Got my .22 Marauder today! Questions for those who have one! Impressions!

[atoms]

1. What pellets are best in yours? I have only tried CPHPs so far and the groups are a little bigger than I'd suspect  ... but getting smaller. Maybe some break in is needed? Maybe I am learning to shoot it better? Your thoughts? Based on the reviews, I was expecting one ragged hole @ 25 yards... Maybe I got one with a bum barrel?

2. How do you check for leaks? Pump it up and leave it over night? Is there an acceptable amount of pressure loss? Should there be none at all?

3. Do you degas your gun after shooting and store it empty? Is it ok to leave it pressurized? The manual doesn't cover this specifically.


Initial impressions:

It's lighter than it looks. It's a beast but really isn' all they heavy.

It is QUIET.  Wow. The reviews weren't kidding that the pellet impact is louder than the gun firing. The ping is really the loudest thing. Gotta do that de-ping mod.

The trigger is nice. I'd prefer less travel. It seems a bit heavier than 1.5lbs in my estimation. Maybe I'll mess with it after I get a few hundred pellets down range.

[QVTom]

Atoms,

Got mine last week but just got a chance to shoot over the weekend.  So far I have tried JSB 18.1s and Crosman Pointed hunting pellets.  JSBs are shooting about 1" @ 50 yards and the Crosmans about 1.25. with 5 shot groups.  I'm sure it will get better as I figure it out.

I have not fiddled with any settings or chrono'd any pellets yet.  Filling to 2800.

[joe k]

mine likes  the jsb 18.1s
joe

[atoms]

Thanks guys!

What about the other questions... anyone field them?

Thanks!

[jonnnyboy]

Atoms, I sold my Mrod but really miss it.

1.  Mine loved the Crosman Ultramags (round nose)

2.  Yes, pump it up and leave it for a couple of days (if you can).

3.  By all means leave it gassed up.  I usually shot it down to around 2000 or so and that was where I left it for the next time. 

Try lots of pellets before you start thinking you have a bad barrel.  It takes some seasoning of the barrel and then the best pellet will usually let you know.

joe

[QVTom]

2) you gun should stay pressurized for weeks or months or maybe more.  Any loss that you can see over a couple of days indicates some kind of problem.  

3) Store charged as long as it is safe from kids, etc.  I think any pressure is ok, the idea is to keep the seals set and prevent shrink back.

There are lots  members here with a lots of PCP experience that may want to add or correct these statements.

[atoms]

Great! All good info guys! I appreciate it.

[amb5500c]

Mine likes Kodiaks.
Richard

[aack73]

like others have said it should hold air for months or longer with no leak down. better to leave it stored with air in it.  1000/2000/3000 whatever should be fine. degas it only if you need to open it up to work on it.

[MustangMike]

Ya all pcp/pumper should be store with a charge. I was told with my old benji 397 .22 to store it with one or 2 pumps on it..

[atoms]

Thanks again for the input guys...

And WOW.... this thing is FEROCIOUSLY powerful. I did some dove hunting this morning and wow.... it knocks 'em DEAD.

BTW - I ordered some pellets to try. Here's what I have coming:

JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 Cal, 18.1 Grains, Domed, 500ct
Air Arms Diabolo Field Plus .22 Cal, 5.52mm, 18.13 Grains, Round Nose, 250ct
Crosman Premier .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Domed, 500ct
H&N Baracuda Match, .22 Cal, 21.14 Grains, Round Nose, 200ct

Question: What is the difference between the tin Crosman Premiers and the boxed ones? The boxed ones seem WAY more expensive, but they look like the same exact pellets from the description.

Thanks again guys!!!

[jonnnyboy]

I was told that the Premiers in the box all came from the same die used to make the pellets.  The ones in the tin may be mixed from different dies which means they may not be consistent to one another.  So far, I have always had good luck with the ones in the tins.

joe

[RayK]

Premiers in the box are all from the same die.  The ones in the tin are a mix.  The idea is you should get more consistent weight, shape, etc. out of pellets from the same die.  Many have posted that they do get tighter groups with CP in the box.

And, yes, your gun should not leak down when stored, you should store it with air in the tank, and clean your barrel frequently using dry 7/8" pads.  Always clean the barrel of a new gun thoroughly.

Ray

[tcgoetz]

Mine likes:

1. Baracuda Match 5.52
2. JSB 18.1

I plan to try Baracuda Match 5.53 as soon as they're available.

[QVTom]

Mine likes:

1. Baracuda Match 5.52
2. JSB 18.1

I plan to try Baracuda Match 5.53 as soon as they're available.

tc,

Do you have a velocity and fill pressure for the baracudas?

Thanks

[be4meliz]

I have Baracuda Match 5.52 going @ 900 fps on a 2800psi fill- but that totally depends on how its tuned- most will be doing low to mid 800's

[atoms]

No tuning here. There's PLENTY of power for my needs right out of the box. As long as I can get the accuracy under control, all I think I'll ever want to do is the de-ping mod and the HDD seems like a much have as well.

After 10,000 rounds, I'll splurge for a custom stock. ;-)

[atoms]

Oh, and a question:

Is it normal for pressure to fluctuate depending on ambient temps? I know it's a 'yes', but I went from almost 2800 outside on a sunny and 75 degree day to about 2600 inside in the 72 degree A/C. Now I am pretty sure it's not a leak. I photographed the dial before bed last night and compared it to this morning and it didn't budge, so I doubt it would lose 200psi in an hour.

Thanks!

[Jay]

If you are really wondering Atom's you can tape a ballon over the muzzle an another over the fill nipple area, that would check those two "main" leaking area's for ya.

[aack73]

i don't think 3 degrees would make that much difference, even with air. however when filled to say 3k psi. mine will build a small amount of heat and will cool down to 2900 or 2800 psi. this cool down loss is usually noticeable within minutes though. at least for me it is