RWS Ammunition
About RWS
RWS traces its origins back to 1856 when Heinrich Uttendoerffer began producing ignition charges in his laboratory in Nuremberg.
The company was officially founded in 1886 as Rheinisch-Westfälische Sprengstoff-Aktiengesellschaft (RWS) in Cologne, Germany.
In 1931, RWS became property of Dynamit Nobel, and in August 2022, became part of the Beretta Holding Group as RWS GmbH.
RWS has pioneered innovations like SINTOX, the first low-pollutant and heavy metal-free primer composition introduced over 40 years ago.
Today, RWS operates with approximately 1,400 employees at two German locations and maintains its position as the European market leader for small-caliber ammunition.
Popular RWS Features
German Manufacturing Excellence
- All components including projectiles, cases, and primers are manufactured in-house in Germany for complete quality control.
SINTOX Primer Technology
- Industry-leading heavy metal-free primer composition that reduces environmental impact while maintaining reliability.
Precision Quality Control
- Each cartridge undergoes up to 26 manual checks and 100+ manufacturing operations with laser-supported inspection systems.
Extensive Testing Program
- Daily testing with over 120 shots during production using 2,400 representative firearms across shooting ranges from 10 to 500 meters.
Innovation Leadership
- Over 35 patent families and more than 300 patents demonstrate RWS's commitment to advancing ammunition technology.
Lead-Free Solutions
- Evolution Green line provides lead-free hunting ammunition for environmentally conscious hunters and regulations compliance.
Best-Selling RWS Products
RWS R10 Match Pellets
- Olympic-grade airgun pellets that serve as ISSF official ammunition and the gold standard for competitive air rifle and pistol shooting.
RWS HIT Centerfire Cartridges
- Popular hunting cartridge line recently expanded to include 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5x55 SE calibers for versatile hunting applications.
RWS Evolution Green
- Lead-free hunting ammunition that delivers excellent performance while meeting environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
RWS Driven Hunt
- Specially developed cartridges for driven hunts including short rifle versions optimized for quick target acquisition.
RWS Speed Tip Professional
- High-performance hunting bullets engineered for rapid expansion and deep penetration on medium to large game.
RWS Long Range Match
- Precision long-range cartridges designed for competitive shooting and extreme accuracy at extended distances.
RWS DK (Doppelkern)
- Double-core hunting bullets that provide controlled expansion and weight retention for reliable performance on game.
RWS R50 Rimfire
- Specially developed rimfire cartridges for rapid fire pistol disciplines and precision rimfire competition shooting.
Popular Uses for RWS
Olympic and Competitive Shooting
- RWS R10 Match pellets are the official ammunition for ISSF Olympic shooting events and international air rifle competitions.
Big Game Hunting
- RWS centerfire cartridges like HIT and Speed Tip Professional deliver reliable performance for hunting medium to heavy game animals.
Driven Hunt Applications
- Specialized Driven Hunt line provides quick target acquisition and reliable expansion for fast-paced hunting scenarios.
Long-Range Precision Shooting
- Long Range Match series offers exceptional accuracy for competitive target shooting and precision marksmanship at extended distances.
Law Enforcement and Military
- Professional-grade ammunition serves law enforcement, military personnel, and specialized tactical operations with proven reliability.
RWS FAQs
QUESTION: What makes RWS R10 Match pellets the gold standard for competitive shooting?
ANSWER: RWS R10 Match pellets undergo optoelectronic inspection for absolute consistency and are the official ISSF ammunition for Olympic shooting sports.
QUESTION: How long can I store RWS ammunition before it expires?
ANSWER: RWS ammunition should be used within 10 years of purchase for optimal performance when stored in proper dry conditions.
QUESTION: What is SINTOX primer technology in RWS ammo?
ANSWER: SINTOX is RWS's heavy metal-free primer composition that reduces environmental impact while maintaining reliable ignition performance.
QUESTION: Are RWS cartridges manufactured entirely in Germany?
ANSWER: Yes, all RWS components including projectiles, cases, and primers are manufactured in-house at their German facilities for complete quality control.
QUESTION: Which RWS ammunition is best for lead-free hunting?
ANSWER: RWS Evolution Green line provides lead-free hunting ammunition that delivers excellent performance while meeting environmental regulations.
QUESTION: How many quality checks does each RWS cartridge undergo?
ANSWER: Each RWS cartridge undergoes up to 26 manual checks and over 100 manufacturing operations with extensive quality control processes.
QUESTION: What RWS products work best for driven hunts?
ANSWER: RWS Driven Hunt line is specially developed for driven hunting scenarios and includes short rifle versions for quick target acquisition.
QUESTION: Does RWS make rimfire ammunition for competition shooting?
ANSWER: Yes, RWS R50 rimfire cartridges are specially developed for rapid fire pistol disciplines and precision rimfire competitions.
QUESTION: How extensive is RWS ammunition testing before release?
ANSWER: RWS conducts daily testing with over 120 shots using 2,400 representative firearms across shooting ranges from 10 to 500 meters.
QUESTION: What makes RWS different from other ammunition manufacturers?
ANSWER: RWS combines 166 years of German engineering expertise with over 35 patent families and complete in-house manufacturing for superior quality control.

