Need advice, help deciding HW95 or HW50?

[Bill in SC]

I broke into air rifles with a decent Chinese X-20. Being very serious about air gunning, I made a step up with the Diana 34, progressing as most folks do. Now, I want to buy ONE more before I resume my rat rod project next year. Just can't keep buying rifles and neglect other projects as I am not getting any younger.  Having shot the X-20 and the 34, both in .22, probably realistically in the 750 FPS range with the 14+ gr CPHP pellets, I find myself liking THAT velocity. The trajectory does not seem TOO loopy at 100 feet or so. I find that velocity very adequate for taking small game at the 100 foot range. Thus, I am satisfied with that velocity. I feel that my next move should be a small step up from the 34. Over the last six months I have narrowed it down to the HW 95 and the HW50ss. The 95 will shoot .22 pellets at the velocity I like, but the HW50s in .22 will only do 600 FPS or so, and probably have a loopy trajectory. I like the length and weight of the HW50s MUCH better than the 95. It is perfect for my needs. One question is, if I drop back to .177 in the HW50s to retain my preferred velocity will I be satisfied, being as all my rifles are .22? I know that accuracy is the most important thing when hunting small game, and a well placed shot should drop the critters just as easily with a .177. The HW50ss in .177 also should shoot fairly flat at my 100 foot or less critter eliminating range. One last question, could I expect the same accuracy with a .177 HW50ss as I would get from the HW95 in .22? I would shoot open sights on either. Thanks for the replies ahead of time. Going catfishin' at 5 am!!
Bill in SC

[jp_over]

Bill,

I've heard great things about the HW50 (accuracy, fit, and reliability) but only have experience with the HW95 (tuned).  Not sure on the velocity I'm getting, but I'm estimating about 700 FPS (using H&N Field Target Trophy .22 Cal, 14.66 Grains, Round Nose).  I'm .5" low at 10 & 25 yards and dead on from 15 - 20 yards.  The only issue is a bit of pass through on squirrels.  I've not yet tried to reduce this with different pellets - it's tough when you're getting nearly same hole accuracy with what you're currently shooting.

For rats at up to 100 feet or less, .177 will work just fine.  If you like the fit (length & weight) much better on the HW50, I think you'd likely be happier with it in the long run using .177 - although I have heard some older folks complain about loading the .177 (quite small compared to .22).  Of note, you could also have the HW50 tuned to shoot .22 a bit faster.

Last thing, I found Chairgun greatly helpful in making a decision on caliber.

[Mark 611]

hate to bust your bubble but your not gonna see 750fps with a 14.3gn .22cal pellet from an R9/HW95 and if you do you have an exceptionally tuned or the best 95 ever made LOL!!! those rifles run around 680's 720's and once in awhile you'll hear about one in the 740ish but that's rare and 1 full of lube doesn't count lol!!!! 750fps is R1/HW80 power:P

[tomykay12]

If the HW50s size works for you, drop back in caliber to .177 and enjoy a great rifle. Mine is in .22, and while serviceable, I think it would really excel in .177. It is a handy, almost carbine length gun with enough heft to feel substantial while still being light enough to carry around easily. Cheaper, more available  pellets too, and this may be an issue in coming years. The HW 95, as noted, is not likely to produce 750 fps in .22. Mine is a wee bit over 700, stock and almost new, tk 

[Bill in SC]

The AOA site says up to 755 fps with HW95, but we all know how the advertised "claims" work. With worthless, light pellets and such. The HW50SS is advertised at 840 fps in .177, so realistically I could look for 750fps or so with normal lead pellets. I don't have any trouble loading the smaller .177 pellets. I just want the most accurate, flattest shooting rifle that I can get that is light and short. The HW50SS in .177 might just be the way for me to go. Thanks for the replies, and if anyone else has anything else to suggest or advise...

Bill in SC

[JimL911]

With a JM kit in my .177 50S I am getting 770's with JSB Express. Very accurate. I put some honey on the paper  to attract flys when I shoot. Run about 70% or better hit rate with it. The 50 is ideal in .177.

[triggerfest]

I vote for the 95 in .177 and then using heavy pellets like the JSB Heavies or HN Baracudas....

The more heavy pellets will give the 95 a smooth shot, the pellets will keep their energy on longer distances without to much curve in the trajectory. The Weihrauch's 95/97/98 platform is just still within the .177 limit IMO unless you will apply a full power tune...

