How to Find the Magic Pellet
About the Author Dirt E. Harry
The Magic Pellet
A. Finding the Magic Pellet means you are going to have to buy pellets! Just because I state that a given air rifle ammunition achieves a certain ft/lbs with a certain fps (often a manufacturer’s estimate) doesn’t mean much. In fact, unless you see that I have personally tested an air gun (DayState, FX, KalibrGun only), it still doesn’t guarantee anything because each air gun has its own unique characteristics. The air gun ammunition that work perfectly for one might not work for another—even for seemingly identical models. So, to find the best pellet, you’re going to need to buy different air gun ammo types and do some trial and error—just like I do.
B. Why do I keep referring to the caliber and weight of the air gun ammunition? Because it is a crucial factor in determining the performance of your air gun.
C. In all the testing I’ve done, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern regardless of the caliber: the lighter the air soft gun pellet, the larger the groups until you find the magic pellet. Go heavier, and the groups expand again. For instance, a .22 caliber AirForce Condor or Evanix AR6 filled to 3000 psi can shoot a 32-grain pellet practically through the same hole repeatedly at 10 meters, providing the best penetration. If you start with a lighter 11-grain pellet, the groups will be around 52mm with minimal penetration. Progressively moving up to a 28.4-grain pellet will tighten the groups to 15mm. Once you reach the 32.4-grain pellet, the groups will drop to 4mm. However, going past this magic pellet with a heavier 40-grain pellet will increase the group size to 10mm again, with reduced penetration. Interestingly, even though a 28.4-grain pellet has a higher velocity and the 40-grain pellet a lower one, their group sizes are within 5mm of each other, and both have less penetration compared to the magic 32-grain pellet. So much for chasing elusive velocity numbers.
D. If you want to win matches, you need to find the magic pellet. To do so, you should have six or seven different weights of wadcutter airgun ammo types on hand to test. Air gun pellets types, including pointed, hollow point, and wadcutter, will allow you to explore different accuracy levels for your air gun.
To do so, you should have six or seven different weights of wadcutter airgun ammo types on hand to test. Once you find the most accurate pellet (the magic pellet), consider getting a mini weigh scale that measures in grains. Feel free to email me, and I’ll send you the link. Even if a tin of pellets says they weigh 7.8 grains, you might find pellets weighing 7.6, 8.0, 8.2, and so on. Testing each weight can further refine your accuracy—winning requires that level of precision.
E. Before starting anything, take the time to clean the barrel. Visit your local gun shop to pick up a cleaning rod, JB Bore Paste, the appropriate size bore mop, patches, or Swab-its. You should also get a cleaning solvent like DX-330, which you can find at most auto body paint supply shops. Saturate the bore mop with JB Bore Paste and run it through the barrel 25 times (50 passes). Then clean the bore mop with DX-330 and run it through another 5 or 6 times. Repeat this process until the bore mop comes out clean. After that, put a few drops of 3-in-One oil on the bore mop and run it in and out 3 or 4 times. While you’re at it, put 3 drops of oil in the tin of air gun ammunition, close the lid, and roll the tin around to coat the pellets—just like I do.
F. Here’s an example of the different pellet weights I used with a Feinwerkbau P44 to find the magic pellet. I even used the mini weigh scale to separate the 7.8-grain H&N Match pellets from the 8.2-grain specified weight. It’s a lot of effort—but it pays off.
G. One last note… every air gun has its own personality, even seemingly identical models—your results may vary, but with perseverance, you’ll find the most accurate pellet types. Whether you need air gun pellets for sale or just want to experiment, finding the right air gun bullets is key to getting the most accurate shots. Remember, the most accurate pellets depend on your gun’s unique personality and consistent testing.
H. All of the paragraphs A through G above pertain to air gun pellets and air gun ammo types propelled by an air gun with a rifled barrel. It is imposible to achieve accuracy for BBs and air soft gun pellets because they are propelled by air guns with a smooth bore barrel.
