250 Rounds of 12ga Ammo by Rio - 00 Buck

Out of Stock

4.8

66 Review(s)

Ammo Overview

Quantity - 250 rounds (5 rounds per box, 50 boxes per case)
Manufacturer - Rio
Load - 2-3/4" 00 Buckshot (9 pellets)

Details

Rio's 12 Gauge 00 buckshot has been one of our most popular buckshot loads for many years due to providing great quality at a very competitive price point. This full power load exits the barrel at 1,345 feet per second delivering 9-00 buck lead pellets to stop a deer or home invader in its tracks. 12 Gauge buckshot has become an increasingly popular choice for home defense due to a great lineup of purpose built shotguns combined with the inherent advantages of 00 buckshot's lethality.

Note that shotshell length is measured as the fired length of the shell and so depending on the crimp technique the shell's length varies slightly before being fired. Rio uses a roll crimp technique which is slightly longer than the star crimp technique before its fired and as a result in some shotguns this may result in one less round fitting in your tube.

Introduction:

The Rio Royal 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot is praised by a wide range of users for its reliability, effectiveness, and value, especially as affordable training and home defense ammunition. Most buyers report smooth cycling in pump and semi-auto shotguns, consistent patterns, and excellent pricing, though some note minor fit or feeding issues in certain magazines or drum-fed shotguns.

Overall Rating:

(Highly Recommended)
Best For: Home Defense, Training, Range Practice
Key Pro: Consistently Reliable with Strong Performance Across Multiple Firearms
Key Nuance: Shell Length Slightly Longer Than Standard 2 3/4" (May Affect Capacity and Feeding in Some Guns)

Detailed Analysis:

What Shooters Praise (The Pros)

Reliability

The vast majority of users report flawless reliability—no misfires, jams, or feed issues in pump-actions and most semi-autos. There are occasional complaints about jams or ejection issues, particularly in specific models (e.g., using certain aftermarket magazines or drum feeds). Overall reliability remains high with most standard tube- and mag-fed shotguns.

Performance

Performance feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with users noting excellent patterns, hard-hitting knockdown power, and suitability for both tactical and hunting purposes. Several reviewers mention tight groupings and effective use for close-quarters and home defense, with minimal complaints beyond rare misfires and fit issues.

Bargain

Frequently described as one of the best values on the market, buyers cite unbeatable pricing, bulk availability, and good customer service. Even with some concerns over shipping costs, the affordable price per round is a consistent highlight, especially when compared to more expensive brands.

What to Know (The Nuances)

• Cleanliness: Several users noted the rounds burn cleanly with little residue, though this is not universally emphasized.
• Casing Material: High-brass hulls are commonly used, considered robust; shells are not typically reloaded.
• Shell Length: Multiple buyers highlight that shells are longer than standard 2 3/4" but not quite 3"—this can reduce magazine capacity by one and cause issues in drum-fed or some semi-autos.
• Feeding Recommendations: Works best with tube, box (magazine) feeds; less reliable with drums or certain aftermarket mags.
• Recoil: Most describe recoil as standard or modest, with low-recoil options also available for sensitive shooters.
• Visuals: Some users appreciate the clear hull design and visible pellet layout.
• Customer Service: BulkAmmo's fast shipping and responsive support are frequently mentioned as positives.

Conclusion

Rio Royal 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot is a top pick for anyone needing dependable, effective buckshot at a great price for home defense, training, or hunting applications. Its consistent reliability and strong performance make it especially attractive to bulk buyers and those running a variety of shotguns. While the shell is slightly longer than typical 2 3/4" loads (potentially reducing mag capacity and causing issues with certain guns), it remains an excellent value—offering clean shooting and firm, tight patterns. Those primarily using drum magazines or strictly 2 3/4" chambers should check compatibility, but for most users, Rio Royal offers standout effectiveness and affordability.

