pellet size - Matching to the barrel

gn303 · Post by **gn303** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:56 am

Visit to Vogel manufactory in Stolberg, Germany.

In need for some pellets, I made a reservation with Mr. Vogel to have a test session for my gun.

A test range is constructed inside the factory. The line is covered for the whole 10 m and a Rika transport unit carries the paper target back and forth. The gun is mounted on a vise and aimed of center so that different groups can be shot on the same card.
The first question asked by the test shooter was the pellet size (4.49) used by Steyr for the test card that was with the gun at purchase, because that was the size he wanted to start with.

And indeed the first batch selected produced one hole groups! The tester predicted that it would be hard to do better. Nevertheless he was going to try a 4.50 mm pellet that produced a slightly bigger group. A smaller sized (4.48 mm) gave a bigger dispersion. After that he tried a 4.49 mm pellet from another batch, but it didn’t cut out cleaner holes, so he returned to the earlier batch for a final test. It was finally that batch that was selected.
It was also remarkable that the first shots were fired with a full air cartridge, while the latest groups were shot with a fairly lower amount of CA.
I have published the pictures taken during the test: https://picasaweb.google.com/1126900041 ... directlink

I asked Mr. Vogel what was needed to manufacture a match grade pellet. The answer was fairly simple. When quality is on the line every step in the production process is important: high grade lead, very precise made molds, exact tuning of the machinery and careful cleaning and oiling of the produced pellets.

Matching the pellet to the gun – worth the effort?

You can’t answer this question with just yes or no. If shooting a 10.9 instead of a 10.0 makes a difference to you then the answer is absolutely YES!
When your average score is around 560, knowing that your pellet hits exactly where the barrel was pointing it satisfying, but it won’t raise your scores dramatically.

I think that the real gain for the average shooter is in the head. Peace of mind: my barrel / pellet combination is excellent: when I miss the 10, I have no excuse! (Who ever doubted about that :-)).

I hope to have made a little contribution to this ever ongoing discussion and I wish you all peace of mind (all the time).

Guy

william · Post by **william** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:11 am

Two observations:
1. Your experience has reconfirmed what other cartridge/pellet testers have been telling us for years - that lot numbers are important.

2. Even the "worst" test group was a good deal smaller than the difference between 10.0 and 10.9.

I would like to duplicate your experience at the JSB factory, but if pressed I must admit that my real goal would be tourism in the Czech Republic.

Tycho · Post by **Tycho** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 11:08 am

Right - after a few Pilsner, lot numbers stop being so very important... :-D

Rover · Post by **Rover** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 2:07 pm

It sounds like Tycho has the only REAL handle on this pellet testing business. You will definitely have to get into the Czech beer.

Jack Milchanowski · Post by **Jack Milchanowski** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 2:36 pm

I enjoy Ojusko pivo in Croatia.

Come see us in the woods.
Jack

Rover · Post by **Rover** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 4:24 pm

Forgive me gn303, I only now noted you are from Belgium. I'm sure I don't need to tell YOU about beer and it's beneficial effects.

lastman · Post by **lastman** » Wed Sep 28, 2011 10:10 pm

The only thing I'd say about the pellet testing is rather than look at the difference between a 10.0 and 10.9. Think about the difference between a 10.0 and a 9.9.

Maybe you can find a way to eek out the 1mm difference.

Mmmmmm... Beer.

Good luck