What lead-free RWS ammunition is currently available on the market?
RWS offers two different lead-free centerfire rifle cartridge projectile structures: The most important innovation is constituted by our new lead-free RWS EVOLUTION GREEN bullet. A partial fragmentation bullet made of food-safe tin with a clearly defined carcass remainder. The bullet has impressively demonstrated its excellent impact in a large-scale product testing.
For the calibres in which the RWS EVOLUTION GREEN is currently available and for more information on the product, please follow the link.
There is also the RWS HIT bullet. This projectile is designed as a deformation bullet, and is characterised by its particularly impressive take-down of heavy game, its higher residual weight and its outstanding shock effect. The bullet is currently available in the calibres .308 Win. (9,7 g I 150 gr) I .30-06 (10,7 g I 165 gr) I .300 Win. Mag. (10,7 g I 165 gr) I 8 x 57 JS (10,4 g I 160 gr) I 8 x 57 JRS (10,4g | 160) | 9,3 x 62 (16,2 g I 250 gr)
RWS heralds a new era with the DRIVEN HUNT. The lead-free copper deformation bullet has been specially designed to meet the requirements of short-range driven hunts. Its special bullet design with the distinctive round bullet tip ensures immediate mushrooming and high instantaneous impact. The DRIVEN HUNT is available in the calibres .30-06 Spr., .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., 9,3x62, 8x57 IS und 8x57 IRS erhältlich.
Are the test results for the new lead-free RWS EVOLUTION GREEN ammunition already available?
Yes, they are - we already have at our disposal some very practical and meaningful results of our RWS EVOLUTION GREEN product testing. As part of this test, our hunters have provided us with 100 product reviews on the basis of over 900 shots performed in the fall of 2012.
CONCLUSION: 87% of the testers recommend RWS EVOLUTION GREEN to their hunting friends. Lightning-quick impact and long-shot suitability were very well rated.
Why is RWS set on lead-free jacketed projectiles?
The theme of lead-free ammunition has been increasingly gaining coverage in politics and the media. As the European market leader with an internationally established brand, RWS wishes to join in this timely discussion and also offer lead-free ammunition.
It was our aim to develop a “green” projectile, which would offer some real product advantages, esp. in terms of efficacy. The result is our lead-free metal jacketed RWS EVOLUTION GREEN, which presents significant efficacy advantages over the conventional lead-free bullets available on the market has (such as the full-jacket effect). These are particularly notable in an increased instantaneous effect and a secure and steady bullet impact at long-shot distances.
What is the difference between lead-free monolithic bullets and jacketed projectiles?
The manufacturing method is the difference between the two types of bullet. Monolithic bullets are formed by pressing the material through matrixes under high pressure. In contrast, jacketed bullets are deep drawn across several stages of production. In addition, the RWS EVOLUTION GREEN bullet has a pre-fragmented core that helps fragment the bullet and therefore enhances the effects on its target. This design is unique and extremely intricate.
Is RWS going to develop further lead-free projectiles?
There is no question. Of course RWS will develop other unleaded bullets. For instance, it is almost inevitable that additional loads will be released under the EVOLUTION GREEN and HIT marks in the next 1 to 3 years. But there will also be innovative new designs in the unleaded segment. This idea is to allow hunters to select the bullet that best suits their individual requirements! RWS has also developed its own lead-free bullet for driven hunts. The RWS DRIVEN HUNT is particularly suitable for short hunting distances!
When using lead-free bullets, do I need to clean my rifle barrel with chemicals?
When using our RWS EVOLUTION GREEN lead-free bullet, it is not necessary to periodically clean the barrel with chemicals before the changeover or during use. This bullet has a jacket design using the same materials as our bullets that contain lead. Therefore, our EVOLUTION GREEN bullet can be used without difficulty along with bullets containing lead, and only the potential deviation in the point of impact needs to be borne in mind.
It is different with lead-free monolithic solid copper bullets like our RWS HIT. These bullets tend to smear the barrels, which is why we recommend cleaning the rifle barrel with chemicals before the changeover and during use. Please note that, following this basic cleaning, 3-5 fouling shots will be needed before the barrel can once again achieve its usual point of impact and accuracy.
Does the use of RWS EVOLUTION GREEN require an increased cleaning regime for my gun?
When using RWS EVOLUTION GREEN, no increased cleaning effort is required owing to the jacket projectile construction. But if you use bullets made of monolithic brass or copper, then it is advisable to clean the gun very thoroughly.
Can I expect a higher barrel wear and tear as a result of the use of RWS EVOLUTION GREEN?
No. When using the RWS EVOLUTION GREEN bullets, no higher barrel wear and tear is to be expected.
The RWS EVOLUTION GREEN bullet is very light. Why?
The terminal ballistics do not depend on the mass but on the bullet design, which will deliver almost all its energy into the body of the game. The dimensionally stable rear is slightly compressed in front, thereby producing a clean bullet exit hole due to the slightly enlarged bullet cross section.
I have heard that the flesh of the game is severely destroyed when shooting with the EVOLUTION GREEN. Is this true?
The great advantage of the EVOLUTION GREEN is its vastly superior immediate killing effect compared to monolithic lead-free bullets. However, it is quite possible that the results of the immediate effect will be visible in the animal’s flesh. Normally, though, the destruction will not be greater than that caused by a partial fragmentation bullet. The big advantage is that a lot less time is spent looking for the bullet.
The EVOLUTION GREEN is somewhat more expensive than other lead-free cartridges. Why is that?
RWS cartridges are manufactured according to the world’s highest quality criteria and with the most extensive quality controls. This ultimately leads to greater safety for the shooter and better chances of hunting success. The EVOLUTION GREEN has a very elaborate design and certainly offers the best performance among all lead-free bullets. In contrast, the production of excellent jacket bullets is an art that only very few have truly mastered. Make use of the expertise of the most experienced manufacturer when you go hunting. You owe it to yourself!
Unlike RWS, a great many manufacturers use copper as the material for their lead-free bullets. Why does RWS use tin?
The soft copper bullets frequently smear the barrel, which can cause the pressure to rise, resulting in poorer shooting accuracy. The barrel therefore needs to be regularly and thoroughly cleaned with chemicals. In addition, the barrel also requires chemical cleaning before switching back to a conventional bullet.
Do I still need to do such thorough cleaning when I switch to my previous lead core bullet?
The bullet jacket of the EVOLUTION GREEN consists of nickel-plated mild steel (just like the jackets of the H-MANTEL, UNI Classic, ID Classic, etc.). The barrel therefore does not require any special cleaning. Even if a bullet enclosed in a Tombac jacket has just been used, the barrel will not need chemical cleaning.
What are the bullets of the RWS lead-free ammunition range made of?
We use food-safe tin for the bullet cores in the RWS EVOLUTION GREEN. The RWS HIT bullets are monolithic projectiles and are made of electrolytic copper.