Optimal speed for CO2

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kevinjab
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 9:36 am

Optimal speed for CO2

Post by kevinjab »

How do you consider the optimal speed for a CO2 pistol, in my case a FW C20 and for my son a Steyr LP1.-
Thank you.-
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Gwhite
Posts: 3444
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2004 6:04 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Re: Optimal speed for CO2

Post by Gwhite »

I would consider ~ 450 fps is a good starting point. I think the C20 manual lists 150 m/sec = ~ 490 fps. Lower velocity will give you more shots per fill, and unless you are a very good shot, you probably won't notice any fall off in accuracy. If you use cheap targets, you may find that the paper tears more than punches if you go much below 450 fps.

Tau-7 CO2 pistols were rated to run anywhere from 100 m/sec to 160 m/sec. It's not like anything will fall off a cliff if the velocity isn't exactly X m/sec.

If you have tons of time and a good way to test accuracy, people usually find multiple "nulls" where the group size is a minimum. The variation in optimum velocity between the nulls can be many 10's of meters per second. Keep in mind that the manufacturers numbers assume a specific pellet weight. Going from 8.2 grains to 7.0 grains can increase your velocity by 10 to 15 m/sec.
mus
Posts: 44
Joined: Fri Apr 07, 2023 4:24 am
Location: Gelderland, the Netherlands

Re: Optimal speed for CO2

Post by mus »

The manual for my Feinwerkbau Modell 2 states that ~150 m/s is the optimum speed with 'normal weight' pellets too.

This has been confirmed via email contact with the manufacturer last year, with the additional statement that they consider the 8.2 grain pellets more stable than lighter diabolos.

I've found that if I set the speed to under 150 m/s it tends to vary more than at 152/153 m/s or even slightly higher. And since the shot count of a CO2 fill is much better than a CA one, going faster shouldn't hurt.

Also see: https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2015/11/37583/

(Haven't verified any "nulls" since my skill level is way too low to benefit from one anyway. ;))
kevinjab
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2024 9:36 am

Re: Optimal speed for CO2

Post by kevinjab »

Thanks for your answers, I was using lower speeds, I'm going to try the values you show me.-
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