While going through the old pages of this forum, I read a mention of hypervelocity plastic pellets.

Any info on what these are, how they work, and their advantages and disadvantages would be much appreciated.

I am particularly curious about their suitability for hunting applications. Any idea what sort of energy we can get from these at, say, 30 yds? Being plastic (and allegedly hyper-fast), I would assume they are lighter than ordinary pellets. Does this lead to a more rapid drop-off in velocity as range increases?

Paragon, and others have come up from time to time with the idea.
What is nice is that they do not tire.
What is not nice is that the plastic parts are usually not too good and the accuracy is quite near to useless.

Beyond 20 yards the drop off in velocity is quite noticeable.

Last, but not least, some leave unwanted and accuracy destroying residues in the barrel.

All in all, I would advise against them.

JMHO



Un Abrazo!




Héctor

You are apparently crazy about velocity ratings. Believe me I've gotten rid of all my magnums, and my favourite rifle that has not failed me yet is a 500fps Gamo 440 Hunter Camo .25.
Regards
M.

Hi Broomhandlemauser,

I realise my recent postings have mostly been about velocity. As an avid shotgunner and handgunner, I'm just getting serious about airguns, so I'm trying to understand what the limits are, what can be achieved with a reasonable amount of tuning / tinkering, and what is beyond the realm of airguns. Much of the early curiosity tends to be on the velocity side.

We don't get many .25s (nor .20s for that matter) here in Istanbul so I've never handled one. Why have you dropped your magnum rifles for the 500 fps .25? I'd be interested in any insight you can offer.

Do you hunt with yours, and if so what's the maximum practical range? Or put another way, are 50-60 yd crows consistently doable? Am I right to think a 500 fps .25 would exhibit substantially more drop than a 750 fps .22 at that range? Does that affect accuracy or does proper zeroing reliably take care of that issue?

Is always exciting, if you noticed I,ve been getting opinions on the 350M vs the THawk. But practicality for me is light weight and easy cocking. Magnums are heavy and require high cocking efforts.
A 500fps .25 airgun keeps the fun in airgunning, i.e plinking and hunting small game, the hunting part to be under 30 yards, and with a .25 you dont have to go for head shots. And with practice you learn to compensate for the drop of a .25 vs a .22.
In .22 I would think a 750fps is about the same as a 500fps .25, and in .177 an 850fps would also do.
Provided I can keep the weight to 6.6lbs = 3kgs scoped, and cock it with 3 fingers, that's what I'd go for.
The only other airifle I have is a Webley Vulcan MKIII in .177 in the 800+fps, at about 3.5kgs scoped and slightly higher cocking effort than the Gamo.
Rifles I've disposed of were a 350M, a 54 Airking both in .177, and a Patriot .25. I also got rid of an IZH 61 as too weak for anything, and a Cinese .22 that barely managed 450fps.
So think medium power, and you'll enjoy airgunning more.
If you want super magnum power, go PCP. They are still relatively lightweight, but you have to worry about the hassle of carrying pumps/scuba tanks/connectors/hoses et al.
Regards
M.