Chrony Data: Vortek'd HW30s

[Smaug]

All shots were from 10-shot strings, after about 100 rounds of break-in.

JSB Exact RS (7.3 gr.)
Avg. 662
ES 21
SD 6
FPE 7.1

RWS Basic (7.0 gr.)
Avg. 675
ES 12
SD 3
FPE 7.1

RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle (8.2 gr.)
Avg.606 
ES 26
SD 8
FPE 6.7
Comment: I don't have any guns that shoot these well.

RWS Superdome (8.3 gr.)
Avg. 594
ES 38
SD 10
FPE 6.5

Air Arms Diabolo Express (7.9 gr.)
Avg. 649
ES 9
SD 2
FPE 7.4

Air Arms Diabolo Field (8.4 gr.)
Avg. 612
ES 9
SD 3
FPE 7.0

Crosman Premier Light (7.9 gr.)
Avg. 613
ES 12
SD 4
FPE 6.6
Comment: Tight fit in breech = lower velocity on a springer

Predator Polymag (8.0 gr.)
Avg. 615
ES 28
SD 8
FPE 6.7

Crosman Destroyer (7.4)
Avg. 611
ES 48
SD 14
FPE 6.1
Comment: Very inconsistent fit in the breech, and the tin lid required a vise to get open. Avoid this stinker.

Air Arms Falcon (7.3)
Avg. 670
ES 11
SD 3
FPE 7.3

H&N Baracuda Green (6.48)
Avg. 631
ES 10
SD 3
FPE 5.7
Comments: Tight fit = fail on energy

Skenco Pointed Polymag (4.5)
Avg. 966
ES 19
SD 5
FPE 9.3 (!)
Comments: Good fit, worth an accuracy test!

H&N Field Target Trophy (8.64)
Avg. 601
ES 7
SD 2
FPE 6.9

RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol (7)
Avg. 694
ES 10
SD 3
FPE 7.5
Comment: Hmmm, would this get through one side of a squirrel skull @ 10 yds? ??? 'cuz it would sure hit hard.


Conclusions: (so far. Maybe things will change after further break-in) 

• Air Arms pellets are one of the top 2 in every rifle I've got, so far, neck & neck with bulk Crosman Premiers and slightly ahead of JSB and H&N.
• Shot cycle is slightly quicker with the Vortek
• Cocking is not any smoother, and feels a bit heavier
• Trigger pull is heavier with Vortek
• Energy gain is maybe 0.5 FPE
• It's not worth it to Vortek this gun, unless you're having problems with the stock configuration

 

[JoeWayneRhea]

Great review Jeremy ! And great information

 

[Jonnes]

"Smaug"Comment: Hmmm, would this get through one side of a squirrel skull @ 10 yds? ??? 'cuz it would sure hit hard.

• Energy gain is maybe 0.5 FPE

Asking the question is basically answering it, considering you concluded to never use this rifle for taking out squirrels. That little gain isn't going to make that much of a difference.  

 

[Smaug]

"Jonnes"

"Smaug"Comment: Hmmm, would this get through one side of a squirrel skull @ 10 yds? ??? 'cuz it would sure hit hard.

• Energy gain is maybe 0.5 FPE

Asking the question is basically answering it, considering you concluded to never use this rifle for taking out squirrels. That little gain isn't going to make that much of a difference.

Agreed. If it was a 2 FPE gain, as some folks have reported, it might be worth another try on squirrels @ 10 yds.

The only pellet with a notable energy increase was the Skenco Pointed Polymatch, but that's a 4.5 gr. pointed polymer pellet. It shot twice as loud as the heavier pellets. They have sharp points, but with so little mass, I think I would only be comfortable with these on birds. ...but accuracy was not as good with these as I had hoped. Not in the league of the JSB and AA 7.3's and 7.9s.

I'm thinking the folks who had a 2 FPE gain either had a very tired spring or they were reporting the first few rounds that diesel after the installation.

 

[hdrk1111]

Good stuff Jeremy. I took your advice and picked up the HW30s. Shoots great. Used JSB exact RS 7.33 and RWS super point extra 8.2 and both were under half inch at 10 meters. Might not sound great when compared to some of your groups or those of Joe, but for me being so new to springer's I am absolutely pleased. I am thinking I will order up some of these pellets listed and see how well they work in my gun. I do not have a Chrony but am looking towards getting one. I am leaning towards a Chrony Air. Also what would make the trigger harder after installing a tune kit ? I ask because I am thinking of putting one in my R-9 which currently has a wonderful trigger which I believe is the same as the HW30S no ? Also and suggestions as to what would make a group open up from 10 meters to 16 yards ?