Disco + Polymags = Scatter Shot? Help Diagnose

[tjcib]

So my Disco .22 shoots JSB 18.13s the best of anything I've tried. But I had a coupon, so I got a tin of Polymags just to try them out. They are expensive, so part of me hoped they weren't equally (or more) accurate, if possible.

I haven't had a lot of trigger time with my Disco lately, messing around with an m-rod and my son's Daisy 953. So I took a few fills to get used to the trigger again and then fired off some strings. I was baffled.

I shot 5 shot groups and they were ALL over the place, horizontal, vertical, sometimes dead on. I was shooting to about 27 yards with just a front rest. I have gotten advice on here in the past about the visual patterns of shot strings, hoping to get more.

I intertwined 5 shot groups of my JSBs just to make sure I wasn't skewing the results, and for the most part, I don't think it was me. On the pics, you can see the groups labeled "JSB" vs. "PP". I push the JSBs at about 710 fps for 35 shots per fill. I didn't chrony the Polymags, but I can't imagine them being over 775 fps on the same setting...

Here are the pics, anyone see anything I'm missing? Could they be clipping in the TKO because of their length?

Note: On the full target (2nd pic), I took shots at the little dots too, one with JSB and one with Polymags.

[LAalex]

      Guns of any make/model are going to have minute variances between individual examples.  This is why trying pellet samplers is often recommended when people post that their rifles are not shooting up to snuff.  This is equally true of PB's.  My Marlin 795 is very accurate with certain brands/types of ammo and not so accurate with others.  Hang on to the Polymags--maybe they will shoot OK in another rifle.

Scotty

[tjcib]

Once I get in better trigger shape, I'll try again. I'm going to try higher velocity as well, maybe up to 850-900.

I hadn't really read any negatives on the Polymags in Discos, so I hoped I would get at least a .5" group inside 35 yards.

I guess I was very surprised for the price...but I am still new...

[Speedly]

As LaAlex said, each gun has its own preferences to size, shape, and weight. Note that I didn't say each type of gun - but rather, each individual gun.

My Disco likes H&N FTTs, whereas JSBs seem to be the most common in Discos.

Hatsan AT-44s are known for really liking JSB Heavies. Mine hates them.

Sometimes a pellet that matches poorly with a gun will really spray when you put them on paper. Chalk it up to another one you've eliminated and try the next one!

[tjcib]

If only they made sampler packs of some of the different kinds of pellets. I've tried all the Crosman, JSB, and a few others... but man it gets expensive...

[Anylizer]

http://www.straightshooters.com/search.php?mode=search&page=1

These should suit your needs!!!

[nervoustrigger]

Diagnosis:  how very fortunate! 

I have to agree with what others have said, except to add that it's a blessing your rifle doesn't need an expensive diet of Polymags.

From time to time folks talk about using them for hunting at 50+ yards and seeing how they mushroom at relatively low velocities, they are no doubt very effective when they connect.  But consider this...how many times have you seen someone post silly small groups shot with Polymags?  Almost never. 

But the .22 cal pellet that puts up absurdly small groups probably more than any other?  Yep, the very same 18.1gr JSB that groups best in your Disco. 

For example, my B51 would do ragged holes with Polymags at 25 yards:


I was pretty excited when I saw them grouping like that but when I tried them on my 43 yard target, they opened up considerably.  At that distance, the JSB 15.9gr and 18.1gr really shined:





So I usually try the Polymags when I'm tuning a rifle but I've yet to have them group as well as the best domes at 40+ yards, and the bottom line is the most effective hunting pellet is the most accurate pellet.

[palonej]

They're basically wad cutters and will, most of the time, not be accurate past 20 yards or so.
Be glad!!! Expensive pellets!
And Jason is right, as usual, the best hunting pellet is the most accurate one........period!!

[tjcib]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not crying that my disco doesn't like the most expensive pellets. HA. The JSBs aren't exactly cheap either, but still more reasonable. If I could just talk my Disco into the $2 tin of Daisy's at wally world...

The JSBs and CPHPs have met plenty of tree rats. If it ain't broke, don't fix it...