GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: cpool on August 10, 2019, 04:17:31 PM
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As some you know I’m new to springers and finally making some headway into shooting one. Here is the deal I have wished I got 22 instead of 177 ever since I bought this 34. My intentions was too squirrel hunt with it.heres the question should I get another barrel in 22 for this gun or would it make more since to just buy another gun ?
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As some you know I’m new to springers and finally making some headway into shooting one. Here is the deal I have wished I got 22 instead of 177 ever since I bought this 34. My intentions was too squirrel hunt with it.heres the question should I get another barrel in 22 for this gun or would it make more since to just buy another gun ?
If you've got the modding chops, go for a barrel replacement. If not, send it to a tuner and have one installed. OTOH, buying a tuned, used .22 might just do the trick, too.
I'm surprised that you don't like the .177, since I've killed 68 squirrels (pest eradication) with my Weihrauchs, Crosman, and Hammerli 850 thus far this year. Sure, a .22 does provide a larger kill zone, but my guns are more than capable of hitting the mark if I do my part.
Archie (just another 2 cents)
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As some you know I’m new to springers and finally making some headway into shooting one. Here is the deal I have wished I got 22 instead of 177 ever since I bought this 34. My intentions was too squirrel hunt with it.heres the question should I get another barrel in 22 for this gun or would it make more since to just buy another gun ?
If you've got the modding chops, go for a barrel replacement. If not, send it to a tuner and have one installed. OTOH, buying a tuned, used .22 might just do the trick, too.
It’s not that I don’t like the 177 just afraid it’s not enough gun for squirrels. Never shot any with a pellet gun until last year it was a 22 cal pcp . I want to hunt with a springer
I'm surprised that you don't like the .177, since I've killed 68 squirrels (pest eradication) with my Weihrauchs, Crosman, and Hammerli 850 thus far this year. Sure, a .22 does provide a larger kill zone, but my guns are more than capable of hitting the mark if I do my part.
Archie (just another 2 cents)
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It’s not that I don’t like the 177 just afraid it’s not big enough for squirrels killed my first with a pellet gun last year it was 22 cal pcp.
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It's not about the size of the pellet, it's about foot pounds delivered to target accurately. If you know how fast a given weight of pellet is you can figure out the energy being delivered. Then concentrate on accuracy.
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ACCURACY above all else!! A .177 is fine for squirrels with a head shot. I have killed squirrels at forty yards with my 2400KT on CO2, 10 fpe. Many Europeans are limited to 12 fpe muzzle. They use them to take all kinds of game with no problem.
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I second the accuracy over firepower every time. I snap bushy tailed man eating tree rats all the time with my 8lb 177 Hw30s.. Within the 20 yards of my property allows. I've done bunnies upstate at similar distance. Whack em in the head they flip all over the place on short circuited nerves, but they were dead the millisecond the pellet hit their brain. As a kid my father blew the hind quarters off a squirrel with a 12 Guage and it still drug it self along with its front legs trying to get away. It's the classic ever present hunting argument.
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As some you know I’m new to springers and finally making some headway into shooting one. Here is the deal I have wished I got 22 instead of 177 ever since I bought this 34. My intentions was too squirrel hunt with it.heres the question should I get another barrel in 22 for this gun or would it make more since to just buy another gun ?
If you've got the modding chops, go for a barrel replacement. If not, send it to a tuner and have one installed. OTOH, buying a tuned, used .22 might just do the trick, too.
It’s not that I don’t like the 177 just afraid it’s not enough gun for squirrels. Never shot any with a pellet gun until last year it was a 22 cal pcp . I want to hunt with a springer
I'm surprised that you don't like the .177, since I've killed 68 squirrels (pest eradication) with my Weihrauchs, Crosman, and Hammerli 850 thus far this year. Sure, a .22 does provide a larger kill zone, but my guns are more than capable of hitting the mark if I do my part.
Archie (just another 2 cents)
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It’s not that I don’t like the 177 just afraid it’s not big enough for squirrels killed my first with a pellet gun last year it was 22 cal pcp.
Nothing wrong with getting a .22 if that’s what you prefer. But I’ve killed hundred of relatively tough CA ground squirrels with my 12fpe .177 springers and they have plenty of power to do the job with an accurate shot.
R
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Lots of reasons to kill squirrels with a .177. I'll give you another - a couple of years ago a replacement Diana 34 barrel from Umarex was $160. Put that into your equation when calculating what to do. All my airguns are .177 and I can tell you from experience a head shot is instantly fatal to a ground squirrel, even at forty yards. I think they're just as dead hit by a .177 as they would be hit with a .22.
