Pellet wt. & shape for 10 meter air rifle target

[patseale]

I’m posting this here because I’m not sure which Gate it belongs in, so being target related I assumed this maybe the place.

I have some questions concerning pellet weights and shape for strictly 10 meter target shooting out of doors. I realize that some testing needs to be done for the individual airgun but there must be some knowledge that can be shared for the range of weights, shape and mfg. even when ones starts testing.
 
Anyway, appreciate any taking a look and posting your thoughts if you would please. In my case I am particular interested in pellets for springer target guns and in particular the FWB 300 S.

Thanks.

[Taso1000]

Wadcutters are primarily used because they cut nice clean holes that are easy to score.

At 10 meters aerodynamics don't play a big enough factor to make a difference in different diabolo drag stabilized pellets.

Taso

[patseale]

Taso,
Thanks for the reply. I unpacked the air rifle recently after being packed away for some time and getting ready to start trying my hand at 10 meter target shooting. Still have 5+ tins of H&N Match Wadcutters that I purchased with the FWB 300 S back in May of 81, so I must have been doing a little study in that area. The tin lid has Beeman Precision Wadcutters printed along with the H&N logo and the price sticker on the bottom reads $4.99. 

Anyway, I plan on spending more time learning about this grand sport than I've ever had the time to do before and joining in the On Your Honor 10 Meter Matches come April. Looking forward to the fun and hopefully improving my off hand ability too.

Thanks again. 

[Taso1000]

Patrick,

I also picked up an FWB 300 S Mini from Jim E. recently.  I have not had a chance to put it through it's paces yet. 

I have read RWS Basics are good enough to start out with.  Once you get consistent groups with those you can move up to more accurate pellets.  There's no use in spending money on expensive/accurate pellets till you can realize their accuracy.

Taso

[patseale]

Taso,

Please let us know what you think of the Mini when you get a chance.

Put some tins of the RWS Basics on my list.

Patrick

[ac12]

About the FWB-300.
You need to hold the rifle firmly (not TIGHT) against your shoulder.  Pull back with your trigger hand against the pistol grip.  This is because the rifle has to be in a stable position for the sliding sledge recoilless mechanism to work.  If you hold the 300 loose, like a spring sporter rifle, it will recoil.

The 3 rods that the sledge slides on has to be clean and lightly oiled.  On old rifles, the lube could be dried and gummed up, preventing the sledge from sliding freely.

[Gwelo]

Patrick,
Have you chronied your 300S?  It would be interesting to know the results using both 7.0 and 8.2g pellets. I believe most JSB, RWS, H&N pellets will give very good results. Shooting offhand (especially with a springer), the pellet is usually the least of concerns. I believe testing might give you confidence in a certain brand/weight but doubt that Ransom Rest testing would reveal any significant differences. As stated by taso, wadcutters are best for cutting nice clean holes but another important factor is target selection. Kruger and National Target are excellent choices IMO.
Are you referring to the matches held here on GTA?

[Taso1000]

Taso,

Please let us know what you think of the Mini when you get a chance.

Put some tins of the RWS Basics on my list.

Patrick

Patrick,

I will but I have nothing to compare it to.  It's the first one I've ever handled.  I wanted the mini because I didn't want a 10 pound rifle but I'm not sure what the other differences are beyond the weighted barrel sleeve.  I think the length of pull may be shorter.  Maybe I can add and extension to my stock if it is shorter.

My rifle's sled would not work properly because the rear sliding part got slightly bent during transit.  Once I bent it back slightly the sled stopped binding and worked properly.

Taso

[patseale]

About the FWB-300.
You need to hold the rifle firmly (not TIGHT) against your shoulder.  Pull back with your trigger hand against the pistol grip.  This is because the rifle has to be in a stable position for the sliding sledge recoilless mechanism to work.  If you hold the 300 loose, like a spring sporter rifle, it will recoil.

The 3 rods that the sledge slides on has to be clean and lightly oiled.  On old rifles, the lube could be dried and gummed up, preventing the sledge from sliding freely.

AC,

You've made my day! Outstanding! I'll sure try to pay particular attention to the sledge movement. I've been watching Joe Rhea's youtube presentations trying to learn  the 300S nomenclature and the steps to disassembly if necessary. I'm really enjoying getting into all of this.   
 

[patseale]

Patrick,
Have you chronied your 300S?  It would be interesting to know the results using both 7.0 and 8.2g pellets. I believe most JSB, RWS, H&N pellets will give very good results. Shooting offhand (especially with a springer), the pellet is usually the least of concerns. I believe testing might give you confidence in a certain brand/weight but doubt that Ransom Rest testing would reveal any significant differences. As stated by taso, wadcutters are best for cutting nice clean holes but another important factor is target selection. Kruger and National Target are excellent choices IMO.
Are you referring to the matches held here on GTA?

