Is there a chart somewhere that lists the optimum velocity for various pellet weights and calibers?
pellet velocity
- Thread starter ddkroetz
- Start date
Maybe let us know what pellets you are using and what type of rifle. Those with similar set-ups can give you a place to start. From there it will require you to test each pellet/ velocity combo to get your desired results. I can tell you that as a general guide that JSB lead, domed pellets will typically work well in the 885-910 fps range. That has been my experience across multiple air rifles in .177, .22 and .25.
Kenny
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It's the diabolo shape that is speed sensitive. 850 is kinda universally agreed to be a common sweet spot, some guns will shoot them accurately past 900. Start at 850 and see where you can go.
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I agree with all that's already been said and will add the following...
Slow twist rate barrels generally seem to be okay with higher speeds and pellets. (920+ and even up to 980)
Polygonal rifling also seems to be more tolerant of faster speeds.
Some pellet designs are outliers to the 800-915fps rule.
Slow twist rate barrels generally seem to be okay with higher speeds and pellets. (920+ and even up to 980)
Polygonal rifling also seems to be more tolerant of faster speeds.
Some pellet designs are outliers to the 800-915fps rule.
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I have a Karma SLS Standard in 22 cal. My pellets are JSB 15.9 shooting in the high 990 range. Accuracy seems to be very good. I think the 1 high shot is when it fell off the regulator, or maybe just me
That's at 42yds. 
That's at 42yds. Upvote 0
There are no shortcuts or magic formu!as or charts to let you skip finding out where your gun shots best. I test a fairly wide range of pellets but at the velocity the guns shoots them with the regulator the factory set and the hammer spring a little under the peak for that regulator setting. Then I may change the regulator if a pellet looks decent but the velocity seems high or low. I have not found velocity to be a strong enough influence to change an inaccurate pellet to accurate. But it can make a good pellet better. To me velocity under 800 or much over 900 is a little suspect and possibly worthy of changing. But I have several guns that shoot well at up to 950.
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If that's the case, I guess I'm running a little hot. I don't think I will change anything though. For me, that's a damn good group for a gun with a 5lb trigger!
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An interesting phenomenon can be seen when collecting downrange velocities, either through Labradar or a downrange chronograph....
Some of the more wasp-wasted, traditional shaped pellets will be going the same speed at 50, 60+ yards, whether they left the muzzle going 880 or 950. The shuttlecock shape simply strips velocity. In short, depending on the particular pellet, you're just wasting air over a certain muzzle speed.
Generally, as the waist-to-caliber ratio goes down (less exaggerated waisted pellets) and as the pellet length goes up, more speed is retained, making a faster starting speed beneficial. Ie, pellets on the heavier end of the weight range for that particular caliber. And of note is that at a certain point of pellet length:caliber, you get into needing slower twist rates in the rifling to keep them behaving at long-for-pellet distances.
Some of the more wasp-wasted, traditional shaped pellets will be going the same speed at 50, 60+ yards, whether they left the muzzle going 880 or 950. The shuttlecock shape simply strips velocity. In short, depending on the particular pellet, you're just wasting air over a certain muzzle speed.
Generally, as the waist-to-caliber ratio goes down (less exaggerated waisted pellets) and as the pellet length goes up, more speed is retained, making a faster starting speed beneficial. Ie, pellets on the heavier end of the weight range for that particular caliber. And of note is that at a certain point of pellet length:caliber, you get into needing slower twist rates in the rifling to keep them behaving at long-for-pellet distances.
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Thanks for that information. I've never seen a discussion on pellet shape or length. I have a lot to learn.
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