RWS pellet tail pits

[KDZ]

I've been shooting 10M AP in my garage range for a few months and just noticed something odd: Shot pellets embedded in (duct seal) pellet trap have a pit in the center of the tail depression. I mostly shoot RWS Basic pellets (7gr), and they do not have these pits before shooting. I dug one out and the flat face is rounded and the whole pellet compressed from the impact.

What are these pits, and is this normal? The AP (FWB P44) shouldn't dent the tail. I suspect the pit develops from the deformation on impact but it seems odd.

Is this why I don't shoot many 10's? (Or 9s for that matter ;0 )

[william]

I have no explanation, but I can assure you of one thing: Having it in your mind is a sure way to prevent yourself from shooting many more 10s or 9s.

[Rover]

You need to get rid of that crappy duct seal and use a box of rags as I told you.

[kevinweiho]

What are these pits, and is this normal? The AP (FWB P44) shouldn't dent the tail. I suspect the pit develops from the deformation on impact but it seems odd.

It’s totally normal. I’ve seen many wadcutter pellets that hit the metal plate on a cone pellet trap that almost completely flattens the pellet with a pit on the back. Don’t fret, as long as your groupings are not shotgun patterns, you’re fine.