Barrel change for a HW77 or HW97, anyone done or do that?

Hey Robert,

I'm guessing you already tried 5.53 mm FTT pellets, since that's a fairly large head size.

I can't help with the barrel change question, but just for grins and since it will cost you less than $20, I have a suggestion.

I just finished a tune on a .22 caliber R1 that had a large bore, I tried all the pellets I could think of, and in large head sizes.  Out of desperation I finally tried Gamo Hunter pellets and they did much better.  It seems they run large for the caliber--at least the tin I had here did.  In that way they're like the Eley Wasp pellets.  They were accurate, too.  The weight and fit were very-uniform from one pellet to the next, which was a good thing.

Don't laugh because I mention the Gamo name.  I've had good results with the Hunters in both .177 and .22 caliber in some springers.  Both calibers have a nice domed head, but the .22 is a mid-weight while the .177 version is light.

I should mention that one other pellet in the Gamo 'sampler pack' of 4 tins also fit well, but weren't as accurate in this particular rifle.  (And I don't remember which pellet that was, but the whole 4-pack is cheap from the right vendor).

Just a note--unlike many other pellets, you can't buy the Gamo Hunters based on head size, you get what you get (or at least there was no head size listed on the back of the tin like with many other pellets).

I agree with Ekmeister to try GAMO pellets.

I had good luck with GAMO pellets specifically the MATCH wadcutters in both calibers especially in 177 my HW77K shot it lights out! I couldn't believe even the lead round balls did pretty good in some guns.

I have to suggest the H&N FTTs in 5.54 and 5.55mm to try too for oversized bores.

Don't laugh maybe even the 22 Crosman Piranhas may shoot well in yours (normally these don't shoot worth a squat in normal sized barrels because they tend to be too oversized).

Another option is the Chinese made Beeman Hollowpoints and Watcutters which are worth trying too IMHO and relatively cheap if you shop around.

There is this other brand Milbro but can't seem to find them for sale anymore and those are like the Eley Wasps and made in the UK and shot pretty darn good in most guns I tried them in and they were relatively cheap too.

I would try different pellets before trying to change caliber or do a barrel swap.

HA

Thanks for the pellet recommendations!

Appreciated.

A tight breech seems to add fps to some springers.

I had a kind of loose breech in my .177 Beeman R9....880 fps with 8.4 gr JSB Exact 4.52 domes, fingertip seated.

With a Vortek PG2 kit.

Bought a TIGHT breech .177 R9 barrel and with no other changes, got 920 fps.

Seems some springers like that "pop the cork" of a tight breech.

My 77 had the muzzle end of the barrel cut off to shorten the barrel so whatever choke it once had, has no more.

(bought used)

Robert H

Another trick is to flare the skirts of your loose pellets consistently with a pen the right size or a modified golf tee etc. Trial and error over a chrony shot at a paper target from a good rest will do until you find the right size pen or mod your golf tee properly or fat BBQ skewer or correct size blunt drill bit. Consistency is the key.

HA

Curiosity regarding your post got the best of me so I bought a used 22 HW97k and should get it in a week or so.

It is tuned to shoot 715-720fps with H&N FTT 5.53mm for just under 17fpe.

It is my first 22 caliber HW97k and my motivation to buy was that it was already tuned and an accurate shooter according to the seller whom I have bought several guns from before and has a pickle on it. I look foward to consistently shooting nickel to dime sized groups at 40 yards with this springer in 22 caliber.

I have a couple of them in 177 already with no pickles on any of them (YET).

Normally wouldn't consider a 22 HW springer since I use my P-Rods or 22 Fortitude when needing a 17fpe 22.

HA

Thanks!

Also, Airguns of Arizona said that .22 H&N FTT's come in a 5.55mm size 

(not quite the 5.6mm size of old and newer Eley Wasps)

So I ordered some tins of those 5.55mm FTT's to try.

Should come soon.   I'll compare them (chrony) vs the 5.6 Eley Wasps.

Another option is to go to Chamber's and get a new hw97(K?) barrel and action and hope this old (25mm) hw77 guts fit it.

Since Ed Canoles o-ring cap sealed the piston and I got a 25mm kit from Vortek.

(my old Maccari FT hw77 kit gave more power, but the Vortek kit was more easy cocking--both good kits....tough choice....Maccari or Vortek....which to keep in the hw77?)

rehmk5

p.s. a new hw97 barrel and cylinder (no guts) is about $329 of which $75 or so is shipping air mail.

you could get a 97 black line from Krale for 400.00

https://www.krale.shop/en/weihrauch-hw97-black-line.html