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Another thing NCED will eventually chime in on is flatter 177 trajectory makes shots easier over a distance. 22 might pack more wallop but you actually have to hit them in the right place to make it worth anything. I'd rather hit them in the head with a 177 pellet than the belly with a 22 cal pellet. Both will be lethal but you'll probably only recover one.
My point is head shots are easier to make with 177 as opposed to 22
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After white fang worked on my gun and reading and watching videos I’ve improved a bunch with shooting this gun. Trying some different pellets to make sure I’m shooting the best one. Dome is all I’ve shot if I understand right that is the most accurate?
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Domes usually are the most accurate past 20 yards. There are lots of different domes to try. Some rifles will like one better than the rest. Other rifles are more forgiving. Your rifle should respond well to a mid weight pellets 8-10 grains.
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Ahhh just get another gun, you know you want to! ;D
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Theirs a guy out in CA who shoots ground squirrels with FWB300s running 650fps with 8.44gr JSB's and has no issues taking them out at 45 to 50yds with a well placed head shot! I'm sure ur 34 is running about 200fps faster then that! :o
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Buy another any way. Cant' have to many . No enablers here
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I’ll just have to give it a try after some more practice
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Dude, a lot of people chimed in with their opinions, experiences and stories so let me add my 2 cents. I been shooting for a long time and in the begining when I actually got into airguns, now this is after the crosman & daisy pumpers, I fell for the speed hype. I bought a NPXL 1500 which supposed shot 1500fps. It was crosman's nitro piston break barrel and it was a .177. I had soooo many issues from the rip and if it wasnt for this and other airgun forums, well I would've be up s--t creek. I redid the barrel washers with the brass ones, I got the centering thing for the ram and a CDT trigger. Yeah those things made the rifle just a tad better and the artillery hold and getting the paralax adjusting situated which is a whole other deal. But when I started reading, asking questions and getting responses, I saved up and bought me a HW95 in 22cal, then I got a RX2 in 20cal, then I got a AA Prosport in 177cal then a RWS 54 AirKing in 22cal. Do you see the trend? German and Brittish. I love em and caliber is really just a preference. I never knew a squirrel at 30yds or a ground hog at 75yds (with my RX) could tell the difference between any caliber. But I'm pretty sure they would know the difference of a missed placed shot. I am confident in all my calibers and I wish I never sold my 95. Why? It was light, easy to cock, had open sights and accurate. My other rifles are not heavy, until you start lugging them around in the field for a while and fatigue will create missed shots and therefore a wounded animal. Basically what I am saying is don't get caught up in the calibers. If you want a 177, then buy a rifle in 177, preferably a HW or AA but none the less, learn your rifle and with some practice it will be second nature as to your shot placement. You have a good pedigree rifle. Learn it and enjoy it. Believe me when I tell you this, 9 out of 10 its not going to be your last.
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Theirs a guy out in CA who shoots ground squirrels with FWB300s running 650fps with 8.44gr JSB's and has no issues taking them out at 45 to 50yds with a well placed head shot! I'm sure ur 34 is running about 200fps faster then that! :o
Who ever that guy is, I'd like to shoot my FWB 300s with him.
Sounds like a good time!
No more red squirrels around here. ::)
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A 34 in .177 will kill em just as dead as .22....
Maybe deader because the .177 will not give you a false sense of security where you think the bigger pellet will override imprecise shot placement- it won't. Don't just aim at the head, aim at a tiny spot on the head where the pellet will pass through the center of the brain at your given angle. Or aim at a tiny spot on the body where the pellet will pass through both lungs.
Also the flatter shooting .177 has a longer point blank range and less dramatic holdover at longer distances.
My goto squirrel gun is a chopped R9 in .177 that shot around 13.5 ft-lbs in my prime hunting days. It hit where I aimed and did not disappoint.
Not saying theres anything wrong with .22, just that you already have an excellent tool for the job.
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200+ tree rats (I stopped counting at about 200+) in less than 2 years with .177...
Shot placement is key, so accuracy is also key. Most were taken from 15-35 yards, but there were also quite a few from 30+ to 55 yards.
.177 is a good caliber for tree rats. Head shots are not a must, but do make for a clean DRT kill.
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You could ask Flying Dragon for a .22 B25 barrel. Maybe around 60$? It could be that the 34 will have a more agreeable shot cycle for you with a .22 barrel. But keep in mind you might have to clean up the Chinese barrel.
How far away are you shooting them? I just brained a rodent yesterday at 12 yards with a .25- but I put this gun together with yard distances in mind.
Also, the scope mount that comes in the 34p Kit is to high.
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Just an hour ago I shot a red squirrel with D34 T06 .177 tuned to 12 ft/lbs. Laser ranged him @ 38yrds., put one CPHP thru the front shoulder, dead when he hit the ground. It's more about accuracy and confidence with what range you can hit a nickel 8 out of 10 times IMHO.
