Long post, so to jump right to the "Big Question", just skip to the end...
The backstory...
I have a refurb Diana 460 that was definitely NOT refurbed. After a friend dug chunks and sheets of flattened pellets out of the workings it was shooting pretty well with what I think was an OEM spring (spring dimensions below). It made 20/21 fpe in .22 but the spring had lost its straightness and would drag quite a bit during the cocking stroke, so I went in search of a replacement.
I bought an ARH "full power" spring that was overlong and produced only 16fpe. The ARH spring is as straight as an arrow and cocks cleanly, but clearly it is too much spring for a 460 at 11.75 inches (new). FYI, the ARH was .1265" (.002 smaller) wire, with nearly the same ID & OD. But only 30 coils (ARH) vs 32 and nearly 1 inch longer (10.9 long refurb spring).
Rather than clip a coil or two, I decided to preserve that spring as-is and try another spring, now that I had measurements. After all, life is an adventure!
So I rolled the dice with a pair of Titans - a #1 and a #8. They just came in today and I took some measurements, to see what I had actually received, 'cause I've heard some stories....
The #1 that I feared would be a little short at a reported 30 coils/280mm actually measures 286mm (30 coils) and may be a good length without any spacing.
The only catch is - its 30 coils for the Titan #1 vs 32 for the "refurb" spring. I don't know what performance characteristics those 2 fewer coils represent, though I'm guessing it should be "springier" yet a little less powerful. Could result in a softer cocking but still 20fpe rifle. At least, that's what I'm hoping.
The #8 is 34 coils and 11.75 long, and would only be good for a 460 if shortened I think, so it will be put aside for another rifle.
BTW, the ends of both Titans aren't ground anything like square, so I'm going to have to do that. They're pretty lousy in my opinion, for whatever that's worth.
The Big Question:
How will my rifle most likely respond to the switch? That's what I'm asking for predictions on.
It will probably take a little while for me to get the new spring switched in, so you all have a little time to mull it over if you like.
The numbers:
"Refurb" spring:
32 coils, Wire Dia. 126/.1265 coil gap approx .215 (calculated)
ID .566x.570
OD .823/.829
OAL 10.9" (used)
Titan #1
30 coils, wire Dia .1275/.1280, coil gap .243
ID .570/.573.
OD .834 / .840
OAL 11.25" (new)
FYI, its worth mentioning that the piston and transfer port seals were replaced and the rear of the piston was buttoned earlier. That's how the rifle was set up when it was producing 20-21 fpe after it was made right by my friend. The rifle has probably only seen 50 or 60 shots after that happened.
The backstory...
I have a refurb Diana 460 that was definitely NOT refurbed. After a friend dug chunks and sheets of flattened pellets out of the workings it was shooting pretty well with what I think was an OEM spring (spring dimensions below). It made 20/21 fpe in .22 but the spring had lost its straightness and would drag quite a bit during the cocking stroke, so I went in search of a replacement.
I bought an ARH "full power" spring that was overlong and produced only 16fpe. The ARH spring is as straight as an arrow and cocks cleanly, but clearly it is too much spring for a 460 at 11.75 inches (new). FYI, the ARH was .1265" (.002 smaller) wire, with nearly the same ID & OD. But only 30 coils (ARH) vs 32 and nearly 1 inch longer (10.9 long refurb spring).
Rather than clip a coil or two, I decided to preserve that spring as-is and try another spring, now that I had measurements. After all, life is an adventure!
So I rolled the dice with a pair of Titans - a #1 and a #8. They just came in today and I took some measurements, to see what I had actually received, 'cause I've heard some stories....
The #1 that I feared would be a little short at a reported 30 coils/280mm actually measures 286mm (30 coils) and may be a good length without any spacing.
The only catch is - its 30 coils for the Titan #1 vs 32 for the "refurb" spring. I don't know what performance characteristics those 2 fewer coils represent, though I'm guessing it should be "springier" yet a little less powerful. Could result in a softer cocking but still 20fpe rifle. At least, that's what I'm hoping.
The #8 is 34 coils and 11.75 long, and would only be good for a 460 if shortened I think, so it will be put aside for another rifle.
BTW, the ends of both Titans aren't ground anything like square, so I'm going to have to do that. They're pretty lousy in my opinion, for whatever that's worth.
The Big Question:
How will my rifle most likely respond to the switch? That's what I'm asking for predictions on.
It will probably take a little while for me to get the new spring switched in, so you all have a little time to mull it over if you like.
The numbers:
"Refurb" spring:
32 coils, Wire Dia. 126/.1265 coil gap approx .215 (calculated)
ID .566x.570
OD .823/.829
OAL 10.9" (used)
Titan #1
30 coils, wire Dia .1275/.1280, coil gap .243
ID .570/.573.
OD .834 / .840
OAL 11.25" (new)
FYI, its worth mentioning that the piston and transfer port seals were replaced and the rear of the piston was buttoned earlier. That's how the rifle was set up when it was producing 20-21 fpe after it was made right by my friend. The rifle has probably only seen 50 or 60 shots after that happened.
