HW/Weihrauch HW97k .20 Power

[BayouSelf]

Hi, all:
I grabbed one of the walnut stocked .20 cal 97's from AOA last month and have absolutely having a blast shooting it. It's currently shooting JSB 13.73's around 710-715 with fantastic accuracy and is quite forgiving of my imperfect technique. I'm setting it up for hunter class field target and will no doubt be tuning it, since I can't ever seem to leave well enough alone, and that begs the question of potential power level. I'd like to flatten the ballistic curve just a bit but not at the expense of adding hold sensitivity. If there is a sweet spot, please share! I'd really appreciate thoughts and experiences from owners of this rifle, specifically in the .20 cal version. Thanks!

 

[Sqwirl57]

You aren't going to flatten the curve too much even with a power tune. Realistically you're talking 16-17fpe which is like 30-40fps more than what you're currently putting out. Switching to some lighter H&N pellets will likely be more noticeable if they fly straight.

That being said I have a PG4 HO kit in my .22 97K and I don't find that gun to be particularly hold sensative even at the full ~17fpe

 

[bdzjlz]

Mine is an absolute tack driver at 15.5 fpe. Vortek PG 4 steel HO Kit with Vortek seals - trimmed the spring about 3/4 coil.

 

[BayouSelf]

Great info, appreciate the replies!

 

[Mycapt65]

Use the 11.42 grain H&N FTTs it'll shoot closer to 800fps and probably be at least as accurate. That will flatten it out nicely.

 

[.20calguy]

Hi, all:
I grabbed one of the walnut stocked .20 cal 97's from AOA last month and have absolutely having a blast shooting it. It's currently shooting JSB 13.73's around 710-715 with fantastic accuracy and is quite forgiving of my imperfect technique. I'm setting it up for hunter class field target and will no doubt be tuning it, since I can't ever seem to leave well enough alone, and that begs the question of potential power level. I'd like to flatten the ballistic curve just a bit but not at the expense of adding hold sensitivity. If there is a sweet spot, please share! I'd really appreciate thoughts and experiences from owners of this rifle, specifically in the .20 cal version. Thanks!

I haven't shot anything but 13.73 Exacts in mine so far, with no reason to change other than curiosity. I shot 7 tins, then sent the gun for warranty, and I have shot a tin and a half since I got it back.
As far as ranging your targets is concerned, a good scope with a ranging retical, and a ranging app, will do the job. You'll also need a chronograph to give the app accurate calculations.
Although I haven't got deep enough into it to talk about all the nuances yet, ranging targets was a primary factor in my equipment choices.

I'm using the Element Helix, with the moa retical designed by Ted Beir. In first focal plain. I can read the writing on a target at 100y, and measure the difference between the point of aim, and impact. Being ffp that measurement remains the same at any magnification.

I bought a range finder with an inclinometer to find relative range, an FX pocket chrono, and the Element phone app with a ballistic chart for ranging.
The app has my retical available to view with a zoom in button, which is convenient.

Since I'm only shooting 30 and 75 at the moment I know where my 30y aim point is so it's easy shooting either range quickly.

 

[.20calguy]

Hi, all:
I grabbed one of the walnut stocked .20 cal 97's from AOA last month and have absolutely having a blast shooting it. It's currently shooting JSB 13.73's around 710-715 with fantastic accuracy and is quite forgiving of my imperfect technique. I'm setting it up for hunter class field target and will no doubt be tuning it, since I can't ever seem to leave well enough alone, and that begs the question of potential power level. I'd like to flatten the ballistic curve just a bit but not at the expense of adding hold sensitivity. If there is a sweet spot, please share! I'd really appreciate thoughts and experiences from owners of this rifle, specifically in the .20 cal version. Thanks!

I forgot to ask for pictures of your Walnut 97K! I got the 97K Blue Lam.

 

[BayouSelf]

Gorgeous rifle! I’ll grab a few pics this Saturday and add them.

 

[.20calguy]

Gorgeous rifle! I’ll grab a few pics this Saturday and add them.

Thanks.

 

[maxtrouble]

I shoot the H&N FTT 11.42's in my 97k with great results. They are going right around 800 fps. Has the Vortek PG4 kit. Not hold sensitive or jumpy. Very docile shot cycle. Vortek kits are a great upgrade.

 

[BayouSelf]

Awesome, much appreciated.

 

[BayouSelf]

Here’s a pic of my HW97k .20 in walnut.