Rio Royal Pheasant — 28 Gauge, 2.75", Copper-Plated #5 Shot
Brand: Rio Ammunition • Load: Royal Pheasant • Gauge: 28 Gauge • Shell Length: 2.75" (70mm) • Shot Size: #5 (Copper-Plated) • Application: Upland / Pheasant • Model: RPC285 • UPC: 18435101636114
Punch above 28-gauge weight with the Rio Royal Pheasant 28 Gauge 2.75" Copper-Plated #5. Engineered for dense, even patterns and decisive penetration, this upland load brings premium performance to lightweight, fast-handling 28-gauge shotguns. The combination of copper-plated lead for clean, controlled deformation and Rio’s consistent components delivers the downrange authority you need when roosters flush wild and the shot window is short.
Why Upland Hunters Choose Rio Royal Pheasant (28 Gauge)
Copper-Plated #5 Lead: Harder pellet surfaces reduce flat-spotting, tightening patterns and boosting penetration on late-season birds with thicker feathers.
Consistent Rio Components: Clean-burning powder, reliable primers, and uniform wads produce repeatable velocities and point-of-aim/point-of-impact confidence.
28-Gauge Advantage: Carry all day with minimal fatigue while maintaining impressive pattern density and smooth recoil impulse for fast follow-up shots.
Upland-Tuned Performance: Optimized for pheasant, prairie birds, and mixed upland hunts where shots range from tight cover flushes to longer open-field presentations.
Key Features & Specs
Gauge: 28 Gauge
Shell Length: 2.75" (70mm)
Shot Material: Copper-Plated Lead
Shot Size: #5
Load Family: Royal Pheasant (Rio)
Velocity/Pressure: Factory-tuned for consistent speeds and balanced recoil (check your box for specific lot data)
Wad System: Pattern-centric design to maintain uniform pellet distribution
Quantity: Sold by the box (check local retailer packaging count)
Model Number: RPC285
UPC: 18435101636114
Note: Actual velocity and pattern density will vary with barrel length, choke, and environmental conditions. Always pattern your 28-gauge with this load at your typical hunting distances.
In-Field Advantages You’ll Notice
Flatter Pellets = Tighter Patterns: Copper plating helps pellets stay round for more hits inside the vital zone.
Confidence at 30–40 Yards: #5 shot offers a smart balance of energy and count for pheasants that don’t hold tight.
Manageable Recoil: 28-gauge smoothness allows quick second shots when coveys rise or a trailing rooster flushes.
Clean Running: Consistent hulls and clean-burning powder help keep actions and bores in better shape during long walks.
Best Use Cases
Wild Pheasant: From CRP edges to cut corn and shelterbelts.
Mixed Upland Bags: Suitable for chukar and late-season quail where extra pellet energy helps.
Youth & Lightweight Setups: Ideal for smaller-statured shooters or anyone prioritizing low carry weight with high performance.
Choke & Patterning Tips
Start with Modified (MOD): Often a sweet spot for 30–40 yard pheasant shots; Improved Cylinder (IC) for early-season/close work, Improved Modified (IM) if birds are flushing long.
Pattern on Paper: Test 15, 30, and 40 yards to confirm core density and pellet distribution with your shotgun/choke combo.
Mind the Wind: Copper-plated #5 retains energy better downrange; know your holds when birds quarter with a crosswind.
Storage & Handling
Keep shells cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
Inspect hulls before use; discard any with dents, water damage, or contamination.
Rotate lots using first-in/first-out to maintain consistency.
SEO Highlights (Copy & Paste)
Rio Royal Pheasant 28 Gauge 2.75" #5 Copper-Plated upland shotshells
Hard-hitting copper-plated lead for tight patterns and penetration
Ideal for pheasant and mixed upland hunts; smooth 28-gauge recoil
Model RPC285, UPC 18435101636114
Consistent components, clean-burning powder, confidence at 30–40 yards
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is #5 shot good for pheasant in 28 gauge?
A: Yes. #5 copper-plated provides an excellent balance of pellet energy and count, giving reliable penetration on roosters while maintaining pattern density.
Q: What choke should I start with?
A: Try Modified for general pheasant ranges. Move to IC for close cover or IM for longer open-field shots—confirm by patterning.
Q: Can I use this for other upland species?
A: Absolutely. It works well on chukar and late-season quail when birds flush farther and require more pellet energy.
Q: Is this load safe for older fixed-choke guns?
A: Always confirm your shotgun is 28-gauge 2.75" chambered and in good mechanical condition. If you’re unsure, have a competent gunsmith inspect your firearm.
Safety & Compliance
Follow all firearm safety rules. Use only in firearms chambered for 28 Gauge 2.75". Check and comply with local and state regulations for upland hunting and ammunition.
Hunt light and hit hard. Rio Royal Pheasant 28 Gauge 2.75" Copper-Plated #5 (RPC285, UPC 18435101636114) gives your 28-gauge the pattern density and penetration it needs for wild birds—from first flush to last light.
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