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Nov 06, 2024

Rottweil Waidmannsheil - new lead-free shotgun shells with bismuth and steel: differences and advantages | all4shooters

The physically favourable properties of lead for shot pellets can hardly be matched by other metals, as many tests have proven. Nevertheless, there is a need for lead-free shotgun shells where this is

The physically favourable properties of lead for shot pellets can hardly be matched by other metals, as many tests have proven. Nevertheless, there is a need for lead-free shotgun shells where this is required by law, for example. In the Rottweil Waidmannsheil hunting cartridge line, there are alternatives with bismuth or soft iron shot, which can also be used in wetlands depending on the intended use: Here is an overview of what to look out for:

Designing shotgun shells for every conceivable hunting purpose is an art in itself. It's all about the shooting distance, the type of game to be hunted, the necessary spread and, for years, finding a replacement for lead, which is actually the ideal material, for environmental reasons. We at all4hunters.com have already reported in detail on the reasons behind the new EU-wide regulation banning lead for hunting in wetlands, for example. Now there are certainly ways to hunt lead-free with the appropriate level of success, as we present here from Rottweil.

The renowned ammunition manufacturer Rottweil produces various lead-free hunting shot cartridges that have a similar energy output and maximum shooting distance compared to lead cartridges, while remaining affordable. The new Rottweil cartridge Bismuth, Magnum Steel and Steel HV series offer a performance and price that is almost on a par with premium lead cartridges. At the same time, the manufacturer's commitment to its top quality line, the Waidmannsheil line, remains unchanged: only extensively tested and selected hulls, wads and powders are used. Just as high quality on the outside: smudge-proof printing on the cases and high-quality packaging as well as high gloss base brass.

The Rottweil "Waidmannsheil Bismuth" cartridges offer around 22 per cent higher material density compared to steel shot, which improves lethality over longer ranges. A specially developed fiber wad, combined with the H-wad, results in particularly even, rather large-area coverage and a better hit rate. These cartridges are also suitable for non-steel proofed shotguns and can be used independently of the choke type, which emphasises their versatility. In addition, the non-toxic bismuth shotshells allow for hunting that is both environmentally friendly and good for hunters' health. With a maximum muzzle velocity (v2.5m) of up to 390 m/s, the Rottweil "Waidmannsheil Bismuth" cartridges offer maximum energy output, long ranges and a reduced travel time for moving targets. The Bisuth cartridges, which are available in packs of 10, in 12 gauge are filled with 32 grams of shot pellets shot pellets with a diameter between 2.5 and 3.7 mm, and in 12/70 wth 28 grams of shot pellets with a diameter between 2.5 and 3.5 mm.

These are the advantages of the new lead-free Rottweil Waidmannsheil shotshells:1. Improved material properties: The shotshells of the Waidmannsheil Bismuth cartridges consist of pure bismuth with a density of 9.78 g/cm³ and are therefore 22 per cent denser than soft iron. At the same time, however, they are significantly softer and more malleable.2. Higher hit rate: Thanks to the higher density of bismuth, a larger shot number can be used with the same pattern compared to lead shot. This increases the number of shots in the cup and therefore the hit rate.3. Greater freedom: The Waidmannsheil Bismuth allows unrestricted hunting with lead-free ammunition for all types of small game - on wetlands, in the forest or in the open field.

Rottweil takes a different approach with its two steel shot cartridges: The ROTTWEIL WAIDMANNSHEIL MAGNUM STEEL shotshells with shot made of high-quality soft iron offer a powerful option for hunters who are looking for maximum penetration and accuracy (to be used only in steel shot proofed shotguns). With their rugged construction and increased bullet energy, these cartridges are particularly suitable for demanding hunting situations and offer reliable performance in a variety of environments. MAGNUM STEEL is available in 12/76 with a 36-gram payload (v2.5m 400 m/s) and in 20/76 with a 28-gram payload (v2.5m 395 m/s), each in 10-shot packs.

The corresponding variant in 12/70 and 20/70 is called ROTTWEIL WAIDMANNSHEIL STEEL HV (HV for High Velocity) and is categorised as a "rapid soft iron cartridge". It is available in 12/70 with a 32-g shot payoad between 2.70 and 3.75 mm in pellet diameter and with a 24-g steel shot payload in 20/70 (2.50 to 3.75 mm shot pellets diameter). Here, too, the shotgun must be proofed for use with steel shot.

One fly in the ointment: unfortunately, the ROTTWEIL BI-LOAD and ROTTWEIL FE-LOAD ammunition types, which have been very well received by customers, will disappear from the market for the time being due to a change in the product range and production (here is a practical report from all4hunters.com). They are already being sold off, so perhaps this is a good time to ask your dealer...

Here you will find further information on all currently available Rottweil hunting and sporting shot cartridges.