Just recd my ATP smooth CNC slugs from STO (3 days transit). These are the 5.52mm 32.3grain with claimed BC of 0.18. To be clear, I have no specific intent for these - I’m just a tinkerer.
My Panthera 22/600 is dialed in for Javelin 26g at 980fps (55fpe) and is very accurate. I’ve got no reason to go beyond 120y on a practical level and favor accuracy and a calm shot cycle over big power.
I didn’t alter the tune for the ATP slugs because I read that they do well at lower speed and that suits me just fine, as you’ll see later. Chronied the first five at 885fps, which some (inc. Altaros) say is the sweet spot. These slugs have a subtle boat tail and another user suggested a pin probe. I have the pellet probe as standard and changing looks to be a big hassle with the Panthera, so I left that alone. I did inspect the ability of the pellet probe to contact the subtle boat tail and it seems fine (because it’s so subtle the probe just catches the base). Given that I’m getting 56fpe from the ATP slugs (relative to 55 from the Javelins), I don’t seem to be suffering regarding power, and there were no issues chambering and shooting, nor with accuracy, as you’ll see…. Further, no lubing or cleaning and leading in - just went straight from Javelins (~400 since initial cleaning) to the ATPs…
After measuring speed, I dialed in for POI at 40y and it was a shift of exactly 1 moa left and down (in terms of impact point). The slugs were hitting each other at that range.
I then took it out to 110y, which is my max opportunity right now (in my yard), with my typical circular block of duct seal pinned to a tree. Winds of 10-12 but consistent in direction. Enough that I wouldn’t normally test but figured that if the BC claim is good, it shouldn’t matter! On that note, I should say that I didn’t do anything to check that BC, although multiple people have suggested it checks out very closely. Finally, I should mention that I’m at 5k feet elevation, which further enhances BC and mandates less twist for stabilization.
Attached is a pic of the 8 shot group with gun on bags. Literally the first 8 shots out of the barrel following the chrony and sighting. No cherry picking, 2 cups of Joe and a fairly casual approach! It’s 0.85” and so, comfortably sub MOA. I might get that with the Javelins on the very best day and perhaps this is the best day I’ll ever get with the ATPs. So at this point, I’ll just say that I am very impressed and will be getting a lot more of these. In part because the gun was even more settled and quieter, which again is very important to me. I don’t like airguns that end up like PBs…
Finally, I removed one slug from the duct seal that was well separated and found (1) that it expanded very well (these are not hollow points), and (2) it was a remarkably concentric expansion with the front side looking like a ball bearing (see poorish quality cellphone pics). This suggest to me that they are well stabilized in flight and I that would be comfortable using them for hunting, given the expansion.
No connection to Altaros or anyone else (just an average Joe) but kudos to them for a great product IMHO. No qualms about the cost given the performance!
been debating on target gun or hunting gun....
