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The Rio Royal Pheasant 28 gauge load packs practical hunting performance into a smaller, more comfortable package. With 1 oz of copper-plated #5 shot moving at 1250 fps, you get the pellet count and density needed for clean, consistent kills on fast-flushing birds. The copper plating is the real difference here—it keeps pellets from deforming as they travel downrange, which means tighter patterns and better penetration on pheasant, grouse, and partridge where every shot matters.
The 28 gauge gets a reputation for being a lighter option, and it absolutely is—less recoil and easier to swing on birds that have a habit of jumping when you don't expect it. But that only works if your ammunition matches what you're asking from the gun. Rio loaded this specifically with upland hunting in mind. The 1 oz payload is the sweet spot for a 28 gauge, giving you enough pellets in the pattern without overshooting what the gauge was designed to do. The copper plating improves pattern density and range, so you're not limited to closer flushes.
This load delivers the energy transfer and consistent patterning that separates field-ready ammunition from something you're just hoping will work. The plastic hull, boxer primer, and Rio's attention to powder selection means reliable ignition and performance round after round. Whether you're hunting CRP cover or walking behind a pointer in open country, you need shells that will perform when birds get up 15 to 30 yards out. That's exactly what Rio built this for.
If you shoot a 28 gauge because it points naturally and you want to hunt upland birds seriously, this is working ammunition. It's not a compromise load or a lighter practice round. It's a pheasant shell that respects the gauge while delivering what you need for consistent field success.
Yes, this load is specifically designed for upland bird hunting, especially pheasants. The 1 oz of copper-plated #5 shot at 1250 fps gives you the pattern density and penetration needed for clean, consistent kills. Industry testing shows #5 and #4 shot are the most lethal all-around sizes for pheasant hunting, and Rio loaded this accordingly for the 28 gauge.
Rio Royal Pheasant works great for grouse and partridge as well. Any upland bird that needs a solid hit at medium range will benefit from the tight patterns and penetration of copper-plated #5 shot. The 1 oz payload is the practical limit for a 28 gauge, so this rounds out a serious upland hunting load.
1 oz is the heavier end for 28 gauge and gives you more pellets downrange than lighter 7/8 oz loads. For pheasant hunting where you might take longer shots, the full 1 oz payload improves your odds on marginal opportunities. It's the right weight for a 28 gauge without pushing the gauge past its design limits.
Copper plating prevents pellet deformation as shot travels downrange, which keeps your pattern tighter and improves penetration on tougher birds like pheasants. This translates to better range and more reliable kills compared to standard lead shot. It's the kind of detail that separates ammunition built for specific game from generic loads.
| UPC | 18435101636114 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | RPC285 |
| Caliber/Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Length | 2.75" |
| Shot Size | #5 |
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