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Just an hour ago I shot a red squirrel with D34 T06 .177 tuned to 12 ft/lbs. Laser ranged him @ 38yrds., put one CPHP thru the front shoulder, dead when he hit the ground. It's more about accuracy and confidence with what range you can hit a nickel 8 out of 10 times IMHO.
+1
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I said my FWB Sport was my "hunting gun" (and it is in .177) because of the scope on it--not the caliber. It goes in the rifle bag when it's time to kill what has to be killed, not either HW35E!
So since I have more rifles than you have I'll tell you how it happens and how owning one never solves owning all. You'll get down to the brass tacks seeing why you like this rifle for this and this rifle for that. You'll get to the point of liking a rifle over another exact one in the same or different caliber because of balance and trigger and stock and such. You'll appreciate all caveats mentioned by fellow owners about each rifle and its peculiarities and then you become ONE WITH US!
You'll have an armory and you'll want more..... ;)
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^ I am guilty ^
True words John...
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Just an hour ago I shot a red squirrel with D34 T06 .177 tuned to 12 ft/lbs. Laser ranged him @ 38yrds., put one CPHP thru the front shoulder, dead when he hit the ground. It's more about accuracy and confidence with what range you can hit a nickel 8 out of 10 times IMHO.
This is what I strive for. I do it all only standing and off-hand with every rifle. I know which rifle will do what at 25-35 yards this way, the most common way you will spot and shoot in the quickest way possible. If there is time for a landscape supported shot to steady the off-hand heartbeat and breathing and wiggle in the cheek(!) I will of course resort to it; but taking up a stronger position is a flowing process into the landscape and whatever is there I'll use like the coyotes I've hunted!
Yes the JOY of finding out the process of learning springers is rotating a multitude of springers through your arms and shooting them. Each one has its OWN way of becoming ONE WITH YOU!! ;)
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simpler and easier to buy another gun but if you get another gun get something else. you already have a 34.
or try some heavier .177 pellets. might get similar results as a .22.
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After white fang worked on my gun and reading and watching videos I’ve improved a bunch with shooting this gun. Trying some different pellets to make sure I’m shooting the best one. Dome is all I’ve shot if I understand right that is the most accurate?
When I got my Bone Collector I bought a LOT of different kinds and weights of pellets. I even got several different sample packs.
I was all over the place. Couldn't group no matter how hard I tried from ANY range.
When I tried the Gamo Red Fire(poly mag look alike) BANG. Laser accurate. From 30 yards 3 out of 5 on the head of a roofing nail. From 50 yards into a PVC pill bottle packed with sand. I haven't even tried another pellet since the 1st Red Fire.
Every gun is different.
Steve
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Jmo......to me, it makes more sense to sell (if you want) the one you don't like then buy one that you DO want.
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Deciding between .177 or .22? Get a .20 and get the best of both worlds! or get one in each caliber and have fun!
People will tell you that .177 shoots a flatter trajectory than .22 but then they same in regards to .20 vs .22 also .22 vs .25.
So what's that point supposed to mean? Yeah get what suits your fancy. If most of your shooting will be under 50 yards, I'd say forget about trajectory curve. IMO though, .22 cal is a very nice springer caliber.
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Thanks everyone more confused than ever.
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As some you know I’m new to springers and finally making some headway into shooting one. Here is the deal I have wished I got 22 instead of 177 ever since I bought this 34. My intentions was too squirrel hunt with it.heres the question should I get another barrel in 22 for this gun or would it make more since to just buy another gun ?
Hummm.....I started with a .177 Beeman R9 (HW95 with different stock & such) which worked great for my WV squirrel hunting. Then I drank the "bigger pellet mo betta" Coolaid and bought a .20 cal Beeman R9. LOL....the .20 cal pellet didn't work better on squirrels than the .177 pellet, matter of fact the results were worse due to the loopier trajectory that made the proper holdover past my 30 yard zero problematic with my "range guestimation skills". I then bought a used .22 cal R1 barrel (the R9 didn't come in .22 cal), sent the barrel it off to be professionally "chopped and choked" and also found that it didn't work any better on squirrels than the .177. I ended up selling both the .20 and .22 barrels, reverted back to .177 cal never to look back!
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Deciding between .177 or .22? Get a .20 and get the best of both worlds! or get one in each caliber and have fun!
People will tell you that .177 shoots a flatter trajectory than .22 but then they same in regards to .20 vs .22 also .22 vs .25.
So what's that point supposed to mean? Yeah get what suits your fancy. If most of your shooting will be under 50 yards, I'd say forget about trajectory curve. IMO though, .22 cal is a very nice springer caliber.
