GENERAL QUESTIONS
Can I buy ammunition directly from RWS?
For the choice of the right ammunition the competent advice of a specialist is of great importance. For this reason RWS ammunition can only be purchased from qualified dealers.
Who do I contact for claim under warranty or to file a complaint?
Even with the best ammunition it might come to failure, damage or other defects one day. Such ammunition will be taken back by RWS according to the legal obligations of warranty, thoroughly checked for defects and if necessary be replaced. In case of claim under warranty or complaint you first should contact a RWS dealer. He will handle the problem for you. With centerfire rifle cartridges with Evolution or BIONIC bullet you profit from an extended warranty of 10 years provided you registered yourself on our website.
How do I get reloading data for RWS ammunition?
Detailed loading tables you will find in our reloading book “Wiederladen”, which is available from your dealer (only in German language). On more than 600 pages you will learn everything important about reloading centerfire rifle cartridges, pistol and revolver cartridges as well as shotshells. See table of contents (german) >>
Where do I find the production marks (lot number) of RWS cartridges?
The lot number is a multi-digit figure or numeral code, which is normally printed on the lid or on the side strap of the cartridge box.
Does RWS supply training material for the preparation to the exam of young hunters?
The RWS rifle cartridge showcase and the RWS bullet display that can be purchased from qualified dealers are ideal for teaching purposes at hunting schools. At your request, we will gladly send you brochures and posters for the participants of your hunting courses.
Where do I get information about Rottweil shotshells?
For this purpose please visit our Rottweil website at www.rottweil-ammunition.com
Where do I get information about GECO ammunition?
Under contact ask for the free GECO flyer that will give you a good overview on the GECO assortment.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING RWS RIFLE CARTRIDGES
What does the red or green ring gap lacquer around the primer of the RWS centerfire rifle cartridges mean?
It is not that easy to distinguish between cartridges of the same calibre that are loaded with bullets of the same construction but with different weights. For this reason the cartridges with heavier bullets are marked with a red or green lacquer around the primer.
Example: in calibre .30-06 there are 3 different loads with KS bullets. The .30-06 KS 9.7 g does not need a ring gap; the .30-06 KS 10.7 g has a green and the .30-06 KS 13.0 g a red ring gap around the primer.
Which long-term consequences are to be expected with heavy barrel fouling caused by copper debris?
When you use a rifle frequently more or less debris can accumulate in the barrel. The degree of barrel fouling depends on the material of the bullet and its form. Heavy debris can cause a widening of the barrel and have a loss in precision as a consequence. You can counteract this by using bullets that protect the barrel (e. g. Bionic) and by cleaning the rifle barrel regularly.
How do I find the ideal centerfire rifle cartridge for my purposes?
Many criteria have to be considered when choosing the right centerfire rifle cartridge.
First of all the type of game, then the distance, the calibre, the barrel length, the altitude etc., not to forget the personal preferences of the shooter. In order to support you with your choice of the optimal cartridge we have noted the suitability of every cartridge for the different types of game in the ballistic tables on this website. For your choice of the right RWS special bullet the RWS bullet overview will be very helpful.
What does the ballistic coefficient mean?
The ballistic coefficient (BC) describes the shot-related influences on the slowing down of the bullet due to aerodynamic drag and is therefore a value for the ability of a bullet to overcame aerodynamic drag. This slowing down is dependant on the form and the mass as well as on the velocity of the bullet and the atmospheric density.
What does MRD (GEE) mean?
MRD (most recommended distance) is the point where the bullet trajectory cuts the line of sight the second time. Herewith the bullet may not depart more than 4 cm from the line of sight. When calculating the ballistic tables the sighting height (distance between the centre of the scope and the barrel axis) was assumed to be 5 cm. When the actual sighting height diverges from this value, the most recommended distance (MRD) will also change. In this case the gunsmith should zero-in the rifle anew.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING RWS BULLETS
Where are the RWS special bullets manufactured?
For decades all RWS special bullets have been manufactured at the factory of RUAG Ammotec in Fürth, Germany. Thorough quality control during and after the production assures that only products of excellent quality leave the factory.
Are ID & UNI Classic really the same products as before the change of name?
