What a difference the 'right' pellet can make!

[UlteriorModem]

Everyone is pretty aware that some guns like some pellets. This not to bash any particular brand of pellet, just an illustration of how much difference there can be! This does not mean that H&N will be the best choice for your Chaser, but it is for mine

Each circle got 7 rounds from a Diana Chaser (in rifle configuration) at about 20'. Same conditions, kept the Co2 levels constant (new cart every 42 rounds), same temperature, same distance, same scope, gun, hold, etc.

Target group on the left was shot with Crosman Premier Hollow points. I checked a few at random and average weight was 14.5gr and head size was close to exactly 5.5mm

Target group on the right was shot with H&N Field Target trophys. Average weight of 14.9gr and head size around 5.55mm

20181122_132248 by Tom Whit, on Flickr

[Hoosier Daddy]

Amazing ain't it...
When I was new here, I just could not accept a simple thing like a pellet could make that much difference. I mean the CPHP's from my local Walmart sure looked pretty in the tin.
 But once trying H&N and JSB's in various guns, I was a believer!

[GatorCountry]

Great visual "proof" of the argument.  That might save someone considerable frustration when starting out. I had to really talk myself over the hurdle of paying the difference for premium pellets back when.  It is amazing when you find the right pellet for your rifle.

[Hunt4dinner]

My prod was a great example of this. It was so pellet picky with the factory barrel that I had to buy a few different head size H&N pellets before it shot a tight group. Some pellets looked like I shot the target with a shotgun lol.

[maraudinglizard]

Nice comparison there Tom. 

I had the same thinking about pellets until I tried different brands in different guns. It's amazing what air guns like and don't like when it comes to ammo. The sig sauer mcx likes the H&N econ pellets but it does not care for any other brand of pellet. 10 shots each at 30yds with a dot scope.

[Gertrude]

No argument that finding the "right" pellet makes all the difference in the world,
 And I agree that CPHP's are usually not many rifles "favorite ammo", (but it sure is nice when it does happen).

But something still just doesn't seem right here. 
  I dont think I have ever seen any gun or ammo group that wildly at only 20 feet. 
 
Heck, I think most pistols shooting BB's can do better than that 
 It almost looks like the CPHP's used were .177 cal   
 

[Hunt4dinner]

Ron,
 I never shot my prod at 20’ but at 20 yds one pellet shot about a 6” group. I’m for sure not that bad of a shot lol. I bet no matter how close I shot the groups would have been garbage. I think some pellets just aren’t meant to be shot out of certain barrels. My MMHF barrel shoots great now though!

[UlteriorModem]

Yea... woops, that was 20 yards not feet... 

Oh and later this afternoon I shot a bunch of the CPHPs through the Mayhem SBD and they grouped quite well. Not as well as H&N but still quite acceptable from 25 yards! More than good enough for plinking on the cheap. If you can tolerate the frequent flyer mileage.

I have some JSB's of varying weights might try those tomorrow through the Chaser for further comparison. Although I seem to remember them not doing so well in that gun either.

[Nvreloader]

Guys

Can or will the HARDNESS of the lead used in the pellets, make the difference?

Something to think about. 

I know that it does, in my QB 79/HPA with the old (soft) -vs- the newer hard ones.

I am slowly building a data base on the hard/softest OEM pellets, I can get my hands on,
but the funds are limited to buy a can for a few samples, regardless of the calibers.

If you have not viewed this info, you can go here to see the results so far,
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=149581.40,
post #51.

YMMV,
Thanks,
Don

[UlteriorModem]

I would guess that the hardness of the pellet would effect its flight pattern for better or worse.

If nothing else would not a softer pellet have a greater drag going down the barrel? Would a harder 'smaller' pellet like the CPHPs ~rattle~ more going down the pipe? If it was softer would that dampen the 'ratteling' to some degree?

[Dockey 454]

A soft pellet like JSB's lets the skirt expand, and engage the rifling better. At least that's the way it was explained to me. Of all the guns I have only the D-460 shoots crosman the best.
   Tom

[anti-squirrel]

This makes a good case for why I have 24 types of .177 pellets.  And we all know pointed pellets aren't really good for longer ranges, right?  Well, my SPA pistol disproved that.  Each pellet I tried when I first got it shot a little better than the last, and by the time I wrapped up the CP brown-box, I though I found the winner.  Then came the JSB Heavies and the H&N Sniper Mags.  Those raised the bar further.  Only had one tin left, Beeman Silver Jets and they were pointed.  Still, I shot a group anyway.  And believe me I was surprised when I saw a single pellet hole until I finally pulled a flier than enlarged the hole enough so a .22 pellet could barely slip through the hole. 

Finding the right pellet is a lot of fun, but I'll also state flat out it's always nice finding a couple "good enough for my needs' pellets too, especially when they're inexpensive and can be bought locally.

[Nvreloader]

Guys and Gals,

IMHO,
With what little bit I know now,

I think that these 4 spec's, lead the way on how accurate our air toys are,

1. Proper head diameter to fit your bbl.
2. The correct soft or hardness your bbl likes.
3. Proper psi/speed the pellet is shot from the bbl.
4. How smooth/accurate your bbl and crown is.

This does NOT take into account, the shooter and set up and all the other variables we deal with etc.

My question to all users/shooters is,
Have you tested your Best/most accurate pellets for the softness/hardness of the pellets, with whatever air shooter?

Since I have a small data base started of 36 samples of pellets in 3 different calibers,
some are very old 20+ yrs, and most are the newer types, less than 3 yrs old etc.

I would gladly test the hardness of any pellet/bullet OEM or cast types,
if you would send me 5 pellets, from the same can or cast at the same time from the same alloy etc.

The results will be posted for you, and then you will know which brands or types that work the best for you etc.

If the data base grows enough, you will be able to reference which pellet hardness, you should be looking at,
once you find the approximate rating of the pellet, that works best, for your setup.

Just drop me a PM and I'll tell you how to send them via the cheapest method etc.

Your thoughts or suggestions...........

Tia,
Don