Hello,
I have heard that heavy pellets may damage the spring of a lighter airgun, is this true ? So H&N baracudas (21,14g) are likely to damage a model 24 in .22 ??
If this is indeed so, what pellet weight would be the maximum in the following Dianas:
model 24 .22
model 27 .177
model 34 .22
???
I am a bit afraid since I just ordered a new 24 and 34 (both .22) and have already stockpiled Baracudas... Thought they were cool pellets, also in .177
Should I stick to 12-14 grains in .22 and less than 9 grains in .177 ?
Thanks for any advise !
Last week I bought an old (but mint) 27 .177 ... now I have the Diana-virus ...
Can I be cured ?
Joris
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model 24 .22
model 27 .177
model 34 .22
Feinwerkbau LP65match .177
in my own experience 14-16gr pellets work best for accuracy, energy, and the firing behavior of the rifles. Depending on the gun, springers usually do better with light-medium weight ammo, and pneumatics do better with the heavier ammo. It has been said that heavier pellets may cause premature wear on a spring powerplant, but I've never used more than 16gr in a .22 springer or 8.5gr in a .177 springer, so I can't say for sure.
I use the .177 Baracudas in my Benjamin 397 and Crosman 1377, and they make the best energy and shoot accurately with these guns(pneumatics). But, with my Diana 48 .177 it is obvious to me that it does not like them, low energy and reduced accuracy with the heavy Baracudas. I also have a 24 in .177, and you can feel the rifle laboring to spit out the Baracudas.
My best advice is to stick with a good quality medium weight dome pellet(14-16gr for .22, and 7.5-8.5gr for .177). The majority of my springers do best with either JSB Exacts 4.51/4.52(8.44gr) or 5.51(15.9gr), with the exception of a few that actually seem to prefer Gamo Hunters in both calibers(15.4gr .22/7.6gr .177).
So even if the heavy Baracudas don't damage your rifles, I'm sure they will shoot more efficiently and have better shooting characteristics with lighter ammo. This is just my experience, you may have different results. Enjoy your new rifles, HTH.