Hunter Piston shooters - question?

I worked with a .20 RX2 (HW90 with a laminate stock) for a good while. The attempt was to get it to be a field target gun.

That platform has an adjustable gas ram and I played with it all over the place. Up to 18-19fpe and as low as 7-8fpe.

It was easiest to be accurate around 13-14fpe. And also offered the best trade of cocking effort to energy output at that power level.

I could not shoot it well enough at the 18-19fpe energy output to ever get excited enough about it to shoot an ft match. It wouldn't have done well though, based on how it did during practice sessions.

I settled on a touch over 12 FP for the TX200 shooting 8.44gr AA 4.52 pellets. The 10.3 JSBs are also a good option but this TX is more accurate with the mentioned 8.44s.

Created: 03/01/24 06:00 PM
Description: TX200
Notes 1:
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono(FT): 1.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.026
Bullet Weight(gr): 8.4
Temp: N/A °F
BP: N/A inHg
Altitude: 150.00
# FPS FT-LBS PF
15 809 12.21 6.80
14 805 12.09 6.76
13 807 12.15 6.78
12 806 12.12 6.77
11 806 12.12 6.77
10 812 12.30 6.82
9 807 12.15 6.78
8 808 12.18 6.79
7 805 12.09 6.76
6 808 12.18 6.79
5 809 12.21 6.80
4 809 12.21 6.80
3 811 12.27 6.81
2 806 12.12 6.77
1 808 12.18 6.79
Average: 807.7 FPS
SD: 2.1 FPS
Min: 805 FPS
Max: 812 FPS
Spread: 7 FPS
Shot/sec: 0.0
True MV: 810 FPS

I’d say a smooth & manageable shot cycle is the goal. Once there, I have to work on my detailed technique to put targets down. It’s tough but rewarding when you can hit those KZs I’m certainly not a spring piston expert! There are many here that can provide more experienced advice than I.

wolfmangreg said:

Appreciate the replies gents!

Maybe if I keep threatening promising to own a springer "someday", the spring piston fairies will put one in my safe. If that were to happen, would likely want to attempt FT with it.
Sum total of piston air rifle experience is maybe a dozen shots... don't even know what I don't know

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Hw97 dreams heading your way

There’s always a compromise with piston guns; more powerful rifles shoot flatter, but are more challenging to shoot with consistent accuracy. Assuming .177 cal, I’ve found somewhere between 12 and 14 foot pounds strikes a nice balance for field target. This generally holds true for heavier target guns such as a TX200 or HW97. Weight is your friend with springers….

I shoot Hunter Piston class at our monthly matches once the snow melts here in MN. Once you bury the delusion of beating the PCP boys and concentrate on the special demands of the gun, I find the rewards of competing with a springer well worth the occasional (?) aggravation. Uj

wolfmangreg said:

That would be a (if not The) candidate.

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The shot cycle on these is insanely calm.
I always make my “guests” who express interest in HFT spend a session or two shooting this. Because once they try a pcp, they are ruined and never can appreciate the magic of springers.

Most shooting recoiling guns are tuned near 12 ft lbs. The RWS 54 is the big exception. When one of those is working well and at 20ft lbs, they will put up PCP level scores. They do have their own gremlins that will show up though.

You should use the money you'd spend on a sproinger to buy a used boat instead. You'll save yourself A LOT of grief and aggravation.

BTW, that's not an opinion; it's fact.

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wolfmangreg said:

My brother is owned by a boat- from March through October, something breaks or quits working right about once a week. Which is about how often he takes it out .

Admit to hearing this (paraphrased) from an experienced local springer guy- "Once you get it set up, it'll work 24/7/365 to take itself apart"

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The best description I've heard about a boat is, "It's a hole in the water you pour money in."

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12fpe or under for piston rifle for me. Power is of no use if you can‘t shoot it accurate consistent.