Hello, this is my first post.
I wanted to share my findings testing pellets and slugs in my .30 Hatsan Blitz PCP rifle. I also want to briefly cover the difference in downrange energy produced by a heavier higher BC slug vs. pellet, which plays out at just about every caliber.
I've tested several NSA slugs (43 grn - 65grn) and the one that is most accurate is the 54.5 grn.
I've tested several pellets (too many to get into unless you really want that info) and the most accurate is the 50.2 grn JSB.
All tests were conducted starting at 250 BAR fill and using a chronograph. I live at roughly 6000 ft. above sea level.
The NSA 54.5 grn slug has a BC of 0.12 and is developing 55 FPE at 3 ft. from the muzzle (675 FPS), 51 FPE at 50 yards (649 FPS) and 49 FPE (636 FPS) at 75 yards.
The JSB pellet has a BC of .042 and is developing 56.2 FPE at 3 ft. from the muzzle (710 FPS), 45 FPE at 50 yards (634 FPS) and 40 FPE (600 FPS) at 75 yards.
As you can see the heavier NSA slugs with the higher BC is a more efficient. The crossover of power, where the 50.2 pellet is still carrying more power, is at roughly 5 yards. After that the heavier, higher BC pellet starts carrying more power.
I also like to look at time to target as a factor. After 5 yards the slug gets to target faster as it's simply moving faster.
In terms of accuracy I'd say that both the JSB and the NSA slug are very accurate. Both are able to hold a 2" group at 50 yards.
In conclusion, depending on what you use your airgun for, a heavier, higher BC slug, that is accurate, is a better choice than a diabolo pellet over longer ranges.
Milehighguy
I wanted to share my findings testing pellets and slugs in my .30 Hatsan Blitz PCP rifle. I also want to briefly cover the difference in downrange energy produced by a heavier higher BC slug vs. pellet, which plays out at just about every caliber.
I've tested several NSA slugs (43 grn - 65grn) and the one that is most accurate is the 54.5 grn.
I've tested several pellets (too many to get into unless you really want that info) and the most accurate is the 50.2 grn JSB.
All tests were conducted starting at 250 BAR fill and using a chronograph. I live at roughly 6000 ft. above sea level.
The NSA 54.5 grn slug has a BC of 0.12 and is developing 55 FPE at 3 ft. from the muzzle (675 FPS), 51 FPE at 50 yards (649 FPS) and 49 FPE (636 FPS) at 75 yards.
The JSB pellet has a BC of .042 and is developing 56.2 FPE at 3 ft. from the muzzle (710 FPS), 45 FPE at 50 yards (634 FPS) and 40 FPE (600 FPS) at 75 yards.
As you can see the heavier NSA slugs with the higher BC is a more efficient. The crossover of power, where the 50.2 pellet is still carrying more power, is at roughly 5 yards. After that the heavier, higher BC pellet starts carrying more power.
I also like to look at time to target as a factor. After 5 yards the slug gets to target faster as it's simply moving faster.
In terms of accuracy I'd say that both the JSB and the NSA slug are very accurate. Both are able to hold a 2" group at 50 yards.
In conclusion, depending on what you use your airgun for, a heavier, higher BC slug, that is accurate, is a better choice than a diabolo pellet over longer ranges.
Milehighguy