New to HFT and looking for advice on Pellets

[Johnny Double G]

So, I've purchased an Air Venturi Avenge-X .22 and have been shooting it for a few weeks now. (and loving it). Ultimately, I think I want to try HFT. While exploring the gun, I started with JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 in 18.13 gr for the first tin with delivery of the gun. At 25 yards (my backyard) I was stacking pellets in very little time with the only adjustments on the gun being limited to trigger pull adjustments. Internet searches of "Tuning the .22" quickly landed me at "Steve's Ultimate Guide" in which he's using the "Redesigned" heavier version at 25.39gr. So, I ordered those and spent several days trying to achieve the tune that he was displaying. Well, I'm getting close but can't match his exact numbers but am getting similar performance. However, the calculated FPE (46.9-50.89ft/lbs) are well over the 20ft/lbs specified by the AAFTA.org. Those heavier pellets, while are accurate at 50 yds are no more accurate than what I was getting BEFORE I spent 36+ hours tuning for the 25.39gr pellets, away from the stock settings that were pretty darn good for the 18.13gr version. Of course, I now have 4 more tins of 25.39gr in my shop LOL. I honestly don't know the speeds or energy levels of the 18.13gr pellets because I didn't have a working chronograph when I was shooting that tin.

So my question is, what grain pellets and tuning specs should I be looking for to shoot HFT with my .22 Avenge-X? I know a lot of folks prefer .117 caliber due to the flatter trajectory compared to a .22 but that's what I have currently. I am ready to order more pellets and am looking for those who know what they are talking about for advice since I obviously don't no anything about it.

Thanks ahead of time for any advice. It's appreciated.
Johnny Double G

 

[Jezter6]

It's a jerk move to knowingly violate the rules. Safety aside, these targets cost $$$ and are a huge investment...one that prevents climbs from wanting to reinvest in higher for capable targets.

Let's not suggest harming club targets.

 

[cavedweller]

I hear at Gran Prix matches speed/fpe is sometimes checked.
I have only shot one Gran Prix and those numbers were not checked.
AT local and club matches I think they don’t check and unless you are doing damage to the targets they probably don’t care.
I know of one location where 20fpe is exceeded all the time (the sound of the pellet impact is a clue) by some shooters and the match director can’t be bothered to care.
Slugs are also in use..would h
If you mention it you are labeled a troublemaker.
I don’t really care as they are not my targets.
You either play by the rules or you don’t.
Like when driving your car.
You either obey the rules of the road or you don’t.

Having purchased over 60 targets out of my own pocket and also maintaining those same targets myself, I would never let anyone shoot at them if their FPE exceeded 20 FPE. $$$$ and maintenance issues would increase dramatically. even cheap Pellets with antimony in them is problematic.

 

[Johnny Double G]

Having purchased over 60 targets out of my own pocket and also maintaining those same targets myself, I would never let anyone shoot at them if their FPE exceeded <20 …. $$$$ and maintenance issues would increase dramatically. even cheap Pellets with antimony in them is problematic.

I wasn't sure why the 20ft/lbs limit was in place in the first place. I did not know whether it was to protect targets or an effort to allow less powerful guns to compete against the more powerful PCP's that happen to have much higher pressures. This clues me in.

 

[Jezter6]

I wasn't sure why the 20ft/lbs limit was in place in the first place. I did not know whether it was to protect targets or an effort to allow less powerful guns to compete against the more powerful PCP's that happen to have much higher pressures. This clues me in.

Prob a bit of both. The sub12 may have issues with heavier paddles needed to support 20+ fpe.

 

[humbled.ag]

We us Nockover targets at Mass Rifle. They fall well up to 20fpe. They are made for 12fpe, but handle 20fpe without issue. They also lock up harder the harder you hit them, no luck on splits. They are made for 12fpe, but handle 20fpe without issue. The limit is doubly for target life, and target cost.

 

[JW.]

Use your Google and search engine and find airgun energy calculator
Enter your Pellets weight and speed and voila - you will have a answer

I didn't know I had a question? LOL

 

[c_m_shooter]

13 to 14 grain pellets are going to be your best choice. Those, at 20 ft lb, have about the same trajectory as the 12 ft lb wftf shooters with .177. If you stick with the game, you will be in search of a .177 rifle sooner than later.