Hi Nick,
I've started wondering about being able to chronograph the 300S thinking it may tell me something about the condition of the rifle after being stored so long. I'll start checking with my rim fire and center fire friends and see if there's one around I may be able to borrow. As I was telling Taso I do have 5+ tins of H&N Match wadcutters in the inventory. I'll weigh some of those out and see what we have weight wise. Just received a couple of packs of National Target AR-5/5 and Kruger AR-5/1 targets this last week.

Yes, the matches I want to get into are on GTA. If I remember correctly I think the 10 meter start in April so I'm trying to get it in gear.

[ac12]

Pat
I will give you one guess how I know about cleaning and oiling the 3 rods that the sledge slides on   

[patseale]

Pat
I will give you one guess how I know about cleaning and oiling the 3 rods that the sledge slides on   

It must have happened to you personally. What is your choice of oil? Would it be Ballistol by any chance?

[ac12]

Pat
I will give you one guess how I know about cleaning and oiling the 3 rods that the sledge slides on   

It must have happened to you personally. What is your choice of oil? Would it be Ballistol by any chance?

When I shot the 300, it recoiled huh
Then I looked at the rifle, and the sledge had not moved.  Pulling the receiver out of the stock, I found the rods were gummed up with old dried dirty oil.

I think I first cleaned the rods with rubbing alcohol, to clean off the old oil and gunk.
Then I just use a gun oil out of my cleaning kit, and wiped a thin coat onto the rods, making sure that I wiped all the entire rod. 
I had to release and move the sledge to get to the part of the rod inside the sledge guide.  And repeat this a few times, as there was old dried oil inside the sledge guide that I could not directly get to.

[Hoosier Daddy]

While my Beeman prefers the Meisterkugeln 8.2 pellet, If I remember right, those Beeman branded H&N wadcutters were a sought after back in the day. I would definitely use them for casual shooting since you have 5 tins.
RWS makes a  "R 10 Match" but they are just too pricey for me at this point.
  I can not believe this thread has gon this far without someone asking for a photo!
A 300S that's been stored away since '81!
LET'S SEE IT!!
 

[marty2]

Patrick... if you plan on shooting in GTA matches there is a variety of targets that can be printed and used. Just check out the first thread (Rules and Targets) in the child gate of the match you want to shoot in and the targets for that match are attached at the bottom of  the first post. You can also use other targets as long as the ring sizes are the same as the official targets.

As for pellets .... use what works the best in the airgun you are shooting.

The matches will be starting April 3rd.

[patseale]

When I shot the 300, it recoiled huh
Then I looked at the rifle, and the sledge had not moved.  Pulling the receiver out of the stock, I found the rods were gummed up with old dried dirty oil.

I think I first cleaned the rods with rubbing alcohol, to clean off the old oil and gunk.
Then I just use a gun oil out of my cleaning kit, and wiped a thin coat onto the rods, making sure that I wiped all the entire rod. 
I had to release and move the sledge to get to the part of the rod inside the sledge guide.  And repeat this a few times, as there was old dried oil inside the sledge guide that I could not directly get to.

AC,
A special thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. I've decided there is so much being posted from you all I'm going to setup a hard copy journal for reference.

[patseale]

  I can not believe this thread has gon this far without someone asking for a photo!
A 300S that's been stored away since '81!
LET'S SEE IT!!
 

  as I understand the rules, being a new member, I had to have at least 20 posts before being allowed to post photos. Well, with the posts this morning, I should be allowed to be in the "you may post photos now". So, I'll see what I can do for you. 

[patseale]

Patrick... if you plan on shooting in GTA matches there is a variety of targets that can be printed and used. Just check out the first thread (Rules and Targets) in the child gate of the match you want to shoot in and the targets for that match are attached at the bottom of  the first post. You can also use other targets as long as the ring sizes are the same as the official targets.

As for pellets .... use what works the best in the airgun you are shooting.

The matches will be starting April 3rd.

Thanks Marty. I've been trying to work my way through the Stickies to make sure I have everything straight.

[ac12]

Pat,
It is called the school of hard knocks.
Or you benefit from what I learned, the hard way.

[Hoosier Daddy]

And print your targets on  card stock instead of regular printer paper... I use the 110#  Geogia Pacific stuff from Walmart.
Give a much better hole to score with the wadcutters.