A short time ago, on a tip from another GTA member (thanks, Jeff!), I purchased an “old-style†TF-97 in .22 caliber in a closeout sale from Compasseco. Having only owned only guns in .177 caliber, I was heretofore unaware of the lack of selection of ammo in other calibers in local shops. After the rifle arrived, I scoured the stores to find suitable ammunition. After hitting the local Walmart, Academy, and Dick’s sporting goods stores, I was only able to find Daisy Precision Max in pointed and wadcutter varieties, and Benjamin hollow points (labeled “PCPâ€). I presume the Benjamin pellet is just a re-branded Crosman Premier HP, based on visual inspection.
Having read comments from others about the Daisy pellets, I prepared for the worst as I opened the tins, and was not disappointed. I was amazed at the number of pellets with dented and chipped skirts. “Precision†is obviously a misnomer in describing this product.
Even so, I figured I’d cull the worst and shoot the rest during the break-in period for the rifle. After putting about 100 pellets through (unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of spare time to shoot), I decided to try the Benjamins.
The Daisy pellets grouped surprisingly well, and, with the better manufacturing tolerances of the Benjamin pellets, I expected even better results. I was very surprised to find just the opposite. The groupings were much worse, and even more disturbing, the size variation seemed to be much greater with the Benjamin pellets than those from Daisy. I’d have to force about every fourth or fifth pellet into the breech, and that would inevitably end up as a flyer at about 10 o’clock. I’ve had absolutely no such insertion issues with the Daisy pellets.
I’ve attached a photo showing my best group with the Daisy wadcutters. It was shot at 30 feet with iron sights from a sitting position (6X Bugbuster scheduled to arrive Tuesday). I took a picture of the grouping in the duct seal, as the paper target shredded from lack of a backer board. I know the old adage about “the best pellet being the one your gun shoots bestâ€, but I figure I can get better results using pellets manufactured under better quality control.
Has anyone else had similar issues with Benjamin pellets? Do the Daisy pellets shoot well, in spite of their apparent inconsistencies? I’d like to try other brands, but after the experience with what I would consider a “better†pellet, I’m hesitant about ordering other brands.