 

[Johnny Double G]

13 to 14 grain pellets are going to be your best choice. Those, at 20 ft lb, have about the same trajectory as the 12 ft lb wftf shooters with .177. If you stick with the game, you will be in search of a .177 rifle sooner than later.

@c_m_shooter I just received a tin of Air Arms Falcon 13.43gr in .22 so I’ll see how they do soon. So far, I’ve not found anywhere to shoot HFT within 2 hours driving distance from my home. So hopefully by the time the .177 Barrel Change Kit comes back in stock for my gun, I’ll actually have a place to shoot HFT. Can’t even buy the darn thing yet so there’s that. (But the wife be happy because a new Rangecraft Chrono ALSO arrived with the tin of pellets today. )

 

[Johnny Double G]

In specific reference to searching for an acceptable round to use with an Air Venturi Avenge-X .22 for Hunter Field Target competitions.

Well after more than 400 rounds down range at both 48 yards (my backyard) and 50 yards (the Izaak Walton League Range I belong to that is MUCH nicer than my back yard), I determined that I could not come up with the correct tuning to allow for the 13.43gr Air Arms Falcon Domed to work or otherwise meet the criteria of staying below 20ft/lbs Fe, even if I used the 2% leeway allowance. At least on that was the case on my Air Venturi Avenge-X .22 rifle anyway. I mean I definitely gave it the ole college try. I have know idea how many times I released all the air and refilled the tank so I could start from scratch. All though I do have detailed notes, I just don't have the in front of me while I type this. But rest assured, it was A LOT! Small increment adjustments as to keep both the Reg Pressure and Hammer Spring Tension "Balanced", over and over and over. I quickly became frustrated that with the Tactical version of the rifle, you have the disassemble quite a bit to adjust the hammer spring in any significant amount of rotation. You'll need to remove the Butt Stock, the "Fake Buffer Tube" (consisting of the Butt Connecting Rod, M5x50mm Screw & it's washer, Rear Connecting Seat Cover, Castle Nut), the Pistol Grip (Consisting of The Pistol Grip Handle, The Pistol Grip Handle Cover and it's two screws), The Rear Stock Connecting Base Top along with it's M5 screw and it's Connecting Base Plug. After you have removed and reinstalled these parts once or twice you'll quickly appreciate my modification to the gun which thereafter only requires removal of the Butt Stock Assembly (consisting of the Butt Stock, Fake Buffer Tube Assembly and the Rear Connecting Seat Cover. This mod GREATLY reduces the effort required to gain access to the Hammer Spring Tensioner. (More on that Mod to follow later).

So I gave up. I was so disappointed especially after ordering the Air Arms Falcon 13.43gr as mentioned on this forum. I went through all those pellets and was super frustrated to say the least. In fact, I had already given up. I don't have the notes in front of me but I think the lowest energy ratings I was getting achieving somewhere in the 40ft/lbs range.


It wasn't until several days had past that I had my epiphany moment. "Hey idiot, you forgot all about that "Transfer Port" didn't you. You never even considered or tried the "L" setting on the Transfer Port.

So after more testing, I was able to find that the 13.43gr Air Arms Falcon in .22 caliber could make the weight so to speak if I change the Transfer Port to "L" (from "H") and then begin to bring up the Hammer Spring Tension. Otherwise, when testing every combination I could of Regulator Pressure & Hammer Spring Tension, I could NOT for the life of me get it down below the acceptable 20ft/lbs criteria, even with the 4% allowance.


Like I previously mentioned, I don't have my notes in front of me but I will return and add the settings for my specific gun onto this thread for all to see. Hopefully, you will be able to help me improve on it and others will find it as either a good starting point OR a reference as to what NOT to do. Your mileage may vary and I wish you all the best.

​

 

[Johnny Double G]

Update.

I've been able to consistently shoot the JSB RS 13.43gr between 792-804 FPS, maintaining an FE below 20.4 ft/lbs. however, the accuracy is not consistent. Today, I shot three different pellets all at the same settings. JSB RS 13.43gr, Air Arms Accuracy+ 13.43gr (AAA+) and for the heck of it, I threw in the JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13gr because so far, they have shot the best all around at these lower pressures required to achieve 20ft/lbs of energy (FE) and below.

