Description
The Rio Royal Pheasant 28 gauge is built for upland hunters who want more reach and knockdown out of a small-bore gun. This load runs a 2 3/4 inch shell stuffed with a 1 ounce payload of #5 copper-plated lead shot, pushed out the muzzle at 1250 fps. That copper plating is the real story here. It keeps the pellets round as they leave the barrel, which tightens patterns and helps drive energy deeper into a bird at the far edge of your range.
Why the Royal Pheasant 28 Gauge Earns Its Spot in Your Vest
Flushed roosters, grouse, and partridge don't give you much time, and the 28 gauge is one of the sweetest-handling platforms for those quick, close-cover shots. You get fast-pointing balance and noticeably softer recoil than a 12 or 20, which matters over a long day of walking fields. The #5 shot size is a smart middle ground for pheasant work, carrying enough pellet mass to anchor a tough bird while still throwing a pattern dense enough to connect.
What Sets This Rio Royal Pheasant Load Apart
Rio builds these at their plant in Marshall, Texas, and the brand has a long reputation for turning out consistent, affordable hunting ammo. Each round is loaded with matched primers, powders, and wads so you get the same velocity and pattern shot after shot. The copper-plated shot also cuts down on barrel fouling, which is a nice bonus for keeping your bore cleaner through the season.
Picking the Right Loads for Upland Days
If you're chasing pheasant, grouse, or partridge over flushing dogs or walking CRP, this is a hard load to beat in the 28 bore. The combination of copper-plated #5 shot and 1250 fps velocity gives you that extra punch for longer crossing shots without beating up your shoulder. Keep a box in the truck and a handful in your vest, and you'll be ready when the birds get up.
Key Specifications
- Brand: Rio Ammunition
- Product Line: Royal Pheasant
- Gauge: 28 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inch
- Shot Size: #5
- Shot Material: Copper-Plated Lead
- Shot Weight: 1 oz
- Muzzle Velocity: 1250 fps
- Hull Material: Plastic
- Primer Type: Boxer
- Application: Upland Hunting
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Manufacturer Part Number: RPC286
- UPC: 8435101636094
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of Rio Royal Pheasant 28 gauge 2 3/4" 1 oz #5 copper-plated shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
What game is the Rio Royal Pheasant 28 gauge best suited for?
This load is built for upland birds, with pheasant, grouse, and partridge being the sweet spot. The #5 copper-plated shot carries enough energy to anchor a tough rooster while still patterning well for closer flushes. It's a versatile pick for most walk-up and dog-work hunting.
What does the copper-plated shot do on the Royal Pheasant load?
The copper plating helps the pellets hold their round shape as they travel down the barrel and through the choke. That means tighter, more consistent patterns and better penetration downrange. As a bonus, the plating also helps reduce barrel fouling over the course of a hunt.
How many rounds come in a box of this Rio 28 gauge?
Each box holds 25 rounds of the 2 3/4 inch Royal Pheasant 28 gauge load. That's a standard count that's easy to split between your vest and your gear bag for a day in the field.
Is the 28 gauge a good choice for pheasant hunting?
The 28 gauge has become a favorite for upland hunters who want a light, fast-pointing gun with gentle recoil. Paired with this 1 oz #5 copper-plated load running 1250 fps, it delivers enough knockdown for pheasant and similar birds at reasonable ranges. Many hunters appreciate how much easier it is to carry and swing all day.





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