12 FPE vs 20 FPE

[mwbutcher]

Thanks for the help on this topic for someone who is very green but wanting to learn.

So reading about HFT, I  have noticed that .177 is a good choice due to a  flatter trajectory than other calibers. So my question is, in the US it appears that 20 FPE is allowed for HFT and so following the logic of flatter is better, I am asking about the 12 vs 20.  Is there a significant difference between the two shooting the same weight pellet? Is one preferred over the other?

What got me thinking about this was the AA HFT500 which is 12FPE.

Thanks again
Mark

[grimeszee]

The biggest difference is that the 20FPE guns require less holdover for the longer targets 40-55 yards. Depending on scope height it can be 1 mil-dot versus 3 mil-dot, or you can use a heavier pellet like 10.3 grain instead of 7.9 and it will require less doping from wind shear. just my 2 cents. I have a match this weekend where I will be using a 14 fpe Diana 34 for the first time, I used a 18 fpe PCP before but I wanted to simplify and get the full effect of Field Target with the Springer.

[mwbutcher]

Thank you very much for the reply.  Are all stations sitting on a bucket or does that vary?  I have a heck of a time with the artillery hold with my springer and worry about how to hold on shooting sticks or other positions with the springer.  Pretty much the reason I'm looking into a pcp .177 for be able to play well.

[Gear_Junkie]

I have a heck of a time with the artillery hold with my springer and worry about how to hold on shooting sticks or other positions with the springer.  Pretty much the reason I'm looking into a pcp .177 for be able to play well.

If you are going for a PCP, I would aim for 20fpe for the reasons mentioned above - less holdover and wind correction at longer distances.  For a springer, it's a lot easier to hold and see where the pellet hits the closer you are to 12fpe.

I would also recommend a cheap set of sticks, or make your own out of pvc pipe or wood scrap that you have lying around.  If you get hooked on the sport (and you likely will  ), you can get or make a better pair of sticks.

Good luck!

[grimeszee]

Usually there is at least one forced position lane where you must shoot offhand and kneeling. Don't worry about the offhand that much because that is where most people have trouble. I practice every day at least 30-45 min doing nothing but offhand to build the eye to trigger timing and build the muscles you don't normally use to help stabilize the gun. A pcp may be lighter but it is not any easier to hold on target than a springer, the shot cycle is where it helps some. I have been to events that someone shot a 7/60 and had as much fun as the rest of us, because of the friendships gained and the knowledge of what you need to work on.

[mwbutcher]

Awesome and thank you.  Fun is where it's at for sure.  I appreciate all of the help.

[dan_house]

Also the 20 ft lbs WILL help you drop targets simply because of more engery on target.

And if you split (half the pellet hits the place plate, the other the paddle) with closer to 20 ft lbs sometimes those will still drop a target, where the 12 ft lbs may not....