Beginning at 25 yards (because I'm satisfied with the accuracy from 10-25yds with both of the 13.43gr pellets. I can stack them often in the same hole but generally in groups of 5/16". However after distances greater than 25yds, I start getting much wider spreads and thus the continued testing. While I don't have photos to share, I can state that I determined that BOTH JSB rounds worked much more consistently than did the AAA+.

At different times throughout the afternoon and through around 200 pellets, I would conclude either the JSB 13.43gr OR 18.13gr were the best. Why & how? Because after the last trigger pull of 10 shots, I'd find that the 13.43gr did best, but the very next 10 shot salvo I'd think "No, the 18.13 is really better."

Overall, it's a draw in MY personal experience between the JSB RS 13.43gr and the JSB 18.13gr. However, it should again be noted that both were shot using the same pressure settings. Which means that the 18.13gr were NOT staying below the 20ft/lb maximum. But not by much which is good news. Current settings resulted in KEs ranging from 20.8-21.8ft/lbs. That leaves me encouraged in the expectation I'll be able to lower the Hammer Spring Adjustment to reduce the Velocity to within the maximum limits.

Why am I bothering? Because I don't know any better. LOL
The reality is that in order to shoot HFT with my current .22 caliber Avenge-X, I might have a choice of pellets that are already paid for and in my possession. No waiting for additional shipping and at more cost.

But then, I find the .177 barrel change kit available as of today. What to do, what to do? The Pyramyd Cup is just in a few days now. Start over at .177 or go with seams to be working. I've not tested the current settings beyond 40 yards. I should be able to do that at approximately 55 yards during my RSO shift at the local range that offers 50'ish yards (going to check the accuracy of that tomorrow if no one is shooting) & 100yd steel, KYL's and plentiful backboards to hang targets on.

Let me know your opinions on how to move forward. Get the .177 change kit and new pellets and start over or go with what I've got. Pyramyd will be my first and only HFT event so I'm not expecting to be on any leader boards, this time.

 

[Franklink]

Update.

I've been able to consistently shoot the JSB RS 13.43gr between 792-804 FPS, maintaining an FE below 20.4 ft/lbs. however, the accuracy is not consistent. Today, I shot three different pellets all at the same settings. JSB RS 13.43gr, Air Arms Accuracy+ 13.43gr (AAA+) and for the heck of it, I threw in the JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13gr because so far, they have shot the best all around at these lower pressures required to achieve 20ft/lbs of energy (FE) and below.

Beginning at 25 yards (because I'm satisfied with the accuracy from 10-25yds with both of the 13.43gr pellets. I can stack them often in the same hole but generally in groups of 5/16". However after distances greater than 25yds, I start getting much wider spreads and thus the continued testing. While I don't have photos to share, I can state that I determined that BOTH JSB rounds worked much more consistently than did the AAA+.

At different times throughout the afternoon and through around 200 pellets, I would conclude either the JSB 13.43gr OR 18.13gr were the best. Why & how? Because after the last trigger pull of 10 shots, I'd find that the 13.43gr did best, but the very next 10 shot salvo I'd think "No, the 18.13 is really better."

Overall, it's a draw in MY personal experience between the JSB RS 13.43gr and the JSB 18.13gr. However, it should again be noted that both were shot using the same pressure settings. Which means that the 18.13gr were NOT staying below the 20ft/lb maximum. But not by much which is good news. Current settings resulted in KEs ranging from 20.8-21.8ft/lbs. That leaves me encouraged in the expectation I'll be able to lower the Hammer Spring Adjustment to reduce the Velocity to within the maximum limits.

Why am I bothering? Because I don't know any better. LOL
The reality is that in order to shoot HFT with my current .22 caliber Avenge-X, I might have a choice of pellets that are already paid for and in my possession. No waiting for additional shipping and at more cost.

But then, I find the .177 barrel change kit available as of today. What to do, what to do? The Pyramyd Cup is just in a few days now. Start over at .177 or go with seams to be working. I've not tested the current settings beyond 40 yards. I should be able to do that at approximately 55 yards during my RSO shift at the local range that offers 50'ish yards (going to check the accuracy of that tomorrow if no one is shooting) & 100yd steel, KYL's and plentiful backboards to hang targets on.

