Time For New Pellets In The 97

[Jonjon79 13,358]

After fitting the new TBT bits to my HW97kt - guide, tophat and short stroke extension - by default, I went straight for the FAPs. These had always worked well in this rifle before.

 

They were fast, flat and, the accuracy was good

 

But, now the rifle felt more snappy than before. The shot cycle is nice and fast but, overall, it's now more hold sensitive.

 

These are the groupings that I got with a cushion, resting on a bench.

 

30yrds is kind of ok but, I'm not at all happy with the 45yrds group.

..... even these groups took a lot of concentration.

 

Time for a think

[Jonjon79 13,358]

After mulling it over for a while, I remembered a thread on another forum from a while back - something about finding the ballance between a springers innards and the size/weight of pellet used.

 

The conclusion was along the lines of heavier steel innards = lighter pellet / lighter, faster innards = heavier pellet.

 

Apparently it translates into a nicer shot cycle.

 

When I thought about it longer, it did start to make sense

 

While my 97 was still original (steel tophat and guide) the FAPs were working well but, JSB Heavies at 10.34gn gave a harsh shot cycle.

 

With that in mind, I decided on a bit of testing.

..... I grabbed 4 different pellets and put through 10 shots of each.

I was looking at the feel of the shot cycle and how they all grouped.....

 

FAPs - 7.33gn - 4.52mm.

I couldn't describe the shot cycle as harsh but, it's definitely snappy.

The hold sensitivity makes the grouping less than I would like.

 

JSB Exact - 8.44gn - 4.52mm.

The shot cycle felt slightly calmer than the FAPs but, the grouping was better.

I could live with using these but, a further improvement would be nice.

I have some 4.53s in the box, I reckon they're worth a try.

 

AA Field - 8.4gn - 4.51mm.

Not much difference in feel to the JBSs but, they did feel a little tighter in the breech.

 

H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme 9.57gn / 4.50mm

These were the most snug fit fit of all of the 4 pellets - not difficult to push in but, they needed seating properly.

The shot cycle felt best of all with this one and, it gave the best group

 

I've got some other pellets that I'm going to test now - FTTs, Bis Mags, JSB Heavies and, any others that I can find in the box around 9-10gn.

 

The weights and sizes were all taken off of the pellet tins and, the groups were shot standing, rested, indoors.

[si brown 8,486]

hunter extremes all the way for me in the 95 jon

they are a proper snug fit but at least they don't fly out when I'm cocking me break barrel and there accurate as feck, I've done in six tins so far!

 

atb si

[Jonjon79 13,358]

hunter extremes all the way for me in the 95 jon

they are a proper snug fit but at least they don't fly out when I'm cocking me break barrel and there accurate as feck, I've done in six tins so far!

 

atb si

I'm quite please that they grouped well in this one mate - I love the impact they deliver

[si brown 8,486]

 

hunter extremes all the way for me in the 95 jon

they are a proper snug fit but at least they don't fly out when I'm cocking me break barrel and there accurate as feck, I've done in six tins so far!

 

atb si

I'm quite please that they grouped well in this one mate - I love the impact they deliver

 

vermin dont especially crows and woodys

[j j m 6,626]

nice grouping

[mattwhite 1,993]

H and N it is then Jon.

Nice tight group that is???

[Jonjon79 13,358]

Cheers guys

 

At the moment, I'm thinking that's the one. It's funny how a pellet changes the feel of the shot cycle but, it's easier to shoot a decent group with them Baracudas.

 

I may be out with it some time soon

[philpot 5,122]

You should be well happy with the H&N group Jon, a killing combination I would say mate.

 

Phil

[Jonjon79 13,358]

You should be well happy with the H&N group Jon, a killing combination I would say mate.

 

Phil

I am happy with them mate but, I still think it's worth trying a few more before I make my mind up

 

.... To be honest, I really didn't expect the pellet to have such an effect on the shot cycle - maybe I've been spending too much time with PCPs

[The one 8,594]

Im looking at the air arms field dablos and thinking turn the scope up 1 inch and your perfect with good grouping

[David.evans 5,323]

Jon you could shoot a fly off a turd with then groupings mate

Great shooting

ATB

[mark williams 7,568]

Jon, lovely shooting mate.

[Jonjon79 13,358]

Im looking at the air arms field dablos and thinking turn the scope up 1 inch and your perfect with good grouping

I did look at one mate

 

But, the way the rifle felt with them, I'm not sure I could reproduce that out in the field. I will be tryong Exacts in 4.53 later though

[Jonjon79 13,358]

Jon you could shoot a fly off a turd with then groupings mate

Great shooting

ATB

Cheers Dave

 

...... I'll be happy with just rats and corvids off the grain silos though mate