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redclayhd · Member

I read something written by someone a lot smarter then me on the topic of pellets. I can't find it on this forum. That doesn't mean it's not here. But, I can't find it. Of course it could be anywhere. Anyway, on 22 cal. pellet sizing, what 3 drill bits should I use to make 3 separate sized groups of pellets to determine what my gun likes. I've got some steel thick enough to make the tool. I just don't recall the best sizes. I had planned to mic all my pellets and group them- if there was any noticeable difference. I'm lazy, so that hasn't happened yet. Now remember, I've already qualified my question with the fact that it's someone else's idea. Aw, never mind, If I'm barking up the wrong tree let me have it. I'm thick skinned and I can take it. Thanks for any responses. Tim.

rsterne · Moderator

A little more than buying three different drill sizes is involved.... Number drills are usually at least 0.003" between sizes, and Metric drills are 0.1 mm (0.004").... The difference between different pellet sizes is 0.01 mm (0.0004").... In .22 cal, some of the better pellets are available in 5.50, 5.51, 5.52, 5.53, and 5.54mm.... Shocked

Bob

eddie1976 · Member

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Only the European manufacturers- I believe JSB, RWS and H&N all have a good selection of sizes.

That being said, there isn't much of a range for .22 pellets- virtually all short-range target shooting competitions use .177, so there is more range in them than in .22s typically.

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

The problem with drilling a piece of steel for sizing proposes is that a drilled hole is very rough on the inside, what you need is a nice smooth finish, plus as Eric pointed out getting the correct size of drill is difficult, but this can be over come by grinding the cutting tip off-centre.

What you could try is the same method as used for rifling a barrel, drill a slightly smaller hole then make a hardened "bullet" and polish to the correct size and knock it through the drilled hole, using plenty of lubrication.

Al

redclayhd · Member

I appreciate the responses. I'm not an "air rifle person" as such. I have acquired an RWS model 54. I have shot everything from an 81mm mortar down to a pea shooter with the exception of an air rifle (until now of course) such as the one I just mentioned. I also used to be a machinist, so putting holes in the steel is no problem. I just wasn't familiar with the sizes. I have something to go on now, though. I've got nothing but time so I will experiment and play until I'm proficient with the air rifle. My next venture is going to be something to reach out several hundred yards. I built an AR based rifle for my son and me. To satisfy him, it's a .223 cal. Next will something in .308. Not sure how far it's gonna' shoot, but I know it will be far enough to suit me. Thanks again, Tim.

fritz · Silver Status Member

Make a .308 airgun. Satisfies both needs.

Slavia · Moderator

Alstone and rsterne are correct. I built a swage block a few years ago, and I had to polish the holes to size. (I did it with automotive rubbing compound, measuring the pellets that came out - very time intensive.) It gave moderate results on some guns, and nothing with others. Plus using it takes time that could be spent pulling the trigger.

I have seen better results by using a pellet seating tool. It's cheaper, takes five minutes to make, and takes less time to use. Again, it works on some guns and not on others. One end flares and rounds the skirt. The other (probe) end seats the pellets past the breech chamfer, sizing it (the skirt at least) to the bore.

I read someplace that you shouldn't seat past 0.0050" from the breech face (speaking barrel cocker here). Otherwise you don't get enough piston braking - like using super light pellets. On the bottom left is an adjustable seating tool, with its 0.0048" feeler gauge. On the bottom right is a non-adjustable, right-angled one for my Marksman 2004.

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donwalk · Veteran Member

i have .177 and .20 sizing dies for pellets.

i found it doesn't make a whole lot of difference...the pellet skirt is supposed to expand for a better seal during propulsion...and that's another reason bores are 'choked', too...

i take the round end of a pellet seater to expand the skirt a little now. but i think if a set of .22 dies was available, i might purchase them... Smile