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(66) Reviews

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Our customer service team has published this Q&A information as a free service to the shooting community. Please note that BulkAmmo.com expressly disclaims any and all liability with regard to how the shooting community might use this Q&A information. See Terms of Use for more details.

Posted On: 4/23/2021 By: Dan

A: Thanks for reaching out Dan! I'm afraid we're only offering this ammo in boxes of five and cases of 250 at the moment.

Posted On: 1/22/2021 By: ROBERT HARRIS

A: Thanks for reaching out Robert! It should work okay, although Mossberg has reported that they have received complaints about Rio Royal Buck ammo jamming in their shotguns. I can't guarantee flawless performance for that reaason.

Posted On: 9/6/2020 By: Demeta Smith

A: Sure thing! This shell's 00 buck may not pattern ideally through a full choke, but it shouldn't harm your barrel.

Posted On: 8/3/2020 By: Craig Rinehart

A: Thanks for reaching out Craig! We will absolutely get this ammo back in stock as soon as we're able. As to exactly when that will be, however, I can't be so certain. I hope you'll check in with us again soon, as we're constantly updating our site with new ammo every day!

Posted On: 6/2/2020 By: Craig Rinehart

A: I'm sorry Craig, but we don't have such an alert system in place. Our inventory does change quite frequently, and we're hard at work getting more stock during these strange times. Please check in with us soon to see what we can offer you!

Posted On: 1/17/2018 By: Bobby

A: Hello Bobby, Rio lists the muzzle velocity of their standard 00 Buck at 1345 fps.

Posted On: 6/8/2016 By: Patrick

A: Hello Patrick! While Rio does load a 00 Buck round using a fiber wad, this specific product is loaded with a standard plastic wad.

Posted On: 1/8/2013 By: chris

A: Rio loads their 00 buckshot with lead shot. All components used are non corrosive.

Posted On: 5/22/2012 By: tim ellis

A: Yes, we just shot Rio Royal buck in a Saiga 12 a few days ago, it functioned perfectly.

Posted On: 10/21/2011 By: Anonymous

A: Rio Royal shotgun ammunition is manufactured in Spain. The company has been in operation for over 100 years.

Posted On: 10/21/2011 By: Trotty

A: This Rio Royal 00 Buck would be a great choice for home defense. Properly stored in a cool, dry place, this ammo should be reliable for decades.

Posted On: 10/21/2011 By: Mike

A: At this time, this is the lowest price we can offer on orders under $25,000. We are always striving to bring the best prices to our customers.

Posted On: 10/21/2011 By: Kevin Sona

A: Any round that will quickly incapacitate a violent attacker will also have the ability to penetrate interior walls. 00 Buck is a good choice for home defense use.

Posted On: 10/21/2011 By: Kevin Sona

A: This 00 Buck ammo will still penetrate multiple interior walls, as will any ammo that is sufficient for home or self defense.

Posted On: 10/4/2011 By: Shawn

A: This Rio Royal 12ga buckshot is comparable in terms of velocity and number of projectiles to the Winchester Ranger 00 Buck ammo. It is also loaded by a Spanish company that has been in business for over 100 years.

Posted On: 10/1/2011 By: Jonathan

A: Rio Royal ammo is manufactured in Spain. S&B buckshot is great stuff, but this Rio Royal will probably recoil a little less because it has 9 pellets instead of 12 (although it does drive those 9 pellets to a higher velocity than the S&B). However, as you know, the S&B 00 buck load does not have a huge amount of recoil to begin with.

Posted On: 9/29/2011 By: Scott

A: These shells are high brass. Both low brass and high brass can be reloaded and have comparable strength. The difference is the amount of brass that makes up the side of the shell - low brass is about 3/8", while high brass is around 1/2" or more.

Posted On: 9/28/2011 By: Farrell

A: This is highly dependent on how you store the ammo. Stored improperly, it could become useless overnight. Stored properly (in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and moisture), it could last for decades.

Posted On: 9/28/2011 By: Mike

A: Rio Royal ammo is loaded in Spain. The company has been in business for over 100 years.

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