"So what's that point supposed to mean? "
LOL....I found that an "off the mark hit" with the .20 and .22 pellet (don't know about .25s) isn't as good as an "on the mark hit" with a .177 pellet.
When I shot both .20 and .22 barrels mounted on my Beeman R9 (.20 for a year and .22 for six months) my "hit to retrieve ratio" decreased vs the .177 when shooting beyond my 30 yard zero distance, however out to 30 yards it didn't make any difference if the pellet were .177, .20 or .22.
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Thanks everyone more confused than ever.
While other people’s opinions do count for something, in the end you will never know if you will like a caliber or gun until you try it. Some have tried .22 and gone back to .177, others have liked .22 or .20 much better. Unfortunately there is no substitute for trying. Some guns shoot one caliber smoother/softer/quicker/better than the other. Generally, I’ve found .177 to be snappier and .22 to be smoother. Most people don’t know what they prefer until they have tried it and what they like will often also dictate what they are better at regardless of the technical attributes. Enjoy the journey!
-Marty
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Thanks everyone more confused than ever.
While other people’s opinions do count for something, in the end you will never know if you will like a caliber or gun until you try it. Some have tried .22 and gone back to .177, others have liked .22 or .20 much better. Unfortunately there is no substitute for trying. Some guns shoot one caliber smoother/softer/quicker/better than the other. Generally, I’ve found .177 to be snappier and .22 to be smoother. Most people don’t know what they prefer until they have tried it and what they like will often also dictate what they are better at regardless of the technical attributes. Enjoy the journey!
-Marty
Buy what you *think* you want. Your *second* gun will most likely be more satisfying.
When I bought my first boat, I *thought* I knew what I wanted... after a few years with that first boat, I KNEW what I did NOT want!
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It's odd I'd come back from the R1/HW80 design to order another HW30S in .22, and the advertised velocity is about 130 m/s (429 f.p.s.) and the .177 HW30 I already have is around R7 levels.
I shot up over 100 pellets this morning from my HW30 .177 using HN pistol match wadcutters at 1.5" steel at 30 yards seeing that if I hit the steel precisely it whips up to the "hit" position quite smartly. The fact the rifle weighs only 5 pounds or something made this tremendous shooting session end easily without any fatigue.
So then I took out my R7 .177 and shot up 50 more of the same pellets with the same results, only the HW30 is a bit smoother being Vortexed.
Then I took out the HW50S .22 and shot up 50 .22s in JSB Exact regular weights and that rifle did it all as well but with more spring and loudness but not necessarily knocking the steel any better than the other two rifles.
Last night I took out my HW97K .20 and shot the HEAVIES I was mentioning earlier, and it was such a switch to go to a thumbhole stable gun I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was to shoot offhand, but the weight still gets to me and shooting sessions are limited in time.
Now we here what nced's experiences said to him and I am affirming the precision of the shot seems most likely coming from a low velocity HW30 rather than the FWB or HW80, so out to 30 yards there is no reason to use any more power or "flatter trajectory" to hit precisely in an off hand hold.
For hunting I like bigger holes and substantial pellets which the .20 and .22 do have. Is the .20 better than the .177? Is the .22 Better than the .20?
I've seen regular .22 Long Rifle Hollow Points fail to kill squirrels while the .22 Magnum rips them all apart right there in place.
I've seen PCP .22s kill squirrels and nail them ON THE SPOT faster than .22 Long Rifles.
How can a PCP .22 kill a squirrel faster than a .22 RF? Because it doesn't just go in and out. I don't remember exit wounds using the PCP .22 (Tarantula, Black Widow FX) and because it had a moderator it was the neatest thing in the world to shoot! The pellet obviously smashed itself to pieces or a huge mushroom inside the squirrels to anchor them so fast--with all the heat of deformation the pellet dumped and transferred to the inside of the varmint.
However, nced, I would enjoy an up to date today report on your revisiting the .22 and .20 just to see if there is something else happening. I know you have an HW95 and an R9, and I've got the .177 R9 and think of you when I am using it because of your fondness for it. But, what about getting another report using an HW97K?
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....and sometimes one just falls into your lap that was completely unsuspected, but checks all the boxes.
1989 Beeman R10 Deluxe, Santa Rosa, .20... jaw dropper.
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"One in the hand is worth two in the bush"..
If you've gotten comfortable and can shoot your .177 then you are already that far ahead of the game. You never know what might be in the next box of chocolates you open. The 34 has a great following.. this many people can't all be wrong.
The .177 is plenty to take out small game. What pellets are you using? Try a few heavier pellets if it will ease your mind.
