Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load: The Ultimate Choice for Upland Birds and Clay Targets

When selecting ammunition for your shotgun, precision, consistency, and reliability are paramount. For hunters pursuing fast-flying upland birds like dove, quail, and smaller fowl, or sport shooters aiming for top scores in skeet and trap, the Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load stands out as an exceptional choice. This comprehensive guide explores why this 12-gauge shotgun shell is a preferred option for enthusiasts seeking dependable performance in the field and on the range.

Why Choose Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load?

This premium game load is meticulously engineered to provide superior patterns and consistent velocities, ensuring that every shot counts. Whether you're a seasoned hunter tracking elusive game or a competitive shooter honing your skills, the Rio TG368 is designed to meet and exceed your expectations. It addresses the common challenges faced by shooters, such as inconsistent patterning, insufficient power, or unreliable ignition, by delivering a meticulously crafted round that performs reliably shot after shot.

For those asking, "What's the best 12-gauge ammunition for dove hunting?" or "Which shotgun shells offer excellent performance for skeet?", the Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load provides a compelling answer. It’s built for those demanding situations where quick target acquisition and knockdown power are critical.

Unpacking the Specifications: What Makes the TG368 Stand Out?

The Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load is a meticulously designed shotgun shell with specific characteristics that contribute to its outstanding performance. Understanding these specifications is key to appreciating why this ammunition is so effective for its intended applications.

Gauge: The Versatile 12 Gauge

The 12-gauge shotgun is arguably the most popular and versatile firearm in the world. Its broad appeal stems from its ability to handle a wide range of loads, from light target rounds to heavy magnum loads, making it suitable for everything from bird hunting to personal defense. The Rio TG368 is specifically manufactured for 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring wide compatibility with the vast majority of sporting and hunting shotguns currently in use. This means that if you own a 12-gauge, this ammunition is designed to perform optimally with your firearm.

Shell Length: 2.75 Inches (70mm)

The 2.75-inch shell length is the standard for 12-gauge ammunition. This common size ensures compatibility with nearly all 12-gauge shotguns, including semi-automatics, pumps, and over/unders, without requiring any special modifications or adjustments. This standard length contributes to reliable cycling in semi-automatic shotguns and comfortable handling in all actions, reducing the chance of feeding issues or hang-ups during rapid fire. This makes it an ideal choice for both hunting scenarios where follow-up shots might be needed and fast-paced clay target sports.

Shot Weight: 1 1/4 Ounce (36 Grams)

The 1 1/4 ounce (36 gram) shot weight is considered a heavier load for #8 shot in a 12-gauge shell. This increased payload delivers a dense pattern of pellets, which is crucial for increasing the probability of hitting fast-moving targets. A heavier payload translates to more pellets in the air, creating a wider and more forgiving shot string. This is particularly advantageous for:

• Upland Bird Hunting: When doves or quail flush unpredictably, a dense pattern can compensate for slight aiming errors, increasing your success rate.
• Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap: In these disciplines, breaking targets consistently requires a reliable and full pattern. The 1 1/4 oz payload provides that crucial density for shattering clays at various distances.

The 36-gram (or 1 1/4 ounce) payload provides an excellent balance of pellet count and velocity. This optimal combination ensures sufficient energy transfer to humanely harvest game birds while also providing the necessary pattern density to consistently break clay targets. Shooters will find that this load delivers a satisfying impact without excessive recoil, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable.

Shot Size: #8 Lead Shot

The #8 lead shot size is a defining characteristic of the Rio TG368 Game Load, making it specifically optimized for certain applications. Shot sizes are inversely proportional to their diameter; thus, #8 shot is relatively small. This smaller size means that a 1 1/4 ounce payload contains a very high number of individual pellets, leading to an extremely dense pattern.

