Hey all.
I am going to start shooting more and would like to find the best pellet for my rifle. I have a Diana 34 Classic Pro in .177. I tried several different pellets a couple years ago or so, but I can't find my list and pics where I documents the results. Looks like I'll need to start testing again and see what comes out on top.
I'd like to get 1 or 2 different pellets that I can be sure are going to be as accurate as my gun can get. I'd also like to try some of the Crosman pellets that are thought of more highly than the ones that are sold at Wally World. I think these are the ones that come in the 1,250 box. Any thoughts on these?
I'd also like to try and find a good, accurate wadcutter to compare as well.
So, if you all don't mind, how about listing some pellets that you have had great luck with. What do you think I should try in my Diana? Is there a few pellet brands and types that consistently perform great no matter what rifle they are used in?
Lastly, on the Crosman pellets, since I don't want to buy a box of 1,250 without knowing whether they are going to be decent shooters or not, if anyone has a few they wouldn't mind selling me, I'd like to try the "match" Crosman pellets. But I am not certain how many types they sell that are considered better than the rest of their pellet lineup.
I apologize in advance if offering to buy something from other members is not allowed in this section of the forum,. If so, please take this post down or notify me and I'll change it accordingly.
Thank you for your help and time.
Nalajr
The most accurate .177 pellets are almost always one of these, in descending order:
1. JSB 10.3gr (or Air Arms equivalent)
2. JSB 8.4gr (or Air Arms equivalent)
3. H&N Baracuda Match
4. H&N Field Target Trophy
From what I’ve seen that seems to be true not just for me but for the community overall.
For accurate wadcutters, the best in my experience are the RWS Meisterkugelns (8.x grain) and the RWS Supermags. Given JSB’s pedigree, it may be that theirs are also good but I don’t have much experience with them, and for some reason I don’t see much written about them by others.
I recommend you not waste your money on the boxed Crosmans, at least not the 10.5gr heavies (aka CPH). I’ve tried them twice, once a few years ago and again just last month and the quality was poor both times (head sizes variable, lots of molding defects…pronounced parting lines & flashing). I can’t comment on the lights 7.9gr (aka CPL). I have some on order because of a black Friday discount so I’ll report back ASAP. All I can say right now is that I have not seen people putting up proud groups with them with any regularity so I’m not overly optimistic.
I'll agree in general with NervousTrigger. I have an RWS 34 Pro Compact and in a heavy pellet, the H&N Baracuda Match in the 4.53mm head size was quite good. Look carefully in the listings, some pellets are available in differing head sizes. When you find the right pellet and head size, your groups magically shrink, assuming you have a consistent shooting hold. This means you have to buy and shoot several different types.
Good luck
The best pellets for you will be the ones which just happen to fit your barrel which could be any make or type. Pellets are incredibly barrel fussy so, depending on the exact dimensions of your barrel, it could be any consistant make or batch (batch numbers tend to be more important than sizes).
The best way is to buy test packs of several different types and sizes of pellets and see which suits your barrel best, assuming you can buy test packs in the US of course.
With your gun shooting upwards of 1000 ft.per second I would stick with the heavier pellets to start....JSB or Air Arms 10.34 gr. Most light pellets don't fair well at more than 850-900 ft per second. Might consider a spring in your 34 that brings the power down alittle and smooths it out. I had a 34 once and it shot nice at around 850 with the 7.9 Crosmans from the brown box.
Thank you all kindly for your help and advice. I want to add to my initial post and give you more info as I forgot to include some info that might make a difference.
Not long after I got my Diana 34 Classic Pro, I had a failure of the mainspring. It had maybe 500 rounds cycled thru it, and that's being very generous as it could've had only 300. The mainspring at the lower end just snapped and was in 2 pieces when I got it apart to look at what was going on. I utilized every resource I could find, YouTube videos, postings from others on forums, word of mouth, you name it, I tried to get as much info as I possibly could before starting to repair it. I asked here and got some very good detailed instructions. I took the advice of several here and ordered one of the VORTEK kits to replace the broken innards with. I got a REDUCED POWER KIT and installed it. I made sure to do exactly as I was told and instructed to do by members here and it came out great. Since I had no desire to hunt with it and wanted to shoot targets from 10 to 50 meters, I thought it would be the best option. I greased it up and made sure there were no sharp edges or bad spots that needed to be fixed and then assembled it and started back at it.
I think I had 15 or so different pellets to try to see what worked best but now that data is gone so I'll have to get more samples to start shooting to figure out what the best to get really is for my rifle.
I'm gonna make a list of the pellets you guys/gals told me about and try to find small quantities to purchase so I can get back to shooting and enjoying my air rifle again.
If you all have any other information or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. I welcome all the help I can get.
Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a wonderful New Year everyone.
Larry
