Newbie to this realm .177 Benjamin

[shawnlstrader]

After a few years of asking, my wife finally broke down and bought me an air rifle for Christmas. Now that the weather has warmed and it may stop raining here in Illinois, I’d like to find a consistent pellet.

It’s a break barrel Benjamin “Steel Eagle” that shoots up to 1400 FPS. It came with some incredibly light pellets that fly all over the paper. I went full opposite and bought 15 grain pellets with similar results. My next purchase will likely be some 8.5 to 10.5 to see if that helps. 

Does anyone have any words of wisdom to help me along this journey?

My time is limited to a few minutes here and there. From what I have seen thus far, it appears that it requires several hours of shooting and piles of pellets that will eventually get tossed because the gun doesn’t like “that brand” or “weight.”

I’m willing to buy the pellets and even toss the losers, but hours are not at my disposal. 

Any help is greatly appreciated. 

 

[Xbowsniper]

Shawnlstrader,

Try a JSB Monster, at 13+ grains. Also an H&N Sniper Magnum at 15 grains. Crosman Heavy at 10.5 grains, or a JSB EXACT Beast at 16+ grains.

Speed kills a traditional shape (diabolo) pellet in accuracy dept. You want to keep the speed down under 950 fps, or thereabouts. Any faster, and usually you loose accuracy. 

Also, keep in mind that shooting accuracy isn't just the gun. If it has open, or iron sights, they must be aligned properly. If it has a scope, ( particularly if it came with the gun in a package) they are not known for the best of quality, if, in fact a scope came with it.

Another thing to keep in mind is the shooter. You NEED to have a consistent hold on the gun each time you shoot it. Meaning if you hold it tight one time, and the next shot you hold it loose, the point of impact most likely will shift. Same thing if you rest it on something solid, like a rail or table. It won't work the same.

Also, at what distance were you shooting, you stated that it was all over the paper. What distance, what size target, and was there wind? A 5 mph wind at 30 yds will drift a pellet a few inches.

Hope this helps, keep us posted, we'll (Nation) can help steer you in the right direction.

Tom Holland 

Field Target Tech 

 

[shawnlstrader]

The gun came with its own scope. The H&N Sniper Magnum at 15 grains is what I’m currently shooting. I’ll get some of the other weights/brands ordered and see how they do. 

I haven’t fired 25 rounds through it yet. I’ll put a good scope on that I’ve removed from a hunting rifle too. 

Thanks for the advice! 

 

[RidinLou]

Read a little about standard hunting rifle scopes on Spring guns. Apparently it is not a good combo.

Less than 25 rounds?? That is not enough rounds to shoot in the gun or shooter.

Read/you tube video about the proper technique to hold shoot a spring gun.

 

[Xbowsniper]

Shawnlstrader,

RidinLou is correct. Don't just put any scope on this gun, if the scope is not what's called "Springer rated", it will not hold up, and you will surely blow up the scope and render it useless.

Spring guns have a reverse recoil than regular guns, and if the scope is not designed for a spring airgun, and you use it, throw it away. If you go to Pyramyd Air, they have dozens of reasonably priced spring gun rated scopes, that would be appropriate for your gun. 

Also, with most spring guns, you need to shoot them to break them in, sometimes over 500 shots. You will get pretty crappy accuracy out of a new spring gun, even the $1000 top of the line guns, they all have to be broken in.

Another thing that I forgot to mention, get a good quality set of mounts for the scope. I use Sportsmatch mounts exclusively on all my guns. These mounts are fully adjustable. When you first mount a scope, it's usually what's called optically centered from the factory. With fully adjustable mounts, this allows you to zero your scope, so to speak, without moving the scope adjustments. You can get it pretty close, then adjust your scope only a few clicks in either direction. Time and time again I see new guys at my range with a new gun and scope, and they start cranking and cranking on the sights because they don't have the proper scope mounts. By bottoming out one of these cheaper scopes in any direction, you are almost sure to ruin it. I have seen this happen many times.

Look into some of the stuff I mentioned above, and you'll be all set, and have a much more enjoyable experience, rather than one of frustration and broken equipment. 

Tom Holland 

Field Target Tech 

 

[shawnlstrader]

Thank you all for the input. The scope provided is a center point 3-9x32. I’ll check it against what is recommended on the site. 

Time is going to be a factor. I’ll probably have to let the kids go through the break in period.

I’m not a novice to shooting or shooting sports/hunting and consider myself a good marksman. I’ve done my best to instill the same in my children over the years. The air rifle looks to be a great tool for the “in town “ stuff we used to do with .22s as kids. 

Having said that, it’s not a rim or center fire and I have some getting aquatinted to do…as soon as I get done with remodeling a house and construction on the one we’re living in. 

In the meantime, you all have provided much food for thought and I’m grateful. I’ll continue to read the forum and posts for more great advice. 

 

[Elbowgrease]

Throw that centerpoint scope in the trash. No... really... in the garage.