Primary Applications for #8 Shot:

• Dove Hunting: Doves are notoriously fast and agile targets. The large number of #8 pellets ensures a dense pattern, significantly increasing the chances of connecting with these elusive birds. The smaller pellets also minimize damage to the meat, which is important for table fare.
• Quail Hunting: Similar to doves, quail are small and quick. The dense pattern from #8 shot is highly effective for these birds, particularly in covey flushes.
• Small Game: While primarily for birds, #8 shot can also be suitable for very small game like rabbits or squirrels at close ranges, where minimal penetration but a high pellet count is desired.
• Skeet Shooting: Skeet targets are typically engaged at closer ranges, and the high pellet count of #8 shot ensures a dense pattern for breaking clays cleanly. Many competitive skeet shooters prefer #8 shot for its effectiveness and minimal recoil.
• Trap Shooting: While some trap shooters might opt for #7.5 shot, #8 can still be very effective, especially for the closer targets or in specific positions on the trap field. The dense pattern helps ensure a clean break.
• Sporting Clays: Depending on the presentation, #8 shot can be excellent for closer, fast-crossing targets or presentations that require a very dense pattern.

Benefits of #8 Shot:

• High Pellet Count: Maximizes the number of projectiles impacting the target, improving hit probability.
• Dense Patterns: Creates a fuller shot string, reducing the chance of targets slipping through gaps in the pattern.
• Reduced Recoil (Relative to larger shot): Smaller pellets often lead to a smoother shooting experience, especially with lighter loads, though the 1 1/4 oz payload does provide some felt recoil.
• Ethical Harvesting: For smaller birds, the numerous small pellets provide sufficient energy to ensure a humane kill without over-penetration or excessive damage.

Consistent Performance: A Hall Rio Ammunition

Rio Ammunition has built a reputation for producing high-quality, consistent shotgun shells, and the TG368 Game Load is a prime example of their commitment to excellence.

Reliable Primers

Ammunition reliability begins with the primer. Rio Ammunition utilizes high-quality, non-corrosive primers that ensure reliable ignition even in varying weather conditions. This means fewer misfires and more consistent performance when it matters most, whether you're in the duck blind on a cold morning or on the range under the hot sun.

Clean-Burning Powders

The powders used in Rio TG368 loads are formulated for clean burning. This not only contributes to consistent velocities but also minimizes residue buildup in your shotgun's barrel and action. A cleaner shotgun means less maintenance, longer firearm life, and more consistent performance over prolonged shooting sessions. This is a significant advantage for shooters who spend a lot of time on the range or in the field, as it reduces the frequency of cleaning needed to maintain optimal firearm function.

Quality Wads

The wad plays a critical role in patterning and ballistic efficiency. Rio employs well-designed wads that effectively seal the bore, preventing gas blow-by and ensuring that the propellant gases efficiently push the shot column down the barrel. This results in consistent velocities and tight, uniform patterns downrange, which is essential for hitting small, fast-moving targets. The wad system also helps to protect the shot during its journey down the barrel, minimizing deformation and ensuring each pellet flies true.

Ideal Use Cases and Scenarios

The Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load is purpose-built for scenarios where precision and pattern density are critical. Here are some real-world use cases where this ammunition truly shines:

• Upland Bird Hunting: This is arguably the primary intended use. For hunters targeting doves, quail, grouse, and other small upland birds, the TG368 provides the ideal combination of pellet count and energy to ensure clean, ethical harvests. The #8 shot spreads effectively to cover moving targets while still carrying enough energy for these lighter-bodied birds.
• Competitive Skeet Shooting: Skeet requires rapid engagement of clay targets at relatively close ranges. The dense pattern of #8 shot from the TG368 load is highly advantageous for breaking these targets reliably, contributing to higher scores.
• Trap Shooting (Singles/Handicap): While some prefer #7.5 for trap, the TG368 with its #8 shot and robust 1 1/4 oz payload can be very effective, especially for breaking targets closer to the trap house or for shooters who prefer a very dense pattern.
• Sporting Clays: Sporting clays courses mimic hunting scenarios, offering a wide variety of target presentations. The TG368 is an excellent all-around load for many sporting clays stations, particularly those involving closer, crossing, or rising targets where a broad, dense pattern is beneficial.
• Recreational Target Shooting: For general practice and fun at the range, the TG368 offers excellent performance and consistency, making it a reliable choice for honing your shotgun skills.

