Help me to understand.

[Mikeflys]

I was in my backyard range (22-23 yards) experimenting with 4 different pellet brands.
JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy's
H&N Barracuda Hunter extremes
H&N Barracuda Match
Beeman Kodiak.
All 4 short well in my Hatsan AT44-10QE, with the JSB edging out the others just by a bit. Here is my question. As I was changing from 1 type of pellets to another, I would have to shoot 3 to 4 pellets before the gun started to group. The first few were always flyers. And in a few cases rather extreme flyers. I wasn't too shocked by this, I had read that you need to season a barrel by shooting a few after cleaning or changing pellet types. I don't understand why this is? What is causing the change? I can see after cleaning, you have cleaned out the grooves in the rifling, but why between brand/types of pellets?

[daveb50]

Just my thoughts on it.
All pellets are slightly different diameters/skirt size/thickness/coatings/length.
These would all lead to different amounts of lead and coatings left in the barrel/grooves, which must be overcome by the next brand/type pellets before they become consistent.

[cwlongshot]

Its bullet "cooties"!    You need to get them OUT before shooting for group!

I'm funning of coarse, but for some time now, when ever I am shooting for groups, I send the first 5 into the dirt, THEN fire for group. My groups are far better overall!

I do this for firearms and air arms.

Don't over think this, just do it.

CW

[VillageSniper]

  As you and others  have already suggested, the bore becomes seasoned with each brand of pellet, perhaps laying down its own unique film of lead or some slickness/residue.  When switching, the first few pellets may just be cleaning out of the prior brands junk, and the rifle gets accustomed to pushing pellets through this new type of friction in the bore. The mechanicals of the rifle may take a few shots to settle in as well, as the rifle becomes increasingly consistent when you stick with one for a while.


Of course, I think jsb pellets have magic dust on them as well...

Vs

[kj]

the friction and other variables already mentioned, plus weight/density and other factors  are part of what is called barrel harmonics. anything that touches or affects the barrel can have an effect on the harmonics.  if you are intrested in accuracy learning about this will be of value.

changing pellets can change the vibrations-the harmonics, and may need a few shots to stabilize it. not unheard of.

peace
kj

[k2man]

Magic Dust!  That's IT!  Going to get me some of that.

[longhunter]

Magic Dust!  That's IT!  Going to get me some of that.

I wouldn't. that stuff is very addictive, and, carries some pretty hefty jail time, if you get caught  .

[palonej]

It's worth it!!

[avator]

LOL...only you Joe...

[TooJung2Die]

With air rifle pellets and powder burner bullets, after cleaning and after changing ammo the next 3-5 shots are throw-aways. It belongs in the same list as death and taxes.

[stevemag]

I've never heard this before, I'm going to have to re do some pellet testing, maybe what i thought was pellets that were  no good was in fact, this.