Do I need a regulator for my FX Royale 500?

[jimreed1948]

I've had this rifle since December 2014. Haven't had any issues with it, but I'm just wondering if a regulator may help the performance. Those of you that understand this more than me, please take a look at the two charts below. Both are .25 cal and one is for the .25 gr JSB and the other is for the 34 gr JSB. I spoke with AOA this past Friday and it would cost about $310 for the regulator and installation.

At the time I filled the bottle for the testing, I didn't realize that my supply bottle was low. So, I started both test starting at the 190 bar and ending at the 120 bar. At the 120 bar, it was a significant drop off.

70 shots with the .25 gr JSB
54 shots with the .34 gr JSB

 

[Regal_US]

I'm far from an expert, but this looks like a typical bell shaped curve for an unregulated supply on any PCP (see later); regulators give a much flatter curve, but cost more. Shipping back to AOA to have regulator installed will cost extra $, and there's always the chance of damage during shipping. What are your needs that make you think you need a regulator? The exception is the Harper Slingshot on unregulated Day State rifles, that gives a much smoother curve than a typical unregulated supply. The Royale 500 is a great rifle for the cost.

 

[pheelgood]

On the one I bought for my Dad I got the regulator for the simple reason of shot consistency.

 

[Kim]

Jim I'm no expert but the flattish part of the curve for JSB Exact King shot #48-68 looks pretty good.

Maybe estimate the fill pressure to start ~ shot 48 (155 bar?) and repeat the shot string for 20.

 

[jimreed1948]

"Regal_US"What are your needs that make you think you need a regulator? The exception is the Harper Slingshot on unregulated Day State rifles, that gives a much smoother curve than a typical unregulated supply. The Royale 500 is a great rifle for the cost.

I'm looking for accuracy.

 

[Regal_US]

If you want field target accuracy for a long shot string you'll need a regulator. But for hunting, if you stay near the top of your curve (i.e don't fill to max capacity), you already have very nice shot consistency, at the expense of a reduced shot count.

 

[coldfield]

You dont need a reg, but you need to set your gun up correctly. Your curve is pretty bad. My non reg fx 500 would get 60+ shots with less than 15ftps spread. It would get 80 shots without moving poi at 55 yds. Try backing the spring off. Keepmit under 880 with 25.4 jsb. Good luck

 

[SRGTO04]

Here check out the videos on regulators. He will talk about shot count and accuracy which way to set up a regulator for each, I think you will have to go to his U-tube channel to see his FAQ video. I hope this will help you decide which way to go.

Good luck

 

 

[FVA]

If you like to shoot at longer ranges a regulator is a great thing as velocity differences of 30 fps and more show up In vertical stringing.
IME, Daystate's Harper valve is no replacement for a regulator and exhibits the same bell curve common to most unregulated guns.

 

[jimreed1948]

Regal_US - If you want field target accuracy for a long shot string you'll need a regulator.

FVA - If you like to shoot at longer ranges a regulator is a great thing as velocity differences of 30 fps and more show up In vertical stringing.

That's what I looking for.

 

[jimreed1948]

"SRGTO04"Here check out the videos on regulators. He will talk about shot count and accuracy which way to set up a regulator for each, I think you will have to go to his U-tube channel to see his FAQ video. I hope this will help you decide which way to go.

Good luck

That's a good video and good information. I'm not at the point in my airgunning where I would attempt to tackle this.

 

[jking]

Jim, with your current set up it looks like your peak velocity is about 925. Shots 42 and 43 are bumping 900. That's 2.7% spread which is good for longer distance shooting. I would try fill to that pressure where you get 900 and extend your shooting further until your velocity falls back to 900. That should give you a decent number of shots at less than 3% spread. It sounds like there are some tuning opportunities to help as well. I'm kind of in the market for a 500 so keep us posted on the direction you go. Coldfield's gun tune is what your lookin for for sure
jimmy

 

[manabeknives]

It sounds like you want the best shooting system possible. If that is the case, I would get the regulator. Not only will it help the consistency of the rifle, but it will also give you the mental reassurance that you have done all that you can to get the most out of your rifle. Which, IMHO, is going to help your shooting.
Mike

 

[jimreed1948]

"manabeknives"It sounds like you want the best shooting system possible. If that is the case, I would get the regulator. Not only will it help the consistency of the rifle, but it will also give you the mental reassurance that you have done all that you can to get the most out of your rifle. Which, IMHO, is going to help your shooting.
Mike

I agree. UPS will have it in the morning.

 

[Regal_US]

FVA - IME Daystate’s Harper valve is no replacement for a regulator and exhibits the same bell curve common to most unregulated guns.

Agreed its not a substitute for a regulator, but published shot strings show its much better than an unregulated source; none of Daystate's rifles have a regulator (except the electronic versions) and they are generally well regarded for FT in the UK, but its interesting that Daystate does not do well in the extreme bench rest competition.

jimreed1948 - If you want field target accuracy for a long shot string you’ll need a regulator.
Agree 100%. Sling shot is still a pretty amazing bit of engineering as a 'work around' for a regulator.

 

[jking]

Jim, who are you getting the reg from and are there other mods that have to be done, plenum space or valve flow increase? 
Jimmy

 

[grobe1458]

I consider a regulator a great benefit as it provides a level of shot to shotconsistancy. no need to worry about fill pressure, keeping track of shots
I have a royale 400 .22 regulated, I don't have a bell curve, I have this.

 

[Regal_US]

grobe1548: I have a royale 400 .22 regulated, I don’t have a bell curve, I have this.
This is a most elegant understatement. Its a fantastic flat line and a convincing argument for regulators. Anyone shooting field target without a regulator will be at a severe disadvantage. 

 

[jimreed1948]

jking - Jim, who are you getting the reg from and are there other mods that have to be done, plenum space or valve flow increase? Jimmy

​grobe 1458 - I consider a regulator a great benefit as it provides a level of shot to shot consistancy. no need to worry about fill pressure, keeping track of shots I have a royale 400 .22 regulated, I don’t have a bell curve, I have this.


jking - AOA has the rifle now. At the time I spoke with them on the phone, he told told me that during the installation, it would also receive a minor tune. I have no idea what this would consist of. After talking with several others that have the same rifle, they told me that due to the way the rifle is constructed, it is difficult to do very much of a tune to it.

grobe 1458 - This is what I'm hoping to get close to.


It will probably be a couple of weeks until I get it back. As soon as I do, I post some new charts and we can see the difference.

 

[grobe1458]

I have an air ranger .22 50ft.lb and the harper valve system is definately not a regulator, it's air efficient but mine is set up for max power. I get 40 somewhat consistant shots at 47ft.lbs with jsb 18.13gr pellets and then the decline picks up. I also have a airwolf in .22, the MAP system also isn't like a normal regulator but it's very efficient.



only a few of my pcp rifles aren't regulated, but that's fine for now.