaged in boxes of 25, constructed with plastic hulls and centerfire primers, and are not lead-free.
The 3-inch shell length allows for a heavier payload of shot, increasing the chances of hitting the target at longer ranges. The copper plating on the lead shot enhances its hardness, leading to tighter patterns and deeper penetration. The 1250 ft/s muzzle velocity provides the necessary energy to effectively take down pheasants and other upland birds quickly and humanely.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN performs exceptionally well in the field, consistently delivering tight and even patterns. This ammunition provides sufficient energy to penetrate feathers and vital organs, ensuring clean kills. The primary weakness may be the increased felt recoil compared to lighter loads, which could fatigue shooters during extended hunts.
The ammunition meets, and often exceeds, expectations for a hunting load in its price range. Its reliability, consistent patterns, and ample knockdown power make it a solid choice for pheasant hunting. The 1 1/4 oz shot weight contributes significantly to its effectiveness at longer ranges, minimizing the risk of crippling birds.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward and functional, with a focus on reliability. The plastic hulls are well-crimped and durable, contributing to smooth feeding and ejection. The overall build quality is excellent, offering confidence in its performance under demanding hunting conditions.
These shells are easy to load and handle. There is no learning curve associated with their use. The consistent quality of the shells ensures that each shot performs as expected, giving shooters confidence in their equipment.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells are designed for single use and cannot be reloaded. The components used are high-quality and will likely last indefinitely if stored correctly. No specific maintenance is required for the ammunition itself.
Proper storage in a cool, dry place is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the shells. The high-quality components ensure the ammunition remains reliable for years, provided it’s stored correctly.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come standard with the ammunition, as it is a self-contained unit. However, its performance can be optimized by pairing it with the correct choke tube for your shotgun, which can tighten or loosen the shot pattern. The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN is compatible with any shotgun chambered for 20-gauge 3-inch shells and accepts standard choke tubes.
The effectiveness of the ammunition can be tailored to specific hunting situations by adjusting the choke tube. Using a tighter choke can extend the effective range of the ammunition, while a more open choke is better suited for closer-range shots.
Pros and Cons of **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Excellent Knockdown Power: The 1 1/4 oz payload of copper-plated #5 shot delivers significant energy on target.
- Consistent Patterns: The copper plating helps maintain shot integrity, resulting in tight and uniform patterns.
- Reliable Cycling: The well-crimped hulls ensure smooth feeding and ejection in semi-automatic shotguns.
- Affordable Price (Especially with Discount): Offers a high-performance option at a reasonable price point.
- High Velocity: The 1250 fps muzzle velocity provides a flat trajectory and extended range.
Cons
- Increased Recoil: The heavier payload and high velocity result in noticeable recoil, which may be tiring for some shooters.
- Lead Ammunition: Not suitable for areas with lead restrictions.
Who Should Buy **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN is perfect for avid pheasant hunters looking for a reliable, high-performance 20-gauge load. It is also well-suited for hunters targeting other upland birds, such as grouse and quail, especially in situations where longer shots are common. Any hunter seeking enhanced knockdown power and consistent patterns will benefit from this ammunition.
Hunters who are sensitive to recoil or who are required to use non-lead ammunition should skip this product. Those hunting in areas with strict lead restrictions will need to seek alternatives such as steel or bismuth loads.
A good quality choke tube set that will allow you to customize your patterns for different hunting situations would be a must-have accessory to maximize the ammunition’s potential. A recoil pad for your shotgun could also prove beneficial for extended hunts, mitigating the effects of the heavier recoil.
Conclusion on **RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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The RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN 20 Gauge 3” 5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition is an outstanding choice for pheasant hunters seeking a reliable and high-performing load. It provides exceptional knockdown power, consistent patterns, and reliable cycling, all at a reasonable price, especially with the 40% discount. The increased recoil may be a factor for some, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
The value proposition is excellent, making this ammunition a compelling option for hunters who demand consistent performance without breaking the bank. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable 20-gauge load for upland bird hunting. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the RIO Ammunition Royal Pheasant Copper 36 MGN and elevate your next hunt!