TargetTalk

Last winter I purchased a Nygord Turbo-Comp and installed it on my Pardini K60. Using a chronograph, I adjusted the speed to about 510 fps. Then I spent many hours with a machine rest and shot groups, adjusting the speed, making notes, etc. When I got done, I found the best grouping to be at 520 fps. Then for another afternoon I played with various pellets and tinkered more with the speed. When I was finished, I found that 520 fps was indeed the speed I wanted and that either Nygord 4.49 or RWS R10 Lites 4.49 grouped well - the preference being the Nygord pellets.

My question is: Do other shooters do this type of testing and adjusting? What have the results been (speed and pellet grouping and make/model)?

Hi Bill. Well here it is about 48 hours after your posting and I'm the first reply. I have a feeling it's because this subject has been very frequently discussed and there is a wealth of information in the Archives. Check out the many postings over the past few years.
Many people have done the testing you discuss. Some have been very scientific, and constructed well thought out experiments. Others have given anecdotal evidence-what has worked for them.
In a nutshell: Most any decent pistol will shoot one hole, 3-5 shot groups, at most any reasonable speed, with most any good quality target grade pellet...Once the right combination is found!
Let me reemphasize right combination. Joe's LP10 shoots one hole groups using Nygord 1.49s at 525fps. Tom's LP10 spreads them out over 3/8"! Each competitor must find what works best for their barrel.
Check out the great postings.

I had already checked out the archives. I didn't think there was very much there about the subject, that is why I posted. I went back and did some more searches using different key words. Reread all that I had seen before. I would guess it is not an interesting subject, hence the lack of responses.

This next week, between all the "get ready for winter" projects, I plan to work with my new pistol and see if I can find its best spot and pellet of choice. It is enjoyable to work with the pistols - inside where it is warm and dry - looking out the window at the leaves dropping from the trees. Almost as much fun as shooting when the winds are up and snow is flying outside - and I am on the warm side of the window.

I just finished a similar test on my older fwb-65. To my surprise the expensive r-10's were the worst grouping (in my gun), and the least expensive pellets made for Champion's Choice (I believe they are H&N match) were the best. My testing apparatus is a heavy vice holding the grip of the pistol. The grip is embraced with a wood/anti-vibration rubber mold I made, and the vice is bolted to the table with the same anti-vibration rubber. I am sure I am not the only one who does this, but when I find the perfect pellet/bullet (when using a ransom rest), I cut out the center of a target and very carefully place it over the tiny hole of the last grouping. Then while the pistol is still in the clamp I adjust the sites to the exact placement. Any pattern detected deviating from the center I adjust with my grip/trigger/site hold. [NOTE: MAKE SURE THE PISTOL IS UNLOADED AND BATTERY