[girwin]

The HW50 is very impressive in .22. This is a gun that both looks good, and the accuracy is very good. Love mine.

[Korak-again]

  If you want a lighter gun, go with the HW50. I had an R9 and sold it. It seemed like a tank compared to my HW30 or a Crossman Phantom. The Phantom was lighter and with a Tuna trigger and a self tune shot as good as the R9. This is not to say the quality was there because it was not.

[jes14352]

Out of the two I would go with the  HW95

[AB173]

I know what I would do.Since I already have a RWS34 in .177 (heavy gun with scope) and a HW30s in .177(wonderful fun gun to shoot and accurate as all get out) and both capable of going head to head with any big rat I can think of plus they both cover anything I want to use them for,I would pick the HW50s and probably be a 22 also just because I don't have one and the size and weight of the HW50s is such that it won't just sit in the gun safe collecting dust and not getting used.I like my comfort,one reason why I sold a Remington 700 Heavy varmint barrel 22-250 and bought a sporter weight Remington 700 in 22-250.Both have taken my groundhogs in the hayfield at 500 yards but the sporter weight 700 does not require wheels to move it.Just sayin!

[umpreacher]

The solution is to get both. I was fortunate to get both. I don't have a chrony so I don't know the velocities. I do know they both shoot great and I've killed squirrels with both.  Hw50S - .177   HW95 - .22
How did the catfishing go?

[Bill in SC]

I MAY eventually own both. The only gain I could get with the 95 over my 34 is 3 inches shorter in length, but the same weight. The 95 COULD be more accurate than the 34, but it could not be by much as the 34 is a tack driver. On the other hand, the 50 is nearly 3 inches shorter and nearly a pound lighter than my 34. I just hate the fact that the 50 in .22 is so slow. It's advertised at 600fps, so I could only probably expect just over 500fps realistically. Entirely too loopy trajectory to hunt with, but probably a fantastic ten meter gun. I guess I have about talked myself in to the HW50SS in .177, but I surely hate to get away from the .22 caliber to hunt with. When I buy it, I will probably be very pleased after I get used to it. Thanks a heap for all the replies!! I always appreciate any comments on the HW rifles. Been wanting one for a while. Preacher, the catfishin' went FINE. Arrived at Blewett Falls lake in NC about 5:30am. Eased up into a creek and with about five throws of the cast net, we had enough gizzard shad to fish as long as we needed. We set up before day on a rock shoal up the Pee Dee river from the lake. Shortly after daybreak, we had nine nice blue cats on board. We were on his boat. We got ready to change positions in the river and the boat batteries had died. It was raining, windy and cold, just like the fish like it, but not a lot of fun for us dead in the water. He got his cousin on the cell phone, and an hour and a half later he arrived in his boat with a battery. In the meantime we had caught one more blue cat. We could have caught a heap more of them but we were cold and wet so went went to the house. Had a nice mess of fish though. If it will ever get cold and stay that way, we will catch a HEAP of cats this winter!
Bill in SC

[Mark 611]

nice bunch of fish!

[Bill in SC]

Thanks, Mark! I think the last PM from you has swayed me over to the HW95 in .22. Thanks a heap!

Bill in SC

[Mark 611]

 

[Korak-again]

  I'll be looking forward to your post on how you like your new HW.

[pmc]

Bill
My HW95 in 22 shoots CPHPs at a consistent 695 FPS which isn't too far off what you're looking for.  I wouldn't let 50fps be a deal breaker.  RWS wadcutters are closer to advertised numbers at 741 FPS but it shoots CPs much better.

[BmaS]

Bill,
I have two D34 Classic T06, both .22, and a .22 Beeman R1, and a .22 HW30s. All of them are capable of being more accurate than I can shoot them.  The R1 is an absolute hammer, and HW30 is anemic by comparison, but every bit as accurate, if not more.  The D34s fall somewhere between, closer in power to the R1, similar in accuracy, and just as much FUN to shoot. Having said that, and totally ignoring your requirements and because I don't own either of your two choices, I'd recommend one each: HW95 and HW50 in both calibers, for a total of four, plus one R1 .22 and one HW30s in .177 for a total of six! (I'm shamelessly angling for Joe's title of "Enabler Prime", but with a more direct, unveiled approach!)

PS - That's a mighty fine mess of catfish!

[Bill in SC]

<(I'm shamelessly angling for Joe's title of "Enabler Prime", but with a more direct, unveiled approach!)>

And a FINE job you are doing!!  LOL

Bill in SC