realistic accuracy expectation on a HPA converted Hammerli 850?

[AirCats]

I have been entertaining the idea of getting a 850 in 177 cal and convert to HPA for target practice. This makes economical sense since the 22LR cartridge is still around 8 cents a pop (and that is only the plinker-grade), while match-grade 177 pellets are ~2 cents/rd. So I'd like to think I can (theoretically) save $0.05 per shot.
The cost of 850 system will be $270 (Hammerli 850) +$20 (ASA adaptor) + $60 (13ci Ninja bottle) + $10 (shims to adjust the PSI output for optimal accuracy) = $360; in 360/0.05=7200 shots the (theoretical) ammo saving would pay for the whole system. 7200 rd is less than 15 tins.

I already have a Hill pump so filling is not a problem.

But I wonder how accurate/consistant a HPA 850 is. It has a LW barrel so the foundation should be there already. My requirement for a target type rifle is 1/4" center-center, 10-shot at 25yd, is this a realistic expectation on a HPA converted 850?

Thanks for any input.

[BigTinBoat]

But I wonder how accurate/consistant a HPA 850 is. It has a LW barrel so the foundation should be there already. My requirement for a target type rifle is 1/4" center-center, 10-shot at 25yd, is this a realistic expectation on a HPA converted 850?

Thanks for any input.

I've got one in .22 that I have a 17ci bottle reg'd at about 1650psi (iirc). I can get 9 mags at 940fps and rested it will easily put them in a single hole at 25yds. I'd say in .177 that shouldn't be any problem at all.

[Rocko]

I have one in .177. HPA is the way to go, more powerful & more consistent than co2.  Mine is very accurate.

[Ribbonstone]

Should be just as accurate at shorter ranges as it was when a co2 rifle...may like a different pellet at th higher speeds of HPA and may shoot better groups farther away, but I wouldn't expect much change...and you should be able to get to the 1/4" at 25 yards (or close to it, depending on how many sets of groups you feel comfortable with to make an average).

One I had shot great on co2.  Shot equally great on HPA, just wanted different pellets than the slower co2 incarnation to do it.

[rsterne]

Excellent accuracy.... The key to efficiency is to pay attention to the hammer strike and not overdo it or you will pay with lower shot count.... If you are strictly interested in target, set the gun up for not more than 12 FPE and you will be rewarded with well over 100 shots per fill, maybe 200.... You could even dial it back lower, into the 600s (6-8 FPE), which you can do easily with 850 psi and not have to worry about changing the output pressure on a paintball tank and get hundreds of shots.... Most target airguns shoot 550-650 fps....

Bob

[Monkeydad1969]

Hey Kevin,

Check this out:

http://www.the850store.com/

[dhc8guru]

I have been kicking around hpa conversion on my 850. But I am not sold on shelling out $200-$300 to convert it to HPA. There are a few $500-$600 pcp guns out there that are just as good or better. Not to mention used Dominator 1250's are under $400. New are about $600. Heck a Mrodair Varmint PCP is $275. I love my 850 and I think keeping it CO2 is the more sane route. Just an FYI. Grab a gun sells 850's for $249

[vigilandy]

I have been kicking around hpa conversion on my 850. But I am not sold on shelling out $200-$300 to convert it to HPA. There are a few $500-$600 pcp guns out there that are just as good or better. Not to mention used Dominator 1250's are under $400. New are about $600. Heck a Mrodair Varmint PCP is $275. I love my 850 and I think keeping it CO2 is the more sane route. Just an FYI. Grab a gun sells 850's for $249

I did some similar thinking before converting mine to  HPA.   I got mine as refurbs so the $$ factor is a little different.  Still though,  keep in mind that the converted 850 is now a regulated rifle.  Haven't seen any regulated PCPs in the same price range. 

The 850 store conversions pretty much killed the Dominator market....

[Monkeydad1969]

I have been kicking around hpa conversion on my 850. But I am not sold on shelling out $200-$300 to convert it to HPA. There are a few $500-$600 pcp guns out there that are just as good or better. Not to mention used Dominator 1250's are under $400. New are about $600. Heck a Mrodair Varmint PCP is $275. I love my 850 and I think keeping it CO2 is the more sane route. Just an FYI. Grab a gun sells 850's for $249

I did some researching and David did some on his side...AOA is selling new Dominators for 399.99, 489.99 with FX Moderator.  Wally World has the 850 for 258.00 in .177, 270.00 in .22.  So 250.00 is really good for a 850.  I'd consider the Dominator for the 400.00.

[AirCats]

Thanks for the replys guys.

If I have a 4000 psi bottle, or at least a 4500 psi pump, then the 1250 from AOA might be a good choice ($430 shipped). But my Hill MK3 only goes to about 3200 (I can feel the pump stressing out once the pressure is above 3000psi).  Filling the long cylinder tubes is not gonna be super fun either, my Steyr LP50's short cylinder needs to be filled very 60 shots or so (I only fill it to 2500psi), and I thought that is a pain in the @$$.  (unscrew the cylinder from the gun; screw it on to the DIN adaptor; fill; unscrew from the DIN adaptor; screw it back onto the gun) On a target rifle I'd much prefer the a bottle with the intake port on the side, makes filling much easier.

I will try to catch a $250 walmart special one of these days.