Let’s Dive into RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 promise a blend of accuracy and penetration for .177 caliber air rifles. Manufactured by Umarex, these pellets combine a lead body with a steel ball insert, aiming for enhanced performance in both hunting and target shooting. Having spent years in the tactical gear world, I was intrigued by this hybrid design and its potential to outperform standard lead pellets.
My primary interest stemmed from a need for a .177 pellet that could offer improved penetration for pest control around my property. Standard lead pellets often lacked the necessary punch to dispatch larger rodents humanely. I was looking for something that would deliver a quicker, cleaner kill.
Unboxing the RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200, the first thing I noticed was the compact, sturdy packaging. The pellets themselves looked well-formed, with the steel ball visibly embedded in the lead diabolo shape. The weight felt consistent, suggesting good quality control.
Compared to standard lead wadcutter pellets from Crosman and pointed hunting pellets from Gamo, the RWS Power Ball pellets felt noticeably heavier and more robust. I chose these over the others hoping for the increased penetration promised by the steel/lead combination. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – they appeared well-made and ready for testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 at my backyard shooting range, focusing on accuracy and penetration at various distances. The weather was dry and mild, providing ideal conditions for testing. I used a Gamo break barrel air rifle known for its consistent power and accuracy.
The pellets loaded smoothly into the breach and seated well. Initial shots at 10 yards showed good accuracy, with groupings within an inch. However, at 25 yards, the groupings opened up slightly, indicating some inconsistency in flight. Penetration tests into a block of ballistic gel revealed a significant increase compared to standard lead pellets, punching noticeably deeper.
There were no major issues during the first use, but the slight decrease in accuracy at longer distances was a concern. The increased penetration was promising, but consistent accuracy is paramount for ethical hunting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 have held up reasonably well. I have fired approximately 500 rounds with only a few deformed pellets encountered. The pellets still deliver decent penetration on pests, but the accuracy has remained inconsistent beyond 20 yards.
I have observed no significant signs of wear and tear on the pellets themselves, but I have noticed some lead fouling in my air rifle’s barrel. Cleaning the barrel regularly is essential to maintain consistent performance. Compared to my previous experience with H&N Baracuda Hunter pellets, the RWS Power Ball pellets offer better penetration but lack the pinpoint accuracy of the H&N pellets at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200
Specifications
- The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 are .177 caliber pellets designed for air rifles. They weigh approximately 8.1 grains, offering a balance between speed and energy transfer.
- The pellets are constructed from a combination of lead and steel. This hybrid design aims to increase penetration while maintaining reasonable accuracy.
- Each tin contains 200 pellets. This is a standard quantity for air rifle pellets, providing a decent supply for target practice or pest control.
- The pellets have a diabolo shape. This is a common design for air rifle pellets, known for its aerodynamic stability.
- The steel ball insert is the most unique feature, intended to enhance penetration on impact. It concentrates the force into a smaller area. These specifications directly impact the pellet’s performance, affecting accuracy, range, and stopping power.
Performance & Functionality
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 perform adequately for close-range pest control and target shooting. Their main strength lies in their enhanced penetration. The combination of lead and steel delivers noticeably more impact than standard lead pellets.
However, their accuracy is somewhat inconsistent, particularly at longer ranges. Groupings tend to open up beyond 20 yards. I found that these pellets meet expectations for penetration but fall short in terms of long-range accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 feature a simple, functional design. The lead body with a steel ball insert is well-formed and consistent. The pellets load smoothly into most .177 caliber air rifles.
The diabolo shape provides reasonable aerodynamic stability. There is no real learning curve; they are as easy to use as any standard air rifle pellet.
Durability & Maintenance
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 are reasonably durable. They hold their shape well and resist deformation during handling. However, the lead construction does contribute to lead fouling in the air rifle barrel.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the rifle are necessary to ensure consistent performance. The pellets themselves require no special maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 do not come with any specific accessories. As pellets, they are compatible with any .177 caliber air rifle. There are no specific customization options for the pellets themselves.
However, the choice of pellet can influence the overall performance of the air rifle, especially when used in conjunction with aftermarket scopes or other accessories. Properly maintaining the air rifle itself will ensure that the pellet performance is optimal.
Pros and Cons of RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200
Pros
- Enhanced Penetration: The steel ball insert significantly increases penetration compared to standard lead pellets.
- Consistent Weight: The pellets are generally consistent in weight, contributing to reasonable accuracy at close ranges.
- Reliable Ignition: They load and fire reliably in most .177 caliber air rifles, with minimal jams or misfires.
- Suitable for Pest Control: Effective for close-range pest control due to the increased penetration and stopping power.
- Affordable Price Point: Relatively inexpensive compared to other high-performance air rifle pellets.
Cons
- Inconsistent Accuracy: Accuracy degrades significantly beyond 20 yards, making them unsuitable for long-range shooting.
- Lead Fouling: The lead construction contributes to lead fouling in the air rifle barrel, requiring frequent cleaning.
Who Should Buy RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200?
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 are perfect for individuals who need increased penetration for close-range pest control. They are also suitable for casual target shooters who prioritize impact over pinpoint accuracy. These pellets can be very useful for those with lower powered air rifles that need assistance with penetration.
Hunters looking for consistent long-range accuracy should skip this product. Those seeking precision for competitive shooting should also look elsewhere. To get the most out of these pellets, ensure your air rifle is properly maintained and consider using a high-quality scope for improved target acquisition.
Conclusion on RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200
The RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 offer a compelling combination of enhanced penetration and affordability. Their unique steel/lead construction delivers noticeably more impact than standard lead pellets, making them effective for close-range pest control. However, their accuracy is somewhat inconsistent, particularly at longer ranges, limiting their suitability for precision shooting.
Considering their price point and performance, the value proposition is reasonable. They are a cost-effective option for those prioritizing penetration over pinpoint accuracy. I would recommend these pellets to individuals seeking a boost in stopping power for close-range applications.
Ultimately, the RWS 2317414 Power Ball Pellets .177 Pellet Steel/Lead 200 are a specialized pellet that delivers on its promise of increased penetration. If you need that extra punch, give them a try – just be mindful of their limitations at longer distances and be diligent about cleaning your air rifle.