Let me know your opinions on how to move forward. Get the .177 change kit and new pellets and start over or go with what I've got. Pyramyd will be my first and only HFT event so I'm not expecting to be on any leader boards, this time.

If you can get the .177 barrel in time to do some tuning and accuracy testing, I'd recommend you go that route.

If the time frame is just too tight, I'd recommend you go with the 13.43s over the 18.1s. A large part of field target is accurately assessing the range. The 18.1s will be extremely loopy, in their trajectory curve. And that big rainbow makes range estimation absolutely critical. With the 13.43s, you have a little more wiggle room to slip it in the kill zone, in case your range estimation is less than perfect.

 

[Johnny Double G]

If you can get the .177 barrel in time to do some tuning and accuracy testing, I'd recommend you go that route.

If the time frame is just too tight, I'd recommend you go with the 13.43s over the 18.1s. A large part of field target is accurately assessing the range. The 18.1s will be extremely loopy, in their trajectory curve. And that big rainbow makes range estimation absolutely critical. With the 13.43s, you have a little more wiggle room to slip it in the kill zone, in case your range estimation is less than perfect.

Thanks @Franklink

 

[Johnny Double G]

If you can get the .177 barrel in time to do some tuning and accuracy testing, I'd recommend you go that route.

If the time frame is just too tight, I'd recommend you go with the 13.43s over the 18.1s. A large part of field target is accurately assessing the range. The 18.1s will be extremely loopy, in their trajectory curve. And that big rainbow makes range estimation absolutely critical. With the 13.43s, you have a little more wiggle room to slip it in the kill zone, in case your range estimation is less than perfect.

I ordered the Barrel Change Kit late last night. Hopefully it ships today because I typically receive stuff from Pyramyd Air the day after shipping. That would give as much time as possible to try it out.

Also ordered .177 JSB Monster 13.43gr, Benjamin Single Die 10.5gr and AEA Precision Punch 13.7gr to try but the AEA is backordered. I'm thinking I shouldn't be to far off using those with my current Hammer Spring and Reg Pressure settings since the weights are the same (13.43gr) as what I was shooting yesterday.

Now it's time to print a moderator and while that's in the works, convert an BOB Stroller I just picked up for $20 this morning to my Gun Cart. WOO HOO!

 

[JW.]

If the barrel lengths are the same you'll need to add a little power when you go to 177 from 22. 22 is more efficient due to the bore diameter. Found out a 21.25" barrel will run 177 10.34's at 890 and 13.43's at 815 without a power adjustment.

I just finished a BOB conversion, took a long time (its all gray hdpe) but looks pretty good and holds everything, i'll get pictures at the match this weekend.

 

[airgunutty]

Good luck at the shoot. I hope you amaze yourself.

Mike

 

[Johnny Double G]

Good luck at the shoot. I hope you amaze yourself.

Mike

Thanks Mike. If I don't come in last, I'll be amazed and I don't really care if I do take last. If it happens, I can only go up from there! Especially having never attended a HFT event before. It should prove to be hilarious.

 

[glr59]

I've competed in HFT for a long time. If you just want to play and try what you have using 22cal then use the lightest pellet that is accurate. If you want some success and really start knocking down targets the majority use .177 and 10.3gr pellets at 880-900fps. Anything else is just exercise in frustration. It's just a matter of how serious you want to be.

 

[airgunutty]

Thanks Mike. If I don't come in last, I'll be amazed and I don't really care if I do take last. If it happens, I can only go up from there! Especially having never attended a HFT event before. It should prove to be hilarious.

Well I have a feeling that you will do better than your think. Personal satisfaction is the most important ingredient to success. Go get em

 

[Johnny Double G]

I've competed in HFT for a long time. If you just want to play and try what you have using 22cal then use the lightest pellet that is accurate. If you want some success and really start knocking down targets the majority use .177 and 10.3gr pellets at 880-900fps. Anything else is just exercise in frustration. It's just a matter of how serious you want to be.

Thank you for that @glr59. That’s EXACTLY what I need to know. Hopefully, the .177 barrel change kit and ammo arrive today as scheduled.