Slugs in Springer?
- Thread starter jdh2550
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James Macarri of Air Rifle Headquarters (ARH) told me a few years ago, anything over 9 grains in .177 caliber was detrimental to longevity of coiled springs. I don't know of anyone in the world who has more knowledge about airgun springs than Jim.
That said, if you can replace your own spring for $20, I wouldn't worry much about damage and just shoot the most accurate pellet.
That said, if you can replace your own spring for $20, I wouldn't worry much about damage and just shoot the most accurate pellet.
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Just as an experiment I tried 177 cal 12.5 gn NSA slugs in my AirTact to see what would happen. The accuracy was just fine, actually much better than I expected but the velocity was only 570 FPS. Since then, I detuned that gun to 12 FPE by shortening the piston spring and when I tried again to see what the accuracy would be, I could not even get the slug to leave the breach.
I found an interesting article regarding the effect of heavy pellets on springs which can be found here:
I found an interesting article regarding the effect of heavy pellets on springs which can be found here:
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You can use those if you want. It will shorten the spring life. Which is pretty short to begin with. There's dozens of threads about ideal weight for a springer. The R9 of which I own two and tuned several others usually make between 14 and 15 fpe in 177 if it's running right. You're getting about 14 which is more than I'd expect for that rifle with that pellet.
Chronograph and accuracy testing will tell you what the gun likes. Every individual rifle is different but generally Hw95s and the Beeman rebranded version the R9 usually like midweight pellets in the 7.9- 9.5 grain range. My Hw95 does best with accuracy and power with either 8.44 Exacts or 8.64 FTTs.
This is a topic that there's a lot takes on. Generally a good pellet for a particular springer is one that provides the best combination accuracy and energy. This can take a lot of testing.
If you're concerned with wind drift and energy retention you're better off getting a 22 barrel for that gun. With no other changes it'll make between 16&17 fpe with 14.66 FTTs. That'll give you close to 100 fps extra and a flatter shooting gun over the combination you're running now.
HTH
Ron
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I’ve shot the .177 JSB KO 10 grainers from my 14 fpe HW97 with pretty good accuracy results.
Actually, it’s currently what I’m experimenting with right now in the Weihrauch.
Two things stand out…
1) they hit really hard and do much more damage on impact than any pellet I’ve ever shot(at least on sparrows)
2) it really helps to “seat” the slug into the barrel 1/4-1/2” with a probe; this eliminates that initial hard startup and I’m almost positive it increases accuracy as it consistently seats the slug at the same depth; if you’ve ever shot them you know how hard it is to seat them all the way but once you get it past that first 1/8” it really slides in smoothly
Actually, it’s currently what I’m experimenting with right now in the Weihrauch.
Two things stand out…
1) they hit really hard and do much more damage on impact than any pellet I’ve ever shot(at least on sparrows)
2) it really helps to “seat” the slug into the barrel 1/4-1/2” with a probe; this eliminates that initial hard startup and I’m almost positive it increases accuracy as it consistently seats the slug at the same depth; if you’ve ever shot them you know how hard it is to seat them all the way but once you get it past that first 1/8” it really slides in smoothly
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I tried jsb 10.3 knockouts in my vortec tuned Diana 48. The velocity started out at around 770-760 but every shot after kept dropping. Can't remember the spread now (sometimes) but after doing the Chrono string they just sit on the shelf until I get either a .177 pcp or a sizing bushing to get the diameters consistent.
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Did you clean your barrel before trying the slugs?
My postulation is that slugs will quickly lead poor quality barrels.
Interested in selling the .177 KO’s?
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OK, that's good to know. I've shot only a few of the JSB Monsters and Beasts. Got a tin of each out of curiosity. I stay in the 7-10 grain range with the R9.
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I found the KO work really good in my hatsan 125 sniper but when I tried some 12 grain nsa slugs it just didn't work.
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Was just wondering about this very thing, and it would seem not to be a terribly useful proposition in most springers.
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They defenetly can, i m new to air guns and i was thinking on getting a hw 97 and was looking for opinions on slsugs for it since i like them so much. But so far, from the little experience, i have slugs can work, specially if made for sub 12ft/lbs.
Softer lead means less drag and a stuby slug, though less aerodynamic, will stabilise better with both lower velocity and twist rate and still out do pellets on bc.
Keep in mind that the slower muzzle velocity, just like it can happen in extremely heavy pellets, makes the gun more sencetive even if the mechanical accuracy is there. So it might make you a better shooter too. So far i have been happy with 10gr zen slugs but they dont seem as good quality as the new 10gr stubby options from more established brands that i still have to try.
Softer lead means less drag and a stuby slug, though less aerodynamic, will stabilise better with both lower velocity and twist rate and still out do pellets on bc.
Keep in mind that the slower muzzle velocity, just like it can happen in extremely heavy pellets, makes the gun more sencetive even if the mechanical accuracy is there. So it might make you a better shooter too. So far i have been happy with 10gr zen slugs but they dont seem as good quality as the new 10gr stubby options from more established brands that i still have to try.
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The HW97K has a fairly tight choke, so it’s not well-suited for slugs. On top of that, a springer’s already slow and jarring shot cycle tends to feel even harsher with heavier projectiles.
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I shoot .177 JSB Exact Monsters 13.43gr @ 688fps (not the redesigned) in my old RWS Diana 48 and newer HW97K springers, both with Vortek tunes. I don't believe the gossip until scientific proof proves otherwise that heavier pellets can harm springers....I actually believe just the opposite; the heavier pellets actually extends the life of springs, piston and breech seals due to the fact that there is a "greater cushion factor" with the heavier pellet (opposite for the very light pellets). I also like the heavier .177 pellets which is average weight for .22 but gives a plus for downrange energy with the flatter trajectory of a .177! The heavier .177 pellet is extremely accurate up to 45 yards and gradually begins to open a bit thereafter, but acceptable up to 75 yards. Nothing scientific, just some personal common sense until proven otherwise.
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I second this. Makes no sence from basic physics that a heavier progectile would damage your gun internals unless the overpressure is that extensive wich is untealistic to even get that on quality springer. The most likely is the seals wearing faster but likely preserving everything else and also smooting out the action. Seals are easier and cheaper than a bitten up receiver or piston. And thus this claim of heavier is worst never rreally made sence to me.
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Adding to my post #34 above: I have been shooting heavy pellets for many, many decades and never had a broken spring (including my 2007 Diana 48 .177 purchased new back in the day)...as mentioned in the #34 post, I continue to use the JSB Diablo 13.43gr. Many of the folks I shoot with prefer one recipe of pellet of another...but none that shoot springers have witnessed a broken spring that I am aware of...and all we talk about is airguns!!! I always read on this forum of folks when experiencing a broken springer spring and cannot remember reading where any of those came from use of a heavy pellet....quite the opposite....when posting in other posts, they continue to favor the lighter pellets; which again means absolutely nothing as I believe again that broken springs can be caused by many multiples of factors, perhaps the "least of which" is the weight of pellet preferred. I believe if a pellet manufacturer had reason to believe their heavy pellets contributed to broken springs, they would put warnings on their tins and advertising for liability concerns. I also believe that springer airgun manufacturers would put warnings (in addition to all their other warnings) in their enclosed product use instructions. Use of heavy pellets/light pellets contributing to broken springs is a non-issue...use what you prefer and disregard this and other folks hearsay and gossip.....just enjoy your airgun!
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