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I’m shooting 8.44 jsb. It really bothers me to cripple a animal and it get away. Ive had this gun for several years but would not take it hunting because I just didn’t think it would kill a squirrel . I’m starting to really enjoy shooting break barrels after I’ve finally figured out how to shoot them. 25 yards is about-my max hunting I shoot farther in the back yard
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Shot placement is key no matter what caliber you choose. Head or heart and lungs. You can shoot a squirrel in his hind quarter with a .25 or .30 and not stop him. They are quite resilient.
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Shot placement is key no matter what caliber you choose.
Truer words have never been spoken. ;)
If you can hit where you aim who cares of the caliber... considering the SIZE of the prey.
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I’ve found out the .177 will kill squirrels had pretty good luck the last week and a half it still makes me wonder if a .22 would be better. Thanks for all the advise
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Congrats a .177 will take a tree rat. as well as a .22.
now ask yourself... "what about a .20?"
Ohhhh.... did I just go there?
(Enablers anonymous)
;D
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*Edit*
What ... me worry?
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I’ve already been wondering about a .20
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Muh Ha HAAAA.
Do it.
There is a following of that caliber for a reason.
... and I drank the kool-aid and really like the taste.
;)
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Arrow Up^! ;D
You won't be disappointed learning a thing or two about the real .20 after you get it, and then you will understand. The dissers of the .20 didn't own one or made a point to throw a monkey wrench in the works for the tiny .177. They gave up!
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Muh Ha HAAAA.
Do it.
There is a following of that caliber for a reason.
... and I drank the kool-aid and really like the taste.
;)
But, will a .20 also "wax my cat"? LOL!
I think you really need a .45 for Squirrels so you don't have to worry about finding the carcass. (grin)
(ducking and running)
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Shot placement is key no matter what caliber you choose. Head or heart and lungs. You can shoot a squirrel in his hind quarter with a .25 or .30 and not stop him. They are quite resilient.
I saw a squirrel get its back half run over and smashed by a car. The squirrel then dragged itself off into the woods with its front legs.
Yeah, tough.
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What's harder to kill, a rat or a squirrel? I kill rats at 7 yards at night with my low end Crosman 760 and 8 pumps using RWS Meisterkugeln rifle pellets in .177. I'm going back to working with my old Crosman Phantom .177 springer, as I can eaisily extend my range to 10-15 ysrds or more.
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I shot a squirrel a few days back, in my yard on my fir trees next to the fence. At the time I had the HW30S .22 target practicing and this squirrel proved himself to trespass into our yard where two Great Danes and a rescue pup play. I didn't want to shoot it but my head said the dogs are likely to get involved with this squirrel since the fence is over 6' high by a wide margin where a Great Dane might try to leap out of the yard. Marmaduke, my Fawn Great Dane puppy boy weighs 200 lbs without an ounce of fat, and all the dogs chase the squirrels when they see them.
So I shot half heartedly and the squirrel got hit in the body center of mass for the usual fast shot without trying to aim for a moving head and he went to heaven. I felt a bit dirty like I did in kid times shooting birds and other things starting out with the pellet rifle, and it took me four days to get over killing a squirrel believe it or not. I have bad memories of what pellet guns in the hands of boys can do because I was not "innocent" in being careful what kind of bird I shot.
I have seen squirrels run to their holes after being shot with .22 Long Rifle Hollow Points in BOTH lungs and know they can be harder to kill than a bigger rabbit.
Point is the HW30S .22 decked him with a body hit at 15 yards.
The HW30S in .22 is just like an R7 in .22 by the way--anyone got one? I'll attest they are BETTER in .22.
Yes get the springer from HW30S/R7 to R1/HW80. In this region there IS a springer that will more than cure your need for quality and longevity. I've already shot my .22 HW30S through two cans of .22s (500). It just works finer the more pellets that run through it. Breaking in the .25 HW95L has been JUST as enjoyable--all my springers are cherished and remember,
I AM THE SPRINGER MAN! ::)
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What's harder to kill, a rat or a squirrel? I kill rats at 7 yards at night with my low end Crosman 760 and 8 pumps using RWS Meisterkugeln rifle pellets in .177. I'm going back to working with my old Crosman Phantom .177 springer, as I can eaisily extend my range to 10-15 ysrds or more.
My brother and I have hunted rats in the feeding barn of my uncles sheep farm and I shot all rats at close ranges in the head with my .177 R9 and never had a "run away". My brother on the other hand frequently hunted rats at the "sheep feeding barn" and advised me to only take head shots because he never double lunged a rat and not had it get back to the hole it came out of. Anywhoo, my brother claimed that a rat was harder to take out than a squirrel.
