Washing pellets???

[shooter r]

I usually use JSB or H&N pellets. I recently ordered some Crossman .177 7.9gr. HP's at a very good price, just to try some. I have to admit, in my R7, at 18 yards, even with the occasional few that don't seat well, (i.e. I could not push them in far enough for the skirt to contact the bevel in the chamber) they are very close in accuracy, even with the poorly seated ones included.

But... they are very dirty. I sometimes wondered why the "washing pellets" thread came up occasionally. Now I know. After 20 pellets my fingers looked like I was using a can of black spray paint with the nozzle pointed in the wrong direction!

So I washed them with hot soapy water, rinsed 'em and let "em dry. I added a few sprays of 100% silicone from a spray can and they work very, very well. I realize the "black fingers" resulted from the graphite applied to the pellets, necessary in some forms of manufacture,  and not actual lead residue. Crossman should realize this is not a consumer friendly situation, especially if you live in California, which I don't, and never, never will, but, they should use a little common sense, and "clean up their act".

[anti-squirrel]

Graphite has two symptoms from over-contact.  Dryness of skin and coughing if ingested.  Even California doesn't consider graphite a major issue... not with every pencil out there using it to write, draw, and scribble in schools.  Even the MSDS indicates it's about as safe a substance as imaginable.  For legit health risks like Mutagenic and Toxic effects, it is "Not Listed" meaning it has none. 

I'm guessing that you enjoy the Crosman pellets for their low cost.  If Crosman washed their pellets, it would likely raise the price since it adds 2 other steps (washing and then air-drying the pellets) to the manufacture.

Something else interesting: graphite is a good dry lubricant, and for further comparison, has the same general toxicity as silicone (polysiloxane) spray (when comparing the MSDS), which you used for lubricating your pellets.

[Roadworthy]

I'm glad your fingers worked well after washing.  I find mine work better without the silicone spray on them - it's too slick.  I might consider it for pellets but never for my fingers.

[mobilemail]

I'm glad your fingers worked well after washing.  I find mine work better without the silicone spray on them - it's too slick.  I might consider it for pellets but never for my fingers.

...groan....

The biggest thing I've found to help the performance of Premiere Pellets in the tin is to sort them with a pelletgage. it's not really economical to buy cheap pellets and sort them because you will likely find a couple head sizes that shoot well, and the rest of the pellets are useless. I just use them to make a quick "sampler pack", then I know what head size to order the good, consistent pellets in.

so far as wash/lube, I lube the pellets for my .177 Marauder (for sale VV) because I feel they are slightly more accurate that way.  And I lube the ones for my .22 Marauder because it has a Marmot Militia barrel and they recommend it.

[betapotato]

That comment just made my day 

[shooter r]

I'm just saying... after 20 pellets, it looked like I spray painted my finger with black paint. I've not seen that with JSB's or H&N's. As a consumer, who did not know better, I would quickly shy away from something that tattooed my skin black. Thinking it was (thanks to ......) LEAD, the average consumer would think... "I could die from this stuff!!!"

This thread drifted from the original thread thanks to several comments.

[shooter r]

Thanks Donut 2994, I'm a NRA member, and feel your pain.