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New to HFT and looking for advice on Pellets

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Johnny Double G

Johnny Double G

Member
Jun 9, 2025
23
23
Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
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
 
You're going to have to way down-tune most .22 to fit the FPE limitations.

I use the crosman 14.3 on my notos and would go lighter if I didnt already invest in a crapton of pellets already.

Ultimately, you'll likely have an easier time buying into a .177 system instead of trying to slow down a .22.

Even with 18.13, you have to get to about 700FPS to get under the limit, which is prob not great.
 
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Bramezy said:
Look at 13gr and 14gr to get good speeds and balance.
Click to expand...

Yeah, in .22 and sub 20fpe, the JSB 13.43 and 14.35 are gonna be as good as it gets. Both for BC and accuracy.
I've shot matches with both before, and while certainly a disadvantage over .177, it's very possible to do well with them. One of my perfect score matches was shot with the .22/13.43 JSB RS pellets. It wasn't a windy day, nor a hard course, but that's just an example of the possibilities.
 
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Shooting a .22 in AAFTA "Hunter" field target with the <20fpe limit, you need to be shooting the lightest pellet you can accurately. IMO a JSB 15.9 or there 13.4 grain weight. * 15.9 grain you need to be at 750 fps maximum to be legal.

15.9 is doable with good DOPE data, as I've done it & it is a lot harder than a faster and lighter .177 or .20 cal. But it is what you have so go for it !! :love:
 
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Save yourself some frustration and invest in the Air Venturi .177 barrel conversion. (Out of stock right now but back real soon.)
Your trajectory will be a lot flatter. Get a tin of 10.3’s in either JSB, FX Air Arms. Set the reg pressure at about 110-120 bar. Adjust the hammer spring to where you’re getting about 900 fps (mine likes 920ish) and your zero at 30 yards. You’ll be smacking KZ’s from 10-55 yards before you know it.
 
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Franklink said:
One of my perfect score matches was shot with the .22/13.43 JSB RS pellets.
Click to expand...
I found the AA and JSB 13.43's in 22 to be better than the 14.35's. I shot some of my best (and worst) FT matches with a 22. The worst was due to two tins of pellets shooting lights out indoors (1/2" groups at 55y) to full on miserable sized groups in the Alabama weather (Nationals).

My biggest issue with 22 in FT was that I was using an unregulated USFT and keeping at the 20.0 ft-lbs limit (this was before the 2% leeway rule). Every fps over 20 ft-lbs increased the accuracy of the combo greatly so it was tempting to risk shooting hot over the chorny in the middle of a fill to eeek out as many fps as possible to gain some additional accuracy during a match.

I've repurchased the same barrel (a two groove Benchmark benchrest barrel in stainless steel) and some 22 ammo to test in my regulated Thomas... I already tried to get four LW barrels in 20 cal to work, non-poly LW barrels appear to be absolute trash (being generous the best one was shooting 3/4" groups at 35 yards indoors).

You may find it difficult to detune your current rifle and have it be consistent for FT...

Typically we tune the pellet speed to the rifle (find which speed works best), for FT its the opposite, you have to have things that work at the velocity your limited to. Those 22 13.43 JSB pellets really like going closer to 900fps than 800fps so if you rifle doesn't shoot them well at 818 (835 at 2% over) or lower you're kind of screwed...
 
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JW. said:
I found the AA and JSB 13.43's in 22 to be better than the 14.35's. I shot some of my best (and worst) FT matches with a 22. The worst was due to two tins of pellets shooting lights out indoors (1/2" groups at 55y) to full on miserable sized groups in the Alabama weather (Nationals).

My biggest issue with 22 in FT was that I was using an unregulated USFT and keeping at the 20.0 ft-lbs limit (this was before the 2% leeway rule). Every fps over 20 ft-lbs increased the accuracy of the combo greatly so it was tempting to risk shooting hot over the chorny in the middle of a fill to eeek out as many fps as possible to gain some additional accuracy during a match.

I've repurchased the same barrel (a two groove Benchmark benchrest barrel in stainless steel) and some 22 ammo to test in my regulated Thomas... I already tried to get four LW barrels in 20 cal to work, non-poly LW barrels appear to be absolute trash (being generous the best one was shooting 3/4" groups at 35 yards indoors).

You may find it difficult to detune your current rifle and have it be consistent for FT...

Typically we tune the pellet speed to the rifle (find which speed works best), for FT its the opposite, you have to have things that work at the velocity your limited to. Those 22 13.43 JSB pellets really like going closer to 900fps than 800fps so if you rifle doesn't shoot them well at 818 (835 at 2% over) or lower you're kind of screwed...
Click to expand...

Pyramyd AIR Ballistic Calculator: Muzzle Energy

Calculate power output, muzzle energy and more! Whether you need an FPE Calculator, Ballistic Coefficient, or Wind Drift with Pyramyd AIR's shooting calculators
www.pyramydair.com
 
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JW. said:
I found the AA and JSB 13.43's in 22 to be better than the 14.35's. I shot some of my best (and worst) FT matches with a 22. The worst was due to two tins of pellets shooting lights out indoors (1/2" groups at 55y) to full on miserable sized groups in the Alabama weather (Nationals).

My biggest issue with 22 in FT was that I was using an unregulated USFT and keeping at the 20.0 ft-lbs limit (this was before the 2% leeway rule). Every fps over 20 ft-lbs increased the accuracy of the combo greatly so it was tempting to risk shooting hot over the chorny in the middle of a fill to eeek out as many fps as possible to gain some additional accuracy during a match.

I've repurchased the same barrel (a two groove Benchmark benchrest barrel in stainless steel) and some 22 ammo to test in my regulated Thomas... I already tried to get four LW barrels in 20 cal to work, non-poly LW barrels appear to be absolute trash (being generous the best one was shooting 3/4" groups at 35 yards indoors).

You may find it difficult to detune your current rifle and have it be consistent for FT...

Typically we tune the pellet speed to the rifle (find which speed works best), for FT its the opposite, you have to have things that work at the velocity your limited to. Those 22 13.43 JSB pellets really like going closer to 900fps than 800fps so if you rifle doesn't shoot them well at 818 (835 at 2% over) or lower you're kind of screwed...
Click to expand...
Use your Google and search engine and find airgun energy calculator
Enter your Pellets weight and speed and voila - you will have a answer
 
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humbled.ag said:
I've watched multiple shooters, new an seasoned do well with a .22. The only hiccup is 1/4" and 3/8" kill zones. There just isn't any wiggle room when shooting for the center. Otherwise use what ya got and have a blast.
Click to expand...
On a side note, you do get a tiny bit extra out of splits, so there is some minor advantage from time to time.
 
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