Weird chrono results with Benji Trail NP: lightest pellet is the slowest?

[NickB79]

So, I managed to get 30 minutes to myself for chrono testing in the basement (the baby refuses to nap more than that).

The gun was a Benjamin Trail NP Synthetic in .22 cal.

14.3 gr CPHP's:
-714.5
-708.6
-704.8
-710.1
-699.6

15.3 gr Gamo Hunter Domed:
-680.2
-679.7
-690.0
-690.4
-682.4

14.0 gr Daisy Wadcutters:
-645.6
-644.3
-658.7
-648.4
-645.0

Now that I've figured out the proper way to hold my rifle, I can cut 1" or less 5-shot groups at 30 yd with any of these pellets.  I'm pumped that I'm able to break 700 fps with the CPHP's, but kinda disappointed with the Daisy's.  These pellets are made of lead so soft that they won't penetrate a 2-liter Pepsi bottle full of water at 20 yd; they flatten out beautifully.  I had hoped they'd display the highest velocity as well, because I wanted to use them for squirrel hunting next year.  I still might, but why would the lightest pellets be the slowest?  I noticed they had the loosest fit of the three brands; could that be it?  Would getting a pellet seater to flair out the skirt help increase velocity?

Thanks!

[Kazman]

So, I managed to get 30 minutes to myself for chrono testing in the basement (the baby refuses to nap more than that).

The gun was a Benjamin Trail NP Synthetic in .22 cal.

14.3 gr CPHP's:
-714.5
-708.6
-704.8
-710.1
-699.6

15.3 gr Gamo Hunter Domed:
-680.2
-679.7
-690.0
-690.4
-682.4

14.0 gr Daisy Wadcutters:
-645.6
-644.3
-658.7
-648.4
-645.0

Now that I've figured out the proper way to hold my rifle, I can cut 1" or less 5-shot groups at 30 yd with any of these pellets.  I'm pumped that I'm able to break 700 fps with the CPHP's, but kinda disappointed with the Daisy's.  These pellets are made of lead so soft that they won't penetrate a 2-liter Pepsi bottle full of water at 20 yd; they flatten out beautifully.  I had hoped they'd display the highest velocity as well, because I wanted to use them for squirrel hunting next year.  I still might, but why would the lightest pellets be the slowest?  I noticed they had the loosest fit of the three brands; could that be it?  Would getting a pellet seater to flair out the skirt help increase velocity?

Thanks!

I just did some testing with my Benji Clasic while i'm awaiting the return of my Trail XL1100. I used JSB 14.3g and JSB 18.1 g pellts . The 14.3,s were going over the Chrony at an average of 660 fps , thye Heavies went a high of 604 to a low of 587 . Try some of ther JSB line , you may just be suprised , they work real good in my Phantom and my 2240 Pistol .

[Nathan]

If the Daisy fit loosely in the breech, then flaring them out slightly might help out the velocity. Chances are some of the power is being wasted "blowing" out the undersize skirts to fit the breech. You may want to try different brands of wadcutters, some may have larger skirts than the Daisy's.

Nathan

[NickB79]

I just tried some 15.83 gr Gamo Match wadcutters 10 min. ago, and they came in around 680 fps.

I just hope they are soft enough to mushroom like the Daisy's did.  If the weather improves I'll get outside to try them on pop bottles.

[airiscool]

When I tried CPHP's, some fit so loose they were a drop-in fit. Those very loose ones also gave the slowest speeds.

The JSB Exact jumbo's, Jumbo RS, and the Jumbo Express are some of the softest lead pellets I've found so far.  Using just two fingers, I can pinch the skirts flat, unlike other pellets which I can only pinch the skirt out of round.  And, I get some of my most consistant speeds with the softer ones.

Plus, they mushroom nicely.

Paul