Hunting success is rarely the result of chance, but always the result of careful planning – also in terms of shooting training, equipment, shotgun reliability and the quality of the ammunition selected for the respective hunting purpose. It would be unthinkable if a hunter skimped on this essential factor and the cartridge failed to deliver the desired performance. The moment is gone, the shot has passed.
An experienced ammunition manufacturer like Rottweil (powder production in Rottweil am Neckar, Germany, began back in the 15th century) only chooses extensively tested and selected cases, wadding and powders when selecting suitable components. Even the external "look" is all about the details: the finest, smudge-proof printing on hulls, high-quality packaging and high gloss case heads reflect the premium standard. However, the most important thing for discerning hunters is the consistently high quality of the shotgun shells when fired. The products from the Rottweil Waidmannsheil series provide excellent coverage at all hunting ranges with a wide range of barrel chokes, reliable ignition and payload capability as well as a reliable killing effect.
Of course, the current Rottweil product range includes all common and well-known shotgun cartridges with lead shot in the classic gauges. The most powerful loadings are provided by the magnum cartridges in 12 and 20 gauge for longer chambers, i.e. 3 inch or 76 mm. New here is the Rottweil Waidmannsheil semi-magnum, which also comes in a stylish new packaging design to match the current premium line: this semi-magnum load has been developed to offer the hunter a higher shot payload (40 g) for a normal shotgun in 12 ga with a chamber length of 70 mm. Internal ballistics are specially adapted to these conditions.
Rottweil Waidmannsheil, shotgun shells with environmentally compatible bismuth or soft iron shot
However, the focus of this current product presentation by all4hunters.com will be on lead-free shotgun shells, which have already found a permanent place in the Rottweil catalog and on the shopping lists of many hunters. There is no material that comes close to the physical properties of lead for bullets or shot pellets, or that would be comparable but still affordable (gold would otherwise at least be on the shortlist). However, for reasons of hunting and environmental law, only lead-free ammunition is now permitted when hunting small game near bodies of water (you can find numerous informative articles on the problem and the impending ban on lead in bullets on all4hunters.com).
The lead-free cartridge corresponding to the Waidmannsheil Magnum is called Rottweil Waidmannsheil Magnum Steel and can be used only in steel shot proofed shotguns with a 76-mm chamber – the term "steel" is used here for soft iron shot.
- 12/76 gauge: green plastic case with 25 mm high, nickel-plated head and 36-g load
- 20/76 gauge: yellow plastic case with 16 mm high, nickel-plated head and 28-g load
- Cartridges for shotguns with 76 mm (3") chamber
- in 12/89 gauge as Waidmannsheil Super Magnum Steel with 42-g load
- Special cup wads
- Soft iron shot
- Environmentally friendly / suitable for waterfowl
The steel shot loads are also available in a high velocity version (HV). The Rottweil Waidmannsheil Steel HV comes in five different shot sizes and in 12/70 with 32-g load and in 20/70 with 24-g soft iron shot load.
Key specs of the Rottweil Waidmannsheil Steel HV cartridge
- 12 gauge: green plastic case with 25-mm high, nickel-plated head and 32-g load, available with shot sizes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
- 20 gauge: yellow plastic case with 16-mm high, nickel-plated head and 24-g load, available with shot sizes 2, 3, 4 or 5
- special cup wad
- soft iron shot
- particularly fast (HV)
- environmentally friendly / suitable for waterfowl
Rottweil Waidmannsheil Bismuth, shotgun shells with maximum energy output, long range and reduced travel time
Bismuth is a light grey, soft, rather brittle and non-toxic heavy metal (element symbol BI, atomic number 83), which is used as an alternative to lead in shotgun shells, among many other applications. The Rottweil Waidmannsheil Bismuth cartridges are characterised by an approximately 22 percent higher material density compared to steel shot, which leads to increased effectiveness at greater ranges. The special fiber wad in combination with an H-wad ensures particularly even, rather large-area coverage and improves the hit rate.
These cartridges are also suitable for shotguns that are not steel shot proofed and are independent of the choke type, which increases their versatility. The non-toxic bismuth shot allows for hunting that is kind to both the environment and the hunter's health. With a maximum muzzle velocity of up to 390 m/s, the Rottweil Waidmannheil Bismuth cartridges offer maximum energy output, long range and a reduced travel time for moving game.
- Improved material properties: The shot pellets of the Waidmannsheil Bismuth cartridges are made of pure bismuth with a density of 9.78 g/cm³ and are therefore 22% denser than soft iron. At the same time, they are significantly softer and more malleable.
- Higher hit rate: Thanks to the higher density of bismuth, a larger number of pellets can be used with the same payload compared to lead shot. This increases the number of pellets in the cup and therefore the hit rate.
- More flexibility: 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.
All Rottweil shotshells for hunting and sport can be ordered from well-stocked specialist gun dealers and online against proof of authorisation. Further information can be found on the Rottweil website.
