Vortek PG2-SHO for HW50S

[DanD]

I submitted a shortened version of this review to the Vortkek site and thought I would share the full-length version on this forum also. I was looking for a standard-power kit for casual plinking, but I'm frugal and was offered a deal on an unused SHO kit from a private seller, so I went for it. Although I would have liked a softer firing cycle, I appreciate the flat trajectory and hunting power offered by the SHO kit. The SHO kit makes this handy rifle one hot little package.

I installed the PG2-SHO and VacSeal on a .177 HW50S that was bought new in late 2014. In stock form, the HW50S averaged 795 with CPL, but had a 40fps spread and still smelled like diesel after hundreds of shots. Upon kit installation, I was not surprised to discovered the OEM piston seal had damage on the face. The gentleman who sold me the kit generously included a sample of Krytox, so I used that instead of the Vortek lube for kit installation. After several hundred shots, the kit has settled in nicely. It has no twang and a very short and sharp shot cycle- sort of reminds me of a cross between a click and a snap. It seems quieter than my 13 ft-lb JM-kitted, short-barrelled  R9, which shoots with more of a "pow" than a snap. The kitted 50S seems less jumpy with a more linear recoil than stock form. A pellet standing on top of the vertical scope turret does not fall off when the rifle is fired from the sitting position or from a soft rest. The stock 50S did not pass the pellet-on-turret test, nor does my 13ft-lb, slightly heavier R9. Cocking effort seems similar to stock but I have no scale to measure it.

Here are some 10 shot strings after several hundred shots through the kit:
JSB Express 7.87gr:
Lo 836.7 Hi 843.8 Avg 839.9 Es 7.11  Sd 2.00  FPE 12.3
JSB RS 7.3gr:
Lo 854.2 Hi 864.5 Avg 859.4 Es 10.21 Sd 4.00  FPE 12.0
CPL washed 7.9gr:
Lo 813.8 Hi 823.6 Avg 817.9 Es 9.81  Sd 3.16  FPE 11.7
Beeman FTS 8.64:
Lo 790.2 Hi 804.1 Avg 797.6 Es 13.86 Sd 4.89  FPE 12.2
Hatsan Vortex Supreme 8.64:
Lo 787.6 Hi 797.4 Avg 793.3 Es 9.75  Sd 2.82  FPE 12.1
Air Arms 4.52 8.44gr:
Lo 794.8 Hi 805.0 Avg 798.7 Es 10.2  Sd 3.31  FPE 12.0

Luckily, the barrel likes JSB Express, Vortex Supreme, JSB RS, and CPL.
In summary, I would definitely recommend this kit to someone looking to hot-up their 50S.
Have fun!
-
Dan D

[RatRacer]

Thanks for the synopsis Dan, and string info.

[reeko]

Thanks, that's very interesting!

[DanD]

1000 shot checkup with JSB Express 7.87:
Hi 827.1, Lo 818.7 Avg 821.0
Es 8.34 Sd 2.64 Avg ft-lbs 11.8
Lost a bit of power but very accurate and fun to shoot.

Several hundred shots after the above results, I shot a 10 shot string averaging almost 850fps with JSB 7.87, possibly due to different chrony lighting conditions. Will try to sort out chrony issues with proper light kit or outdoor results before I update this thread again.

[DanD]

Update, Aug 27, 2015:
The kitted HW50S is wonderfully accurate and a pleasure to shoot. With approximately 2000 shots down the tube, I shot a string of 10 JSB Express outdoors on Aug. 21.

Average velocity: 800.0 fps, SD 3.23, 11.2 ft-lbs average energy.

There was little wind that day, and shooting from a rest, once the holdover and windage were figured out, I could hit a soda can from about 100 yards virtually every single time. I was even able to pick my spots and make groups on the cans.
After 2000 shots, the kit still has enough velocity to reach out, and enough recoil that the gun feels alive and requires consistency, but is mild enough to allow very fine accuracy. I'm very pleased with the gun as it is now, but I wish the kit could have sustained it's initial velocity, even if only for bragging rights and a bit of extra confidence if I take the rifle afield. If the velocity continues to drop, I may try a JM kit or simply drop in replacement Vortek spring as needed.
Thanks for reading and have fun!

[Yak54]

Dan

Just for comparison, my HW50s has the "standard" vortek kit, as opposed to your SHO version, and the average is 774 fps and SD of 2.0 with the JSB 7.87 Express.  Nice shot cycle and very accurate.  Just showing the difference between the two kits.

[DanD]

Dan

Just for comparison, my HW50s has the "standard" vortek kit, as opposed to your SHO version, and the average is 774 fps and SD of 2.0 with the JSB 7.87 Express.  Nice shot cycle and very accurate.  Just showing the difference between the two kits.

Haha. When the spring was new, SHO meant "Super High Output." Now it means "Slightly Higher Output."
It seems if one wanted to primarily hunt with their 50s, the SHO and replacement springs as needed would be the way to go. If the standard Vortek spring has better longevity, it, or a JM kit, might be the best choice for low-maintenance plinking and target shooting.
But who knows, maybe the SHO spring will hold at 800fps for years to come. I plan to find out. And I'll keep y'all posted after the next tin or two of pellets have gone down range.
Have fun!

[Yak54]

Yeah, my standard kit started out at slightly over 800 fps with the JSB Express 7.87, but one tin later it decreased to where it is now.  I hope I don't see any further decrease.  And you probably hope the same with your SHO version.  I'll stay tuned to see what your results are down the road.  Thanks for posting your data.

[cvasquez]

What you guys dont realize is that if your HW50s had a good advanced tune and then the PG kit install it would not lose any power over time. The Honed cylinder would take away all imperfections of out of round and tight flat spots which will wear down a seal every time. It would make the gun more consistant and much less wear and tear along with a smoother shot cycle ,quieter.It isnt cheap but the long range outcome is worth it everytime IF you really like the gun to begin with. When I say hone I mean Sunnen Hone .

[LAalex]

My vorteked Diana 48 displayed a similar pattern.  14.3 gr. pellets were in the low 830's to start and declined to 770's.  After probably 8000 shots it is still holding there, so it seems that after it flattens out the spring has a good long life.  Currently, I hunt with AA 13.4.  With the skirts flared they avg.  around 820-825.  Shot cycle is quick, no torque, I can see the pellet strikes.  I'm a fan, but wish too that the higher power would be maintained.  Even so, the rifle is a squirrel hammer so I'm satisfied.  As far as Sunnen Honing I've heard that you might need to go with an O-ring piston seal.  I think Vortek can supply both. 

Scotty

[uglymike]

I had the PG2 SHO kit in my 97K when I bought it. Lots of power, "snappy" shot cycle, but not something you'd want to cock a hundred times in 1 session. It now has the Macari adjustable kit in it running 12 ft/lbs, much easier to cock, very, very, smooth shot cycle...I prefer the Macari for my purposes.