Went out to the local outdoor range today, and here is the
good news: (
Disclaimers: Pellets not sorted, sized, washed, or lubed. All were straight from the tin)
The Royale 400 .22 shot the Hades 15.89 pretty good at 50 yards with 2-4 MPH, SW wind. I have a pic showing 3 (5) shot groups, and the main reason why I wanted to shoot at 50 yards was just curiosity as to how they would do at 50 yards. I forgot my JSB 18.1 pellets today, so I shot this on power level 2 @ 680 FPS average. Then I re-zero'd at 35 yards because the squirrels behind my house are normally 30-45 yards and in the woods beyond my backyard. I need to be careful at anything over 35 yards with the Hades as I don't want any runaways and I want humane first shot dispatches. Good news is that at 35 yards I was able to manage one ragged hole (5) shot group at my 35 yard zero. Rifle was dead on at 35 yards and one click hold under at 25 yards. Feeling confident that I can have some good shot placement with the 35 yard zero and plenty of FPE with the Hades at 680 FPS.
The 35 yard re-zero is not shown, this was taken at 50 yards. Top row, first 3 targets were HADES. Bottom row was AA 16 grain, not good this time around.
Bad News: I then took out the RAW and struggled a bit with my 100 y ard BR shooting. I have a Harris Bipod and a nice rear bag, so no excuses. Again, none of the JSB 25.39g RD were sorted, washed, sized or lubed. No wind flags, bad move again. I just need to order some wind flags, and when I was 'patien't and could see the wind at 100 y ards was calm ( bushes directly behind target were still...); I could get a couple of X rings or at least touching.
One magic group, two disqualified targets and (8) Five shot targets in all.
Target # 7 was my magic for today.