I do wonder if that is an "individual squirrel thing". I've had squirrels drop with a "double lung hit" from a hard lead .177 dome (full penetration) and not move more than a foot from where it hit the ground. I also watched my brother hit a grey squirrel through both lungs with a .22 hollowpoint and still travel about 20 yards before dying when starting to climb up an oak tree.
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head-shots work. Always.
Never had one let me down on a squirrel whether a .177 barely pushing 10 FPE or my Mosin.
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I stopped head shots sometime ago back when because it's like shooting deer with a beautiful rack in the head to explode what's the most individual portion of anybody animal or not. Heads are the center of the thinking and seat of the soul and such. I feel better not exploding brains and eyes and skull apart into a horror film. I'd rather shoot where I can get the shot either center of mass for full delivery of impact. If the caliber is too small to kill by this method at 15 yards by not hitting the brain then it is a worthless hunting or killing gun to me.
The last time I purposely shot a squirrel in the head was because I only had a Benjamin pump up .22 pistol and I doubted its ability to even reach the head!
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I understand that view, john. I only hunt for food or fastest-possible-execution of the pest. No sporting shots here- never cared to store a dead-critter head (unless I run into a real jackalope!)The headshot does it fastest, even on the "fight-or-flight" squirrels. They may try to run but the brain is dead. I'll add that an accurate 12 FPE springer is 10-times more useful than a 20-FPE springer. When you can pre-call the eye-socket or ear-canal at 15, 20, or 30 or more yards and drill it, critter goes down.
Now I'll add that when I bow-hunt, I go for heart-lung shots.
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I do wonder if that is an "individual squirrel thing". I've had squirrels drop with a "double lung hit" from a hard lead .177 dome (full penetration) and not move more than a foot from where it hit the ground. I also watched my brother hit a grey squirrel through both lungs with a .22 hollowpoint and still travel about 20 yards before dying when starting to climb up an oak tree.
I have experienced the same thing. Ground squirrels are even tougher.
Sometimes they will go right down with no movement what so ever. You think their dead and all of a sudden they get a second wind and start trying to crawl off.
Head shots do always work but the amount of blood and reflexes can be something else!
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head-shots work. Always.
Never had one let me down on a squirrel whether a .177 barely pushing 10 FPE or my Mosin.
Squirrel head shot with a Mosin?
Dude I wanna hang with you!!
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Squirrel head shots with my 8lb 177 Hw30. All the time. Takes them out immediately, but there's always the dead chicken dance afterwards. It looks terrible to the soft hearted but the critter was immediately dead and felt nothing. All the theatrics are just nerves cooking off. In scale if someone shot a baseball through your brain, you'd flail a bunch but you never felt anything but maybe the initial impact. Head shots are by far the most "humane" way to shoot an animal. IF, you can make the shot. If you can't, double lung it. But know this it may drop immediately, but it will die drowning slowly in its own blood. Bottom line you shouldn't take bad shots on animals if you care about their pain.
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head-shots work. Always.
Never had one let me down on a squirrel whether a .177 barely pushing 10 FPE or my Mosin.
Squirrel head shot with a Mosin?
Dude I wanna hang with you!!
Isn't 7.62x54R overkill ? LOL :)
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Different Mosin me thinks...
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I've shot red squirrels with 177, 20, and 22. But I only take head shots, and it makes no difference on the 60 or so that I've eliminated from my yard. But you also have to have faith in the rifle and its ability to do the job. So if you don't think the .177 will work, get a .22, or a .20 (love the 20 but don't have one). Now I may get beaten up on for saying what I am about to say, but if you get a .22 you should sell the 177. Every gun is a little bit different even in the same model, so having 1 gun, and having all your shooting with that 1 gun will make you better with that gun. Once you've mastered that gun you can start a collection if you like. I've got 2, but only use one, the other one is collecting dust, it hasn't been shot since I got my hw95 (in .177 by the way). And somebody suggested getting a .22 barrel and replacing the barrel on your current gun, that might be best since you're already used to the feel of the stock, trigger, etc. Just my opinion.
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What's the old saying, beware the man with only one gun. ;D
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I've shot red squirrels with 177, 20, and 22. But I only take head shots, and it makes no difference on the 60 or so that I've eliminated from my yard. But you also have to have faith in the rifle and its ability to do the job. So if you don't think the .177 will work, get a .22, or a .20 (love the 20 but don't have one). Now I may get beaten up on for saying what I am about to say, but if you get a .22 you should sell the 177. Every gun is a little bit different even in the same model, so having 1 gun, and having all your shooting with that 1 gun will make you better with that gun. Once you've mastered that gun you can start a collection if you like. I've got 2, but only use one, the other one is collecting dust, it hasn't been shot since I got my hw95 (in .177 by the way). And somebody suggested getting a .22 barrel and replacing the barrel on your current gun, that might be best since you're already used to the feel of the stock, trigger, etc. Just my opinion.
