RWS Model 36 Pellet Question?

[RANGER94]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1985 RWS Model 36 in .177  that I inherited from my Dad – who purchased it new in 1987.  I have noticed that loading pellets:  Meisterkugeln 8.2 grain, very old Beeman H&N match, and some even older:  Superdome 8.3 grain, the pellets fit rather loosely.  Not terribly loose, but not tight. In comparison, when shooting my FWB-124, these pellets definitely fit tighter in the 124, needing slight thumb pressure, while with the 36, they almost drop in.

The gun shoots fine with all of these pellets (more accurate than I can shoot), but I was wondering am I potentially causing any damage with using these pellets.  Would there be any advantage to moving to thicker head size?

Thanks as always!

Ranger94

[cjtamu]

Beautiful gun. My worry would be that the pellet could fall out unnoticed and lead to a dry fire. I assume it has sentimental value. Try some H&N FTT 4.52 head size. That’s what I use in my .177 D34 because the JSB and clones are too loose. Had one fall out, realized it fortunately.

[Roadworthy]

Loose pellets seem the norm in Diana rifles.  A pellet seater may improve your accuracy as it will put the pellet at a consistent depth each time.  It also seems that if the pellet is pushed to where the skirt is just at or slightly below the face of the breech it kind of snaps into place.

[RANGER94]

Thanks for the responses. My biggest fear is damaging the rifle. I assume from your responses not yo worry?

[cjtamu]

Thanks for the responses. My biggest fear is damaging the rifle. I assume from your responses not yo worry?

Unless it falls out and gets dry fired you’ll be ok. But, if that happens bent barrel, cracked stock are distinct possibilities.

[Yogi]

FWIW-RWS pellets seem to do well in Diana airguns.

-Y

[Matchstickshooter]

 My 36 does well enough with the Crosman 10.5  Domes.

[Toxylon]

My 1988 D34 (that now sports a D36 stock) shoots best with Baracuda FT's. They are a higher-quality variant that's worth the price to me.

I've always been concerned with loose pellets on breakbarrels, due to the barrel return swing. But I've never been able to actually fling a pellet out of the breech, no matter how loose.

I have lost loose pellets off the breech with the sidelever Dianas, though, shooting poor-fit Gamo pellets for the pellet-spendy break-in period.

With the more powerful springers, loose pellets make the guns piston slam pretty badly, which is reason enough to avoid them. I figure this happens with mid-power guns, too - it's just less noticeable.

[RANGER94]

Thanks everyone!  Special shout out to CJTAMU - I gave the H&N Field Target Trophy .452 a try, and they fit like a glove.....

Many Thanks!!!

[cjtamu]

Thanks everyone!  Special shout out to CJTAMU - I gave the H&N Field Target Trophy .452 a try, and they fit like a glove.....

Many Thanks!!!

Glad it worked out for you. They’re wonderful guns.

[Yogi]

Thanks everyone!  Special shout out to CJTAMU - I gave the H&N Field Target Trophy .452 a try, and they fit like a glove.....

Many Thanks!!!

FWIW-That pellets shoots well in many airguns!
You may want to push the various pellets through the barrel.  I use a thin wooded dowel for this, others use a proper gun push/pull through.
Hopefully, you have a consistent "push" through till the choke on the end.

Not sure if the piston seal has ever been changed?  If not, you may want to change it.  Diana seals that are 37 years old have a terrible habit of crumbling.  New materials last much longer.
If you gun has a leather seal, never mind...

-Y

[RANGER94]

Thanks Yogi for the information.  In May/June 2023 timeframe, John Thomas in PA completely serviced the gun ( a long with my FWB-124s), thus I am sure the 36 will long outlive me!

Thanks again for all the help here!

Ranger94

[tjk]

Finding the "golden pellet" is kind of a hit or miss subject as each gun has its preferred pellet and you are at the mercy of pellet experimentation. Sampler packs is your best bet. I would avoid lead and tin lightweight pellets marketed as high velocity pellets.piston slam and rifling damage can occur with the lighter and harder tin alloys.  Heavier pellets (9.5 to 11 grain area) can and will gradually reduce velocity over time, but that is negotiable as to your needs and expectations. Personally, I like shooting heavier pellets in some of my guns. My .22 Diana34 prefers the RWS Super Domes, your 36 may prefer RWS pointed pellets, or an H&N wadcutter. A lot of times you can tell if a rifles likes a specific pellet weight be the sound it makes when fired. In my experience, light pellets have a snappy sound, and too heavy a pellet produces a bounty feel when fired. That Is a handsome Diana 36, hope you have many years of enjoyment with it!!!! 

[RANGER94]

Thanks so much for the help!!!