When considering "how to improve my bird hunting success rate" or "what ammunition is best for clay target practice," selecting a consistent, high-quality load like the Rio TG368 can make a significant difference. Its design directly addresses the need for predictable performance shot after shot.

Optimizing Your Shooting Experience with Rio TG368

While the Rio TG368 Game Load is designed for peak performance, there are always ways to optimize your shooting experience.

Choke Selection

The choice of choke tube significantly impacts how the shot pattern performs. For #8 shot and the applications mentioned:

• Skeet or Cylinder Choke: Excellent for very close range targets, such as the initial stations in skeet or fast-flushing birds at close quarters, providing the widest pattern.
• Improved Cylinder Choke: A versatile choice for most upland bird hunting and many sporting clays presentations, offering a good balance of pattern spread and density.
• Light Modified or Modified Choke: Can be effective for slightly longer shots in hunting or for trap shooting, providing a tighter pattern without being overly restrictive.

Experimenting with different chokes will allow you to find the perfect combination for your specific shotgun and shooting style with the Rio TG368 loads.

Recoil Management

The 1 1/4 oz (36 gram) payload is a heavier game load, which means it will produce more felt recoil than lighter target loads. While manageable, especially for the average 12-gauge shotgun, understanding recoil can help. Proper shooting stance, a good recoil pad on your shotgun, and a firm mount will all contribute to better recoil absorption and a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during extended sessions. The consistent burning powder in Rio loads helps to moderate recoil impulses, but technique remains key.

Ammunition Storage

To maintain the integrity and performance of your Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Loads, proper storage is essential. Keep ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Storing it in its original packaging (25 rounds per box, 10 boxes per case) also protects it from environmental factors and physical damage, ensuring that each round is ready for optimal performance when you need it.

Why Trust Rio Ammunition?

Rio Ammunition has a rich history dating back over 120 years, with origins in Spain and a global presence. They are renowned for their commitment to quality, innovation, and ballistic excellence. Their ammunition undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards for performance and safety. When you choose Rio Ammunition, you're not just buying shotgun shells; you're investing in decades of expertise and a proven track record of delivering reliable, high-performance products. This brand is trusted by hunters and sport shooters worldwide for its consistent quality and effectiveness.

For those looking to "buy reliable shotgun ammunition" or "find quality game loads," Rio Ammunition is consistently recommended by experienced shooters. You can find this highly regarded ammunition available at trusted retailers like DEGuns.com, ensuring you receive genuine products for your shooting needs.

In Summary: The Performance You Demand

The Rio Ammunition TG368 Game Load in 12 Gauge, with its 2.75-inch shell, 1 1/4 ounce #8 shot, and 36-gram payload, is a meticulously crafted ammunition designed for peak performance in upland bird hunting and clay target shooting disciplines such as skeet, trap, and sporting clays. Its dense pattern, consistent velocity, and reliable ignition make it a go-to choice for shooters who demand precision and effectiveness. Whether you're chasing fast-flying doves or aiming for that perfect score on the trap range, the TG368 delivers the consistency and knockdown power needed to succeed.

Investing in quality ammunition like the Rio TG368 ensures a more enjoyable and successful shooting experience. It helps answer questions like "What are the most effective shells for small game birds?" or "How can I improve my consistency in clay shooting?" by providing a foundational level of reliable performance that allows shooters to focus on their technique and target acquisition.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	2.75 inches
Shot Weight	1 1/4 ounce (36 grams)
Shot Size	#8 Lead Shot
Quantity	25 Rounds per Box / 10 Boxes per Case
Manufacturer	Rio Ammunition
Product Line	Game Load
Model	TG368
UPC	8435101623162