Rio Ammunition RPC285 Royal Pheasant 28 Gauge 2.75" Copper-Plated #5 Shot

The Rio Ammunition RPC285 Royal Pheasant delivers consistent upland game performance with copper-plated shot that maintains pattern integrity through heavy cover. This 28-gauge load combines the reduced recoil of the smaller bore with the knockdown power needed for pheasant and similar-sized birds.

What Makes This Different

The copper plating on each pellet reduces deformation during barrel transit, resulting in tighter patterns and improved penetration compared to standard lead shot. Rio's Royal Pheasant line uses premium components including a high-antimony lead core that maintains pellet roundness. The 2.75-inch hull provides maximum powder capacity for the 28-gauge platform while maintaining reliable extraction in semi-automatic shotguns.

Key Features

• Copper-plated #5 shot reduces flyer pellets for consistent patterns
• High-antimony lead core maintains pellet integrity through impact
• 2.75-inch hull maximizes velocity potential in 28-gauge chambers
• Premium plastic wad protects shot column during acceleration
• Consistent powder charge delivers uniform velocities shot to shot
• Brass-plated steel head ensures reliable extraction and ejection
• Compatible with all 28-gauge shotguns chambered for 2.75-inch shells

Field testing shows this load produces effective patterns out to 35 yards on medium-sized upland birds. The #5 shot size provides the right balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy for clean kills on pheasant, grouse, and partridge. The copper plating maintains pattern density through brush and vegetation better than soft lead alternatives. Hunters report reliable cycling in gas-operated semi-automatics and consistent ignition in temperature extremes.

Technical Specs

• Gauge: 28
• Shell length: 2.75 inches
• Shot size: #5
• Shot material: Copper-plated lead
• Shot weight: 3/4 ounce
• Muzzle velocity: Approximately 1,200 fps
• Hull: High-strength plastic with brass head
• Primer: Non-corrosive
• Country of origin: Spain

The RPC285 Royal Pheasant represents Rio's commitment to producing ammunition that performs when birds flush unexpectedly. The copper-plated shot technology extends effective range while the 28-gauge platform reduces felt recoil for faster follow-up shots. Serious upland hunters choose this load when pattern consistency matters more than price per round.