First Impressions of RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off
In the world of shotgun ammunition, finding a reliable and cost-effective training load is crucial for honing skills without breaking the bank. The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off promises just that: consistent performance at a price point that makes regular practice sessions feasible. I was particularly drawn to this offering because of its purported balance between quality and affordability, a sweet spot that’s often difficult to find.
My quest began with the need for a consistent, readily available 12-gauge load for regular sporting clays practice. I was tired of inconsistent patterns and dirty burns from budget brands that often plague high-volume shooting sessions. The allure of RIO Ammunition, a manufacturer with a solid reputation for producing quality shotgun shells, coupled with the significant discount, made this offering too good to ignore.
The shells arrived neatly packaged in standard cardboard boxes, each holding 25 rounds. My initial impression was positive, noticing the clean crimp and consistent shell dimensions. Picking up a shell, it felt solid and well-constructed, hinting at a quality loading process.
I have used other budget training loads from Winchester and Federal in the past. However, the RIO offering seemed to present a slightly cleaner appearance and a more consistent crimp. This gave me hope for better consistency in performance compared to the others.
Upon first inspection, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point was excellent, especially with the discount. I was eager to see if the performance would live up to the initial positive impressions.
Real-World Testing: Putting RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 was at my local sporting clays range. I ran these shells through my Beretta A400 Xcel, a semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability and smooth cycling. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for a day of shooting.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Beretta, with no failures to feed or eject. The recoil was manageable, comparable to other 1200fps target loads I’ve used. I found myself settling into a comfortable rhythm, breaking clays with satisfying regularity.
Initially, I was impressed with the consistency of the shot patterns. However, after about 50 rounds, I noticed a slightly increased buildup of residue in the action of my shotgun compared to premium target loads. This required a bit more frequent cleaning during the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, putting hundreds of rounds of RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 through my shotgun, I have a solid understanding of its performance. The shells continue to cycle reliably, and the recoil remains manageable. I’ve experienced only a handful of duds, which is acceptable for a training load at this price point.
Over time, I’ve observed a consistent level of residue buildup in my shotgun’s action after each session. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it necessitates a thorough cleaning after each outing to prevent potential issues. The shells themselves show no signs of wear and tear beyond typical use.
Compared to premium target loads, the RIO shells certainly require more frequent cleaning. However, the cost savings more than compensate for the extra maintenance time. I would absolutely use these again for practice, especially when high-volume shooting is planned.
Breaking Down the Features of RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off
Specifications
The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is a 12-gauge, 2-3/4 inch shotshell designed for training and target shooting. It features a 1-1/8 ounce payload of #8 lead shot propelled at a muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second. Each box contains 25 rounds, making it convenient for range sessions.
- Gauge: 12 – This is a standard gauge for shotguns, offering a wide range of available firearms and accessories.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches – This is the most common shell length for 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility with most models.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1200 ft/s – Provides a good balance between recoil and target velocity, suitable for various shooting disciplines.
- Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz – Offers a sufficient payload for breaking clays and practicing wing shooting.
- Shot Size: #8 – The ideal size for target shooting and sporting clays, providing a dense pattern for consistent hits.
- Shot Material: Lead – Lead shot offers excellent density and energy transfer to the target, though it is important to be aware of environmental restrictions in certain areas.
These specifications contribute to a shotshell that is effective for its intended purpose: training and target practice. The 1200 fps velocity provides enough power to break clays consistently without excessive recoil. The #8 shot offers a dense pattern for reliable hits.
Performance & Functionality
The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 performs admirably in its intended role as a training load. Its accuracy is more than adequate for breaking clays and practicing various shotgun shooting techniques. The shells cycle reliably in most shotguns, providing a smooth and consistent shooting experience.
The primary strength of this ammunition lies in its affordability and consistent performance. While not as clean-burning as premium target loads, the minor increase in cleaning frequency is a small price to pay for the cost savings. A potential weakness might be the lead shot, making it unsuitable for ranges that require non-toxic alternatives.
The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 meets my expectations for a training load, offering reliable performance at a price point that allows for frequent practice sessions.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is straightforward and functional. The plastic shell is durable enough to withstand handling and chambering, and the crimp is consistently applied, ensuring reliable ignition. The shells are relatively lightweight, contributing to manageable recoil.
The build quality is adequate for a training load. The materials used appear to be standard for shotshells, and I have not experienced any issues with shell deformation or separation. The lack of specialized features keeps the cost down while maintaining acceptable performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is not a major concern, as shotshells are typically single-use items. However, the shells themselves seem robust enough to withstand normal handling without damage. The primary maintenance consideration is the increased cleaning required due to the slightly dirtier burning powder.
The shelf life of these shells should be considerable if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The plastic hulls and sealed primers help protect the powder and shot from moisture. I expect these shells to perform reliably for years to come with proper storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 does not offer any specific accessories or customization options. As shotshells, they are intended to be used as-is. However, the performance of these shells can be enhanced by matching them with the appropriate choke for your shotgun.
The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 2-3/4 inch shells. They will also work with various aftermarket chokes from brands like Briley, Carlson’s, and Trulock. Matching the choke to the specific shooting scenario (e.g., improved cylinder for close-range targets, modified for mid-range targets) can significantly improve pattern density and overall performance.
Pros and Cons of RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off
Pros
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than premium target loads, allowing for more frequent practice.
- Reliable cycling: Functions flawlessly in most shotguns, ensuring smooth and consistent operation.
- Manageable recoil: The 1200fps velocity provides a good balance between power and recoil, reducing fatigue during long shooting sessions.
- Consistent patterns: Delivers adequate accuracy for breaking clays and practicing various shotgun shooting techniques.
- Readily available: Typically easy to find at most major sporting goods retailers.
Cons
- Increased cleaning frequency: The powder burns slightly dirtier than premium loads, requiring more frequent cleaning of the shotgun’s action.
- Lead shot: May not be suitable for ranges that require non-toxic alternatives.
Who Should Buy RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off?
The RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts, recreational shooters, and anyone who wants to improve their shotgun skills without spending a fortune on ammunition. It’s an excellent choice for high-volume practice sessions. The shells would also be a great choice for hunters looking to hone their skills during the off-season, using a cost effective shell.
This product might not be the best choice for competitive shooters who demand the absolute cleanest-burning and most consistent ammunition. Also, individuals who are limited to shooting at ranges that require non-toxic shot will need to find an alternative. The increased cleaning required due to the powder residue may also deter some users looking for a completely hassle-free experience.
A must-have accessory for maximizing the performance of these shells is a good quality choke set. Experimenting with different chokes will allow you to fine-tune your patterns for different target distances and shooting scenarios. A reliable cleaning kit is also essential to address the increased residue buildup.
Conclusion on RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 12ga 2-3/4in 1200fps 1-1/8oz Size 8 STT328 36% Off
Overall, the RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is a solid choice for shooters seeking an affordable and reliable training load. While it may require slightly more frequent cleaning than premium options, the cost savings more than make up for this minor inconvenience. The shells cycle reliably and provide adequate accuracy for most practice scenarios.
The value proposition is excellent, especially considering the discounted price. You get a consistent and reliable shotshell at a price point that allows for frequent practice. For anyone looking to improve their shotgun skills without breaking the bank, the RIO Ammunition Star Team Training 32 is a highly recommended option.
I would personally recommend these shells to any recreational shooter or sporting clays enthusiast looking for a cost-effective training load. I urge you to try a box for yourself. You’ll likely be impressed by the balance of performance and affordability.