Yes, for the ID & UNI Classic have been manufactured by RWS since 1972 and distributed worldwide. Thanks to the production over the decades and the consequent further development of these two bullets and their use in RWS centerfire rifle cartridges valuable experience was gathered that has been appreciated for a long time by millions of customers. For this reason look for the brand name RWS and the names ID or UNI Classic with your purchase. This will guarantee you the RWS quality you are used to.
Why has RWS changed the name of the two products ID & UNI Classic?
The change of name was necessary because of an expiring contract. There is nothing to be added to the slogan “New Name – same bullet”.
What does POWER BONDING mean?
With the power bonding the surfaces of the materials tombak and lead are pre-treated with a special fluxing and then fused in an inductive fusion process. The power bonding process assures a very smooth bonding between the lead core and the tombak jacket. This allows a controlled and even mushrooming of the bullet in the game’s body with a residual weight of nearly 100 %. This has 3 essential advantages for the hunter:
- The high residual weight assures a convincing penetration.
- Thus – despite of the mushrooming – a deep action as well as a high probability of bullet exit is being achieved.
- There are hardly any residues of the bullet to be found in the game’s meat.
What are the characteristics of the Rapid-X-Tip bullet tip with the RWS Evolution bullet?
In the rifle it makes the cartridge insensitive to damages that can be caused by loading and assures a smooth feeding of the cartridge. Upon muzzle exit the good aerodynamics support an extended trajectory and assure high impact energy, even at long shooting distances. Upon impact on the game’s body the Rapid-X-Tip contributes to a rapid reaction/opening of the bullet due to the initial deformation. Thus it rapidly and reliably initiates the desired deformation. This assures sufficient energy output with the necessary shock effect even with lighter game.
What is the advantage of a bullet tail with ballistic calotte?
The ballistic calotte in the bullet tail offers the user two essential advantages: First there is the barrel protection. Whereas with many hunting bullets with rigid jacket constructions there is high transversal stress in the barrel, with the Evolution bullet with flexible tail calotte this is largely avoided. Distinctly reduced barrel debris is the result. A further advantage is the improved precision. With this tail construction the powder gases and with it the transmitted energy are centralized towards the centre of the bullet upon muzzle exit. This way asymmetric, precision hindering impulses on the bullet are largely avoided.
What is the advantage of nickel-plating the bullet jacket?
Due to the smooth nickel coat on the tombak jacket the sliding features of the bullet in the barrel are further optimized. A further reduction of debris as well as an increased muzzle velocity is the result.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING AIRGUN PELLETS
Why are there different head diameters with the R10 and the Meisterkugeln?
In air pressure guns the different head diameters from 4.48 to 4.51 mm have varying good shooting results. The most suitable head diameter for the individual gun can only be determined by testing the ammunition.
Can I measure the head diameter for my air pressure gun?
No, the suitable head diameter can only be determined by testing the ammunition.
Is the entry-hole in the target larger when the head diameter is larger?
No, the hole in the target has always got the same size, as the barrel resizes the Diabolo pellet to the same diameter.
What do the different lot numbers on the back of the tin mean?
The lot number is a continuous number from production. All Diabolo pellets with the same lot number are from the same production series.
How many Diabolo pellets have the same lot number?
With the R10 it is 50,000 pieces only in order to assure that the tolerances of the Diabolo pellets from one to another are as small as possible.
Why do the R10 cost more than other Diabolo pellets of the RWS brand?
The cost of production and quality assurance is far higher. There are more production and control steps. Only Diabolo pellets that shoot especially well are offered and sold as R10.
What are air rifle pellets made from?
They are from nearly pure lead with a very small portion of antimony.
After how many shots will my gun be “shot-out”, when will the performance distinctly decrease?
As a last production step the RWS Diabolo pellets are coated with a lubricant, which protects the barrel. A shooting-out of the barrel is practically impossible when the barrel is cleaned regularly.
How long can I store airgun pellets?
For many years when the closing band is unopened and undamaged. With RWS the Diabolo pellets are packed hermetically.
Why are the R10 and Meisterkugeln available in two different weights, 0.53 g and 0.45 g?
The 0.53 g Diabolo pellet is correct for air rifles, but also for air pistols. Because of the lower weight the Diabolo pellet with 0.45 g is clearly faster at the same air consumption. The R10 with 0.45 g is the fastest Diabolo pellet on the market. With air pistols a faster Diabolo pellet can be of advantage, the grouping can be improved as well.