First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off
The RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off promises a high-quality, competition-grade target load at a price point that’s hard to ignore, especially with the current discount. From RIO Ammunition, a manufacturer with a solid reputation, this particular load boasts a muzzle velocity of 1360 fps, a 7/8 oz shot weight, and size 7.5 shot, all tailored for the needs of competitive shooters and dedicated target practice.
I was on the hunt for a consistent and reliable 12-gauge load that wouldn’t break the bank during frequent trips to the skeet and trap range. I needed something that would pattern well, cycle reliably through my various shotguns, and deliver consistent performance round after round without punishing my shoulder too much.
Upon receiving the RIO Ammunition Star Team, the packaging was standard, nothing fancy, but adequately protected the shells. The hulls themselves looked clean and well-crimped, indicative of decent manufacturing. Picking up a shell, it felt like a quality product; the components seemed well-assembled, and the weight felt consistent.
Compared to some other budget-friendly target loads I’ve used in the past, like Winchester AA or Federal Top Gun, the RIO Ammunition Star Team appeared to offer a similar level of quality at a potentially lower price (thanks to the 34% discount). While I’ve found those brands reliable in the past, the RIO Ammunition Star Team’s stated muzzle velocity and shot size seemed tailored for a tighter pattern at longer ranges, something I was eager to test.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the shells looked good, felt good, and the price was certainly appealing. The real test, however, would be how they performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RIO Ammunition Star Team at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on skeet and trap shooting. The weather was mild and dry, perfect conditions for evaluating the shells. The ammunition was used across a variety of shotguns to see how they perform in different systems.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Beretta A400 Xcel and my Mossberg 500. They ejected cleanly and consistently, with no hiccups or failures to feed. The recoil was manageable, even after several rounds, which made it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
There were no immediate issues or surprises during the first use. The 1360 fps muzzle velocity seemed to translate to a quick, consistent shot, and the shot patterns on the patterning board looked promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the RIO Ammunition Star Team for weekly trap and skeet sessions, I can confidently say that it has held up exceptionally well. There have been no failures to fire, no squib loads, and no noticeable degradation in performance.
The hulls show minimal signs of wear and tear, and I’ve reloaded some of them a couple of times without any issues. Cleaning my shotguns after each session has been straightforward; there’s no excessive fouling or residue left behind by the RIO Ammunition Star Team, thanks to the clean-burning powder.
In comparison to some cheaper target loads I’ve used, the RIO Ammunition Star Team has proven to be far more reliable and consistent. It outperforms those loads in terms of both accuracy and cleanliness, making it a worthwhile investment for serious target shooters.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RIO Ammunition. A well-known Spanish manufacturer with a global presence.
- Gauge: 12. The most popular shotgun gauge, suitable for a wide range of shooting activities.
- Number of Rounds: 25. Standard box size for target loads.
- Shot Size: 7.5. An ideal shot size for skeet, trap, and sporting clays.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. The standard length for 12-gauge shells, ensuring compatibility with most shotguns.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1360 ft/s. This higher velocity results in flatter trajectories and tighter patterns at longer ranges.
- Application: Competition, Target. Designed specifically for competitive shooting and target practice.
- Included Accessories: None. Standard target load packaging.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 7/8 oz. A lighter load that reduces recoil while still providing sufficient energy for breaking targets.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Standard shotgun primer ignition.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Standard for modern shotgun shells.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and usability of the ammunition. The higher muzzle velocity, combined with the 7/8 oz shot weight and size 7.5 shot, creates a load that is both powerful and manageable.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Star Team performs admirably in its intended role as a competition and target load. The accuracy is excellent, with consistent shot patterns at typical skeet and trap distances.
The strength of this load lies in its consistency and manageable recoil. The clean-burning powder is also a notable advantage, reducing the amount of time spent cleaning after a shooting session. A minor weakness is that some shooters might prefer a heavier 1 oz or 1 1/8 oz load for longer-range targets, but the 7/8 oz is sufficient for the majority of applications.
The ammunition meets and, in some cases, exceeds my expectations for a target load in this price range. The shells provided very tight grouping which helped me improve my target scores.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the RIO Ammunition Star Team is functional and straightforward, with no unnecessary frills. The plastic hulls are durable and reloadable, and the crimps are tight and consistent.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special adjustments or modifications to use in compatible shotguns. The recoil is manageable and comfortable, even for extended shooting sessions.
Durability & Maintenance
The RIO Ammunition Star Team is designed to be used and discarded, but the durable hulls can be reloaded multiple times with the appropriate equipment. The clean-burning powder reduces the need for frequent cleaning of your shotgun, which is a definite plus.
With proper storage (cool, dry place), the ammunition should last for years without any degradation in performance. The cartridge casings have proven to be extremely durable so far.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Star Team does not come with any accessories, as it is a self-contained product. However, shooters can customize their experience by using different chokes in their shotguns to fine-tune the shot patterns for specific distances and target types.
The ammunition is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of shooters. There are no limitations regarding accessories so long as the firearm used to shoot the rounds is compatible.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off
Pros
- High Muzzle Velocity (1360 fps): Provides flatter trajectories and tighter patterns for improved accuracy.
- Clean-Burning Powder: Reduces fouling and simplifies cleaning, extending the life of your firearm.
- Manageable Recoil: Makes for comfortable shooting sessions, even with repeated shots.
- Consistent Performance: Reliable ignition and consistent shot patterns provide confidence in every round.
- Excellent Value: The 34% discount makes it an incredibly affordable option for high-volume target shooters.
Cons
- Lighter Load (7/8 oz): Might not be ideal for longer-range targets, where a heavier load might be preferred.
- Basic Packaging: The packaging is functional but lacks any premium features.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Star Team is perfect for:
- Competitive shooters seeking a reliable and affordable target load.
- Skeet and trap enthusiasts looking for consistent performance.
- High-volume shooters who want to save money without sacrificing quality.
This product might not be the best choice for:
- Hunters who require heavier loads for taking down game.
- Shooters who prioritize premium packaging or features over performance and value.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality shell bag or pouch to keep your ammunition organized at the range.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off
In summary, the RIO Ammunition Star Team 12 ga 2 3/4in MAX 7/8 oz Size 7.5 1360 fps ST2475 34% Off is an excellent choice for target shooters seeking a reliable, consistent, and affordable ammunition option. The price, especially with the current discount, makes it a superb value.
The RIO Ammunition Star Team’s value proposition is excellent, providing near-premium performance at a budget-friendly price. The consistency of the product makes it well worth the price.
I would definitely recommend the RIO Ammunition Star Team to any shooter looking for a high-quality target load that won’t break the bank. If you’re serious about improving your scores and enjoying your time at the range, give these shells a try – you won’t be disappointed!