HW97 - Which tune kit & why

[z324u]

Just as the topic suggests... Which tune kit would you select, and for what reason?

The goal is to improve on the stock smoothness, as well as pick up some FPS for hunting.l (.22 cal)
I've seen some really nice custom Pistons / chambers ect on here, but locating a vendor seems sort of difficult. 

Vortex
JM
Target Tune India

I don't mind paying a little more for quality work, but I feel like I'm capable of DIY.

[BenjiHunter]

I have a Vortek SHO kit in mine.
It's smooth as silk.

[Motorhead]

Tune a lot of 77/97 guns ( New or Low use ) keeping the factory spring intact.
With a custom fitted guide and addition of top hat spacing changes the factory power or a tad more is kept intact.
Piston seal replacement or keeping OEM may or may not show improvements ( pending fit )
Correct type and application of lubes / seal fit make or break the temperature sensitivity action will have.

No real right or wrong way ... just each has specifics that when followed can make a side by side comparison of differently tuned guns less definitive 

Do have FUN ! 

[z324u]

Just ordered a vortek SHO kit, and some krytox 205

I'll try my best

[uglymike]

I found the SHO kit in my 97K .22 to be a quick, snappy shot cycle. Plenty of power, what I didn't like was the cocking effort that goes with that power. Let us know how it works for you.

[Oldgringo]

Just as the topic suggests... Which tune kit would you select, and for what reason?

The goal is to improve on the stock smoothness, as well as pick up some FPS for hunting.l (.22 cal)
I've seen some really nice custom Pistons / chambers ect on here, but locating a vendor seems sort of difficult. 

Vortex
JM
Target Tune India

I don't mind paying a little more for quality work, but I feel like I'm capable of DIY.

Before you purchase anybody's kit, I suggest you contact Motorhead (Scott).  He fixed my 177 cal HW97K real good.

[SpiralGroove]

Yup,
I would listen to Motorhead over anyone when tuning these guns .

I'm beginning to re-think automatically changing out the OEM spring for a JM (HW's in general) until it's necessary .  Spring Guide, Piston Seals, Top-Hats and additional spacers may be needed depending on what you want.  Some people are using buttons too.

One needs to determine the fine line between Power, Accuracy, Shot Cycle and THEIR needs when tuning.
So far adjusting these factors are hit and miss with me.  "Trial & Error" methods get old and frustrating real fast.

Good Luck .................. Kirk

[robertr]

 Good luck with your Vortek kit, the spring in my kit broke after 2500 shots.

[Gear_Junkie]

Some people are using buttons too.

I tried buttoning the comp tube on my 97 using the "Old School Buttons".  It didn't work out.  I installed them EXACTLY as the instructions indicate.  The buttons would pop right off with the slightest pressure.  Also, the buttons themselves were quite brittle.  One of them actually cracked upon installation. 

[SpiralGroove]

I don't know Zack,

I have buttoned my HW30S and HW95 so far.  I hit the pistons with some carborundum and alcohol, then sanded down by spinning on my lathe.  The button material seems like delrin cloth and can be damaged if sharp metal edges in remain in the gun's receiver.  I think once installed, there isn't a lot of friction to dislodge them.

So far I've had good luck .


 

[Charles Outdoors]

 I ordered a Kit from Tinbum Tunning that I plan on installing tomorrow in my HW97k.  I ordered the short stroke kit he offers. I have the option of using the short stroke adapter or going back stock. It come with a factory spring and fitted guides along with a few spacers to raise the power. Oh and some Bumslide grease.

[z324u]

Yup,
I would listen to Motorhead over anyone when tuning these guns .

I'm beginning to re-think automatically changing out the OEM spring for a JM (HW's in general) until it's necessary .  Spring Guide, Piston Seals, Top-Hats and additional spacers may be needed depending on what you want.  Some people are using buttons too.

One needs to determine the fine line between Power, Accuracy, Shot Cycle and THEIR needs when tuning.
So far adjusting these factors are hit and miss with me.  "Trial & Error" methods get old and frustrating real fast.

Good Luck .................. Kirk

Thanks!  Great tips

[z324u]

Well the vortek kit came in today.  When I got home from work I spent all afternoon with 600-2000 grit polishing everything inside the thing so didn't have time to chrony check the results.  I put everything together with the ultimox 226 that was talked about, so with the polishing it's slick in there.  I only got to test fire it a couple times, and from first impression it's a completely different feel now.  It basically just snaps off really fast.  I'm anxious to get some chrony numbers tomorrow - I did use 2 washers instead of 3, so I'm hoping for around 800fps with .22.

I did have to resize the seal that came with it quite a bit due to tightness in the chamber.  A little 80 grit on the drill did the trick, then went back over it with some 400-600-800 to smooth it back out.  Still a bit snug, but close enough.  Should break in nicely I hope.

Wish I would have snapped some pictures, but I was in a hurry for no reason like always.

[Charles Outdoors]

Well the vortek kit came in today.  When I got home from work I spent all afternoon with 600-2000 grit polishing everything inside the thing so didn't have time to chrony check the results.  I put everything together with the ultimox 226 that was talked about, so with the polishing it's slick in there.  I only got to test fire it a couple times, and from first impression it's a completely different feel now.  It basically just snaps off really fast.  I'm anxious to get some chrony numbers tomorrow - I did use 2 washers instead of 3, so I'm hoping for around 800fps with .22.

I did have to resize the seal that came with it quite a bit due to tightness in the chamber.  A little 80 grit on the drill did the trick, then went back over it with some 400-600-800 to smooth it back out.  Still a bit snug, but close enough.  Should break in nicely I hope.

Wish I would have snapped some pictures, but I was in a hurry for no reason like always.

That's like what I get with the TinBum kit.  I think it sounds faster without the after-buzz.   Are you sure your expecting 800 fps in .22 cal. ? That sounds more like .177. 

[z324u]

I'm not quite sure what to expect really.  The description on vorteks page actually says 950 for .177 and 900 for .22.  I'm assuming that's using all 3 washers, but who knows.  It definitely has quite a bit more preload, as I had to really mash down on it to get the rear section back on the reciever. 

Anything above 700 is much better for me though.  I was averaging 650-660 with 14.3g CPHPs, so it was a little bit weak to start with.  The factory seal looked fine, but was extremely loose in the chamber.  It had to have been blowing by the skirts of it.

If I don't get there, I'll throw one more washer in it tomorrow.  Overall though, I'm pretty happy with the feel.  Now hopefully it has a bit more punch.

[Charles Outdoors]

I think the HW97 tops out at just a little over 16 FPE which would put the 14.3's at just a hair over 700 fps.  Some people may have hit up to 17 FPE or about 722 fps with a 14.3

[z324u]

Well I don't like a mystery, so  before leaving for work I popped off 10 rounds over the chrono.  I'm fairly pleased with the results, and think I'll just leave 2 washers in for now.  I'll do some accuracy testing this afternoon.

10 shots
Average - 736
SD- 4

Looks like a little over 17FPE right now