Love my Hw95 in 177! I've considered rebarreling it to 22 or 20. I've since collected a RX1 in 20 and have squashed the idea of rebarreling the 95. The Rx1 has much more power to drive the 20 caliber but its trajectory has nixed the idea of a lower powered 95 with the same or larger caliber.
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Thanks
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Chuck, if in want of a nice, light+ mid powered hunter; give a HW50s a go in .22
Mine w/vortex is smooth& assertive ! 30yds .w/peeps, 45 scoped w/Hawke 2x7... Easy peasy.
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I’m shooting 8.44 jsb. It really bothers me to cripple a animal and it get away. Ive had this gun for several years but would not take it hunting because I just didn’t think it would kill a squirrel . I’m starting to really enjoy shooting break barrels after I’ve finally figured out how to shoot them. 25 yards is about-my max hunting I shoot farther in the back yard
My R10 (a PCP) likes both the 8.44 and 10.34 JSB. But my .177 CFX loved the 8.4 and 9.3 grain RWS wadcutters, and they really did the job to 40 yards if needed. Me and a few others on the GTA will swear that wadcutters are awesome on squirrels. My impression is that for the same shot, the wadcutter has the higher likelihood of causing fatal bleeding because of its efficient cutting action. If you can shoot those well (or hopefully better than the JSB), then that might put the joy back into hunting the squirrels.
Accuracy is crucial. I've taken almost 1100 gray squirrels out of my yard and with the passing of time I'm only becoming more dangerous to the squirrels. Sometimes I flub a shot too, but it's becoming rare.
When I started eight years ago, I was barely doing 20 yards well. I had tested bunches of pellets to find what the CFX liked. Most of my kills were 15 and 20 yards. After a bit, 25 yards was a reliable shot, but I avoided 30 yards for just the reason you note--I couldn't depend on a reliable hit, even off a rest. Time passed and 30, 35, and 45 yards became new and then old limits. Now, 30 yards, standing with a shooting stick--no problem.
And .177 for hunting? I do ground hogs with the R10 too. It is shooting the 10.34 gr JSB at 915 FPS and has killed them at 56 yards. Head shots, of course. (Even the CFX got a wood chuck once--I was visiting a relative and went after one that showed up in the yard. Ambushed it at 20 yards and killed it with a .177 Crosman Ultra Magnum to the head.)
For any rifle, it comes down to what you and the rifle can shoot well. Find what it likes and keep practicing.
I mentioned I shoot with a shooting stick--actually is it just a piece of 1/2" EMT. It helps me a lot and is way more convenient and appropriate for me than bipod. I wouldn't be getting so many squirrels without it. Are you using anything to help with the shots?
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I’m shooting 8.44 jsb. It really bothers me to cripple a animal and it get away. Ive had this gun for several years but would not take it hunting because I just didn’t think it would kill a squirrel . I’m starting to really enjoy shooting break barrels after I’ve finally figured out how to shoot them. 25 yards is about-my max hunting I shoot farther in the back yard
My R10 (a PCP) likes both the 8.44 and 10.34 JSB. But my .177 CFX loved the 8.4 and 9.3 grain RWS wadcutters, and they really did the job to 40 yards if needed. Me and a few others on the GTA will swear that wadcutters are awesome on squirrels. My impression is that for the same shot, the wadcutter has the higher likelihood of causing fatal bleeding because of its efficient cutting action. If you can shoot those well (or hopefully better than the JSB), then that might put the joy back into hunting the squirrels.
Accuracy is crucial. I've taken almost 1100 gray squirrels out of my yard and with the passing of time I'm only becoming more dangerous to the squirrels. Sometimes I flub a shot too, but it's becoming rare.
When I started eight years ago, I was barely doing 20 yards well. I had tested bunches of pellets to find what the CFX liked. Most of my kills were 15 and 20 yards. After a bit, 25 yards was a reliable shot, but I avoided 30 yards for just the reason you note--I couldn't depend on a reliable hit, even off a rest. Time passed and 30, 35, and 45 yards became new and then old limits. Now, 30 yards, standing with a shooting stick--no problem.
And .177 for hunting? I do ground hogs with the R10 too. It is shooting the 10.34 gr JSB at 915 FPS and has killed them at 56 yards. Head shots, of course. (Even the CFX got a wood chuck once--I was visiting a relative and went after one that showed up in the yard. Ambushed it at 20 yards and killed it with a .177 Crosman Ultra Magnum to the head.)
For any rifle, it comes down to what you and the rifle can shoot well. Find what it likes and keep practicing.
