UltraMag, Predator, and Monster comparison in 24" Condo
A quick 4 day poll to gauge feedback. Here are the penetration tests for the three pellets. All shots conducted at 25 feet into duct seal.
You’ll remember I did accuracy testing and found the UltraMag shot at 50 yards reliably and the Predator’s did not. http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19321
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When not airgunning I am a hard core varmint hunter and hand load all of my rounds for a 22-250 and 243. THe Nosler ballistic tip 50 gr 22s I use in the 22-250 reminds me of the red tipped Predators.
For racoons and opossums all three .22 pellets will do the trick but you really want 45+ fpe for the approximately 10 lb sized game so the .25 is better. My count is at three opossums with .25 Predators from Stubby and all went less than 5 feet when hit in the heart/lungs. With the .25 barrel the Predators will consistently shoot a 1/2 group at 50 yards.
They are too small for coyotes, however, that start in the 30 lb range and go up. I want at least 110-120 fpe and even 150 fpe for them so the .25 or larger caliber is required. With Crosman and others making some decent 9mm slugs available for the Rogue, I may end up with the 9mm LW barrel.
A new market is coming to airguns. 200 fpe is the same as a 38 special pistol round. All of the sudden these guns are capable in a compact form of being a self defense round while nearly silent and still legally (at least for the moment) not a firearm or under BATF regulations. I guess that may change.
Personally, all I need is a 177 with Kodiak HP and 18fpe of my TSS.
But for 50 yards and paper I’m very happy with the 24″ .22 and the UltraMags.
I haven’t tried the 22 on pests… I’m hoping to get some ‘ranch time’ soon or one of y’all can see if it stacks up to the tests above on your local pests.
When I look at your deformed pellet pictures the reason I think is the head of the Monster makes up the final diameter but the skirt of the Ultra and the Predator pellets do. The heads of the Ultra and the Predator are relatively tough and don’t flatten nearly as much. Because of that the skirt doesn’t actually flatten until right at the end when it collapses against the pellet body and head in the channel. So what you have is more penetration and then expansion. Obviously the energy differences make a big difference as well. I guess which is best may depend on the game. The big advantage of the .25 caliber is that much of the expansion is already in the caliber. It just has more drag.
I keep thinking we should trade up for .25 barrels after testing my Stubby with both and knopwing my .25 Marauder effects on fur and fowl even with a little less energy. For long distance shots on crows and birds the 22 may still reign but for most hunting and a wider range of accurate powerful pellets the 25 is starting to get my vote.
What do you think?
I have tried the JSB 18gn pellets and Monster’s at 50 yards with some informal groups and they were okay. I plan on doing some detailed accuracy tests of Monster, Barracuda, and JSB 18.1gn in the next few weeks. Having a 30cuft pony bottle really helps me at the range.
What surprised me about the UltraMag was greater penetration *and* expansion. Normally you give up one for the other.
I have a VERY nice covered bench rest setup under roof from my second floor deck in my back yard in the foothills of the Ozarks and quite a variety of feathered and furry critters but NOTHING like you have. I am jealous as hell.
While not on your list, my favorite 22 caliber pellet is the 18.1 grain JSB, they are very consistant.
I killed over 700 birds during the 4 weeks prior to harvest with those last year, using a 24 inch barrel.
The longest shot was 148 yards, the best shot however was 98 yards with one mildot of wind. I rate the 98 yard shot as the best one, the 148 yarder had several tries before a hit and I used a range bag, the 98 yarder was a first shot hit while standing and resting against a grape post.
I like the Monsters if I am trying to get raw energy but like you say, accuracy is a hit or miss deal, no pun inteneded.
Regards,
Roachcreek
Great work!!! Ok – add some accuracy testing for the Monsters to the mix. I haven’t had great results with the Monsters or the Predators in 22 cal.
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are your grapes used to make wine? if so, what label(s)?