Author Topic: Pellet choice (Read 908 times)

gunnstack · « **on:** April 28, 2004, 10:04:26 PM »

Hi guys.
I have read so much about pellet choice as regards rifle power/spring life etc. and would appreciate your input. I currently own a Beeman R9 plus a Beeman GS 1000 (Norica- I won't make any comments about the Gamo 1250 or the Winchester 1000- it's probably all been said before and for the "said " reasons I no longer own them.) The general concensus appears to be the that more powerful the rifle( muzzle energy) the heavier the pellet you should use, yet I find on "some" forums they use and recommend pellets under 9gr for rifles such as the R9. in .177 calibre I find using H&N F&T Trophy (8.49 grain) the R9 deisels but are preferred by the GS 1000. Using Barracuda Match at 10.65Gr no deiseling with the R9- and consistant 1/2 ragged holes at 40 metres-and one big Magpie this morning. So what - if any "rule of thumb is there" re- pellet choice. Does a bit of deiseling with lighter pellets affect spring life etc.?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2004, 11:19:16 AM »

I think 8 grains is just about perfect. I love the RWS pointed pellets for hunting. They are amazingly effective. Even for lower velocity air guns, I think the heavier pellets are better regardless of the power of the airgun. If I had a really high velocity air gun, I'd probably try the 9+ grain pellets though.

big6x6 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2004, 02:34:13 PM »

The R-9 and GS-1000 are really mid-weight "magnum" airguns anyway. That is, they shoot in the 12 to 16ftlb area. The pellet weight that is GENERALLY the optimum is between 7.5gr and 9.0gr for .177 cal. This is to insure long spring life and optimal performance.

All air rifles of this type "diesel" to some extent. The problems start when COMBUSTION takes place. Also, the newer the gun, the more it tends to smoke a little. Pull a patch down the bore to remove any xs lubes and avoid lubes on your pellets to minimize the smoking.

The Barracudas(Beeman Kodiaks) are great shooting pellets. They are GENERALLY thought to be a little heavy for an R-9. But really, shooting them probably won't hurt a thing...

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2004, 01:40:32 PM »

I use two types of pellets in all of my air guns, doesnt matter whether it is a pistol or rifle. Doesnt matter on the power level or the caliber of air gun being used either. For hunting I use Beeman Crow Magnums because they do exactly what they say they will do. They open up and near double in size upon entering the animal. For target work and for birds I use wad cutter pellets. On birds they seem to deliver much more shock and this means fewer fly-a-ways. Nothing is worse than hitting a bird and having it end up in your neighbors pool, on his patio, etc.. I have had to many birds and animals fly or run off after taking a solid body hit using a domed/pointed pellet to ever use them on pests again. Small groups and tight lines to all. Lawdog

Gabe · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2004, 06:03:50 PM »

Almost as important as the weight is the quality. A quality pellet will fit properly and give the proper friction inside the barrel when fired. A cheap, poorly fitted pellet will wreak havoc on your spring, no matter what the weight. But with more powerful guns, don't go light on the pellets. Stick with 7.9 or higher.

gunnstack · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2004, 02:07:45 PM »

Hi Guys-thanks for all the info, much appreciated and it bears out my own findings. As regards the wadcutters recommended by Lawdog the only ones I have found available here in NZ are the H&N Hollow Point and I have found them too inconsistent for hunting- too many fliers. My supplier is looking around for other quality pellets at the moment. I tend to use the Barracuda Match for hunting-more stopping power, and the F&T Trophy for target and plinking. Thanks once again.

thedeester1 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2004, 11:30:12 AM »

I use Two Types of pellet for Two types of pest control. For Rats i use a Heavy pellet (Bisley magnum) 1.3 grams. Hitting a rat in the head from 15 yards isnt easy so i preffer to take the quick heavy stopper option. (rats can be tough cookies. ive seen rats jumping and sqealing with 3 9 grain pellts in the back)
For Rabbits i use the Bisley super field at 1.0 gram i find the trajectory is flatter over longer distances and it has a very slight hollow point which doesnt end up tearing part of the face off your rabbit (as some pointeds do) and leaving you to clean up from close range. By the way im English and my gun is 12 ft/lb legal.
If im just plinking for fun setting up knockdowns or trying for extreme long range "aim high" shots ill take some cheaper 9 grain pellets. I tend to stay away from points and double skirted pellets because of damaged breach seals caused by missloads in my multishots.
Thats my waffle.

varmit_master · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2004, 03:06:08 AM »

Hi Lawdog i am going to order the Tech Fore 99 .177 cal what is a good pellet to shoot birds with out of the gun the name of the pellet gr thanks VM

Lawdog · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2004, 10:18:42 AM »

varmit_master,

The TF 99M in .177 is a 1,100 fps. rifle so the rule of thumb is go with a heavier pellet. I would go with 177 Crow Magnum .8.80 gr. pellet. The very best idea is to get a hunting pellet sampler such as the one offered by FSI(known as AirgunsUSA.com). It is called the FSI .177 Field/Hunting Deluxe Pellet Pack stock# 3173(this is the one I buy in .177 caliber). The 9.5 grain RWS Super Mag Pellet is also a good one for birds out of higher velocity air rifles. The best pellet for you to use is the ones you find that will shoot the best for you out of your particular rifle. Also remember that your rifle will get better and better accuracy and velocity wise as you get it broke in. Keep us informed on what you get and how it works for you. Small groups and tight lines to you. Lawdog

varmit_master · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2004, 10:27:25 PM »

Hi Lawdog will do when i get it let you know how it shoots VM