Air Gun Home :: View topic - New Scope Sight-In

Infidel · New Member

I had a weird thing happen while sighting in a new scope on a RWS model 34 in 22 cal. It was a Leapers 4XAO on an RWS Lockdown Mount which supposedly corrects for the infamous RWS barrel droop.

I was set up at about 30 yards, windage was a little off, but the big problem is that the shots were grouping 6 or 7 inches low. I started cranking in UP adjustment, then firing 3 shot groups to assess. I ended up still about 4" low when I ran out of UP adjustment, hitting the limit. Not knowing what else to try and not wanting to start shimming the scope mounts just yet, I switched from the Gamo Magnum pellets (15.43 gr) to some Beeman FTS pellets (14.33 gr). Immediately the groups tightened up and the pattern shifted up to where I was now a couple inches high!! I was able to back off the scope elevation adjustment a bit and finally zero it in.

What's the deal, can pellet selection make this much of a point of impact shift?? Looking at the pellets, I can see a big difference in pellets, the Gamo's look a little ratty and uneven on the skirts, whereas the Beemans are nice and uniform and fit snugly in the chamber.

Is this possible with the change in pellets, or is something else going on maybe?

If its the Gamo pellets, should I just throw them out since the accuracy seems to be so bad???

Please comment with your experience.

Cheers,

Infidel

Bozo · Veteran Member

Yes, changing pellets can cause a large change in POI (point of impact). Every rifle is different in it's preference in pellets. You just have to try a bunch of different ones to find the one *your* gun prefers.

Also, most air guns take a while to break in and settle down. It can take from a couple of hundred up to a thousand rounds. But that won't cause the sudden shift you've experienced; it will just gradually settle in and the groups tighten up.

My experience with Gamo pellets is quite negative. The ones I've used were *very* inconsistent, varying in size as well as being very beat up. I won't buy any more. I got a sampler of them when I purchased my Big Cat. From one tin they varied from being so loose I was afraid they'd just slide right out of the barrel if I pointed it down to tight enough I worried they might jam in the barrel. I finally set up three targets side by side so when I picked a loose pellet I'd fire at the left target, the tight ones were fired to the right one, and those that felt "just right" went to the middle target. The middle target showed reasonable groups at about the point of aim, the tight pellet's groups opened up some and struck high and to the right, the "loose" target looked like I'd been using a shotgun. Don't throw them out, though. When your buddies want to have a little shooting contest, let them shoot the Gamos while you shoot the Beemans. You can pick up a little cash for some good pellets on side bets. Smile

packrat · Senior Member

In my opinion..GAMO pellets should ALL be melted down and cast into weights for fishing lures and/or wheel weights!!! I have bought..and thrown away more GAMO pellets that I care to think about. Total waste of money as far as I'm concerned Of all the airguns I have, and have bought in the last 13-14 months, NOT A SINGLE ONE shot worth a hoot using any type or weight of GAMO's...I know some guys have really good luck with them, but I'm not one of them.....Crosman Premiers and JSB's are all I buy..ALL my guns like them Mr. Green

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

I've shot every Gamo pellet made,and the only one worth anything out of my guns is the Hunter 15.3 grain "domed"...which is pretty darn consistent for me using it as a cheap plinking round.The Magnums,and the super points,are by far the worst pellets I have EVER used....in any air gun.I agree with Packrat.....JSB's,and Crosman premier's are very consistent.My favorite ammo for my air guns is JSB "heavies"Beeman Kodiak's,Predator polymag's,Crosman Field/hunting,and premier's,and the Gamo Hunter....in that order.