I mentioned I shoot with a shooting stick--actually is it just a piece of 1/2" EMT. It helps me a lot and is way more convenient and appropriate for me than bipod. I wouldn't be getting so many squirrels without it. Are you using anything to help with the shots?
That's incredible: approximately 125 kills per year!!!! I'm impressed, envious, and now committed to report something similar 7.25 years from now--seriously.
I thought my squirrel population was high; but since Jan 2, I've eradicated 68 and thought that was pretty good. Looks like I've got to up my game. :)
Awesome post,
Archie
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I’m shooting 8.44 jsb. It really bothers me to cripple a animal and it get away. Ive had this gun for several years but would not take it hunting because I just didn’t think it would kill a squirrel . I’m starting to really enjoy shooting break barrels after I’ve finally figured out how to shoot them. 25 yards is about-my max hunting I shoot farther in the back yard
My R10 (a PCP) likes both the 8.44 and 10.34 JSB. But my .177 CFX loved the 8.4 and 9.3 grain RWS wadcutters, and they really did the job to 40 yards if needed. Me and a few others on the GTA will swear that wadcutters are awesome on squirrels. My impression is that for the same shot, the wadcutter has the higher likelihood of causing fatal bleeding because of its efficient cutting action. If you can shoot those well (or hopefully better than the JSB), then that might put the joy back into hunting the squirrels.
Accuracy is crucial. I've taken almost 1100 gray squirrels out of my yard and with the passing of time I'm only becoming more dangerous to the squirrels. Sometimes I flub a shot too, but it's becoming rare.
When I started eight years ago, I was barely doing 20 yards well. I had tested bunches of pellets to find what the CFX liked. Most of my kills were 15 and 20 yards. After a bit, 25 yards was a reliable shot, but I avoided 30 yards for just the reason you note--I couldn't depend on a reliable hit, even off a rest. Time passed and 30, 35, and 45 yards became new and then old limits. Now, 30 yards, standing with a shooting stick--no problem.
And .177 for hunting? I do ground hogs with the R10 too. It is shooting the 10.34 gr JSB at 915 FPS and has killed them at 56 yards. Head shots, of course. (Even the CFX got a wood chuck once--I was visiting a relative and went after one that showed up in the yard. Ambushed it at 20 yards and killed it with a .177 Crosman Ultra Magnum to the head.)
For any rifle, it comes down to what you and the rifle can shoot well. Find what it likes and keep practicing.
I mentioned I shoot with a shooting stick--actually is it just a piece of 1/2" EMT. It helps me a lot and is way more convenient and appropriate for me than bipod. I wouldn't be getting so many squirrels without it. Are you using anything to help with the shots?
That's incredible: approximately 125 kills per year!!!! I'm impressed, envious, and now committed to report something similar 7.25 years from now--seriously.
I thought my squirrel population was high; but since Jan 2, I've eradicated 68 and thought that was pretty good. Looks like I've got to up my game. :)
Awesome post,
Archie
Say..Archie......You and Mole2017... are ...BOTH ...Awesome in my book.
Very Good Shooting ...for Both of You Guys !
And To Chuck..The O.P. of this post .....Springers-Are-Us....at my house ;D
I have got Springers with more than one barrel that will fit the same gun. :o
Best Wishes My Friends - Tom
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Yeah that's a shocking total. I would not have thought it would get that high when I started, but after about the first 60 I thought I might loose count or nobody would believe it, etc. So I started a spreadsheet. They're all in there...interesting data too. I can look at seasonal patterns and such.
As for the average, early on it wasn't as high as it has been the last three years. I think the R10 really improved my efficiency: the average of the last three years has been about 140, whereas the first five years with the CFX were closer to 105 on average.
But there is a catch of sorts: I collect mine all year round, per SC depredation law. Disco Dave (dk1677), on the other hand will get that many in one season.
Back to the thread, yes, the PCP has made it easier to get them, but that only happened after I (a) found what it liked and (b) learned how to shoot the R10. That is the same for any platform.
I can get the longer range ones more easily than I could with the CFX, but the CFX did a pretty tidy job too for about a fifth of what it has cost me to get the R10 to where it is at--and I'm using just a hand pump. Tank is more on top of that. For those of you that know the cost of either of those rifles, I'm glad to say I go both the R10 and CFX at better than half price by buying used or refurbished. I like to think I got lucky with both deals--each is a fine rifle in its own right.
By the way, the CFX is long gone unless you find one used. The CFR took its place and now the ACCU has taken its place, but the CFR is still around in a reincarnated state, I guess, new and refurbished.
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First springer I had was a M34 in .177. I've killed a lot of ground squirrels with it. One I head shot at 90 paces.