Diana 48 First Shots

[Tommykid]

In between meetings, I got a chance to shoot my new Diana model 48 in .22 today. It’s topped with a Hawke Airmax in 3x9. Because I had them, I started with some JSB Jumbo Heavy in 18.13 grains. The distance shot was about 45 yards. This is because that’s the range to my shed where the woodchucks tend to present themselves.
My only previous airgun experience was with a 20 year old Gamo Viper springer in .177. The Diana is certainly a thumper. Much more recoil than the Gamo. The trigger is a bit light for my taste, but I’m going to give it some time before I adjust it. Needless to say, the gun is pretty heavy. Quality is impressive.
The first three shots were a bit erratic and then it ( or I) settled in. In the end after some adjustment, I put two in the black dot and called it a day for now. I’m pretty happy with it so far.
I have on hand some H&N Baracuda Match in 21.14 grain to try out. Does anyone have any additional recommendations? I read this gun also likes the Meisterkugein in 13.1 and the Crosman Premier in 14.3.
Looking forward to getting more comfortable and putting more pellets down range.
Tom

 

[cjtamu]

I’d try those Barracudas. All my Diana rifles like H&N. If that gun is at full power I think I’d stay around 16 gr or above too. At 45 yards with the speed they’ll be traveling I’m guessing accuracy with the lighter pellets will get sketchy.

 

[Sqwirl57]

Congrats on the new toy! Just try a bunch of pellets until you find what it likes best. Id probably try the 15.89gr next. The bit of vertical stringing you're seeing from the 18.13s could very easily be contributed to variation in your hold so it may be worth playing with that some too. Being a new gun it could just be settling in too.

For what its worth, the best 5 shot, 30m group I ever shot with a springer was with my .177 48. Couldn't even push a pellet through without the skirt snagging the target.

Edit: Found the picture!

 

[Deerstalker]

HW95L .22 FTT 14.66 gr 5.53 MM at 25 yards from a table & bags.

 

[beerthief]

Impressive first shots for going from an older Gamo to the 48 . Much different handling guns

 

[Frogy]

congrats on your Diana 48. they are a lot of fun. , I enjoy mine as much as my hw97

 

[maxtrouble]

Sweet rifle! Maybe try the 16 grain JSB Hades pellets. Very good pellets and quite accurate.

 

[DNF]

Mine loves the FX 16s as well as the HN Terminator 16s. Also does fine with Crosman HPs.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

Congrats on the new toy! Just try a bunch of pellets until you find what it likes best. Id probably try the 15.89gr next. The bit of vertical stringing you're seeing from the 18.13s could very easily be contributed to variation in your hold so it may be worth playing with that some too. Being a new gun it could just be settling in too.

For what its worth, the best 5 shot, 30m group I ever shot with a springer was with my .177 48. Couldn't even push a pellet through without the skirt snagging the target.

Edit: Found the picture!

Outstanding! I too have a Diana 48 but have not done anything like this yet. I haven't played with different pellets enough yet.

 

[Sqwirl57]

Outstanding! I too have a Diana 48 but have not done anything like this yet. I haven't played with different pellets enough yet.

JSB 10.3s are what I was using there. That is far from the typical group though so don't let that throw you off. I'm probably somewhere closer to 1/2" groups at that range which at 16-17fpe I'm more than happy with.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

JSB 10.3s are what I was using there. That is far from the typical group though so don't let that throw you off. I'm probably somewhere closer to 1/2" groups at that range which at 16-17fpe I'm more than happy with.

I failed to mention mine is also .177. I was shooting rested at about 25 yards and if memory serves (weak point) I was getting around 1/2 inch. Will have to look to see if by chance I have any photos but that prospect is bleak.

 

[Sqwirl57]

I failed to mention mine is also .177. I was shooting rested at about 25 yards and if memory serves (weak point) I was getting around 1/2 inch. Will have to look to see if by chance I have any photos but that prospect is bleak.

My memory is pretty shot these days too so no worries. Half inch is pretty solid though man. Try to remember that most people only share their "best of" groups and not the boring, run of the mill ones.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

My memory is pretty shot these days too so no worries. Half inch is pretty solid though man. Try to remember that most people only share their "best of" groups and not the boring, run of the mill ones.

It looks like I may have to set up when the weather gets nice and do it over.

 

[Sqwirl57]

It looks like I may have to set up when the weather gets nice and do it over.

I setup a shooting bench in my spare bed room that overlooks my range. Rain or shine, hot or cold I'm good to go. Definitely looking forward to some 50° weather to get back outside though. Nothing better than shooting with a breeze on you.

 

[SteveV]

The 48 rocks, the weight works in it's favor imho - mine liked anything JSB, but shot Crosman 14.3 and believe it or not, Gamo Hunter -