Non-lead pellets?

[daved]

My step-son has a starling problem, and asked my advice on a decent, entry level rifle.  Got that covered, I told him he can use my Diana 34.  But then he asked about non-lead pellets.  I know there are several out there, but I've never tried them or paid much attention to them.  Seems I've seen a few less than enthusiastic reviews, and that they're kind of expensive, but that's as far as my attention has gone.  So now I need some advice, and it would be especially helpful if that advice were specific to a .177 Diana 34.  Mine likes CPL's, BTW.  Thanks, people!

Dave

[rocker1]

for my opinion  pick up a handful of rocks and throw them, what experience i have had  with them  they shoot every where  but what your are shooting at.

[Brutuz]

rocker1 - 4/23/2010  10:25 AM  for my opinion  pick up a handful of rocks and throw them, what experience i have had  with them  they shoot every where  but what your are shooting at.

Yep, they should make heavier non-lead pellets that shoot just as fast as lead ones.

[tjk]

Hey Daved, You might check out the skenco long range saboted pellets. The PA site states they're 8.3 grains. Don't know how well the 34 will shoot them, but the weight seems appropriate for the .177 cal. I've thought about trying them out, but never got around to it. a little pricey,....but if they prove accurate,...who really cares what the cost is. Predators are pricey too, but many folks swear by them. Just my two cents! tjk

[djmyers]

STAY AWAY from non lead super light weight pellets! They are like dry firing your gun. The accuracy is terrible. All they are good for is the loud pop from breaking the sound barrier. I shot them out of my 2 gamos when they first came out and the accuracy is terible at best. 2-3 in groups at 35 ft is nasty. Go with a quality pellet and get quality results. I shoot jsb's out of my guns. Different weights in each but I've found those hold the best accuracy out of more than 20 pellets I've tried. Steer clear of the pba and likes, I'd hate to read about your gun getting ruined and those pellets were why. Good luck.

[Magnum]

Hey Dave, I have had no success finding an accurate non lead pellet, tried several types (non scientific testing) because curiosity got the better of me heh:) I believe i can do better with a sling shot:) There may be a gun out there that likes these light pellets, the daisy 901 did not even like them! My 34 hates them only tried a couple of the light... These were the best of the bad  8.5gr but  will not buy again even tho weight is ok I think they seem extra slippery in the barrel and would damage my gun? Also way over priced IMO  http://www.pyramydair.com/s/p/Hyper_Velocity_Lead_Free_Field_Pellets_Type_3_Long_Range_177_Cal_8_5_Grains_Pointed_150ct/245

The best pellets in my .177 Diana 34 are CP 7.9gr and beeman h&n Match wads 7.8grs and the CP 10.5gr in that order. Tony

[airiscool]

The non-lead pellets are bad news ....

Bad news for the wallet, the gun, and for accuracy. That's three strikes in my book !

Paul.

[daveshoot]

Dave- I am very interested in how the Dynamics work out. The tin would make a lot of sense for my situation, if they are shooters. Maybe I'll just get some to try myself.

Not all non-lead pellets are the same, and some of the negs here are correct when applied to the Gamo PBAs. However, some very respected hunters are doing some remarkable shooting with the Dynamic tin pellets and they aren't going to damage a springer at 14.5 grains.

Check this out: http://www.californiapredatorsclub.com/index.php?showtopic=12130

There are good reasons for some of us to go non-lead, not the least of which are hunting restrictions that we might have to work around. In my case, one of my primary kill zones will also be my barnyard. I would rather the critters eat stray tin than stray lead.

Please post a follow-up if you decide to try them out.

[onemountain]

If you or your stepson do get synthetic pellets, be careful with them! Those suckers can ricochet back out of a steel trap or off many surfaces unexpectedly.

[daved]

I just ordered a box of Dynamics from AoA, I'll keep you posted, Dave.  I'll be interested to see how they do as well, and I have 4 different guns to try them in.  I have a similar issue to you, I pass up lots of shots because too many target zones are also chicken yard.  Don't want any of "my girls" sucking up lead :-)!  And it would net me that added advantage of getting the wife off my back about spraying lead around the property.  If you have any .177 springers and would like to do a little testing yourself, I'd be happy to send you some.

One thing I read on the YF that was interesting.  One guy said that when switching to the Dynamics, you need to do a thorough barrel cleaning first.  He felt that lead residue in the barrel caused poor accuracy and  inconsistent results with the tin pellets.  He also said not to lube them, but I don't lube pellets anyway, not even when I was shooting PCP's.  I'll need to test this out myself, if he's right, that means you shoot tin OR lead, but not both, or at least, not without some extra hassle.  The Dynamics are way too expensive for casual plinking.  Later.

Dave

[Rickster]

Here is another good review of the 14.5 DYNAMIC PCP-2 tin pellets.

http://varmintair.typepad.com/varmintairs_blog/2010/01/benjamin-marauder-chrono-test-with-the-dynamic-pcp2-145-grain-tin-pellets.html

[Magnum]

Dave Great info thanks,  I just check out AOA Dynamic very interesting indeed. I really curious and will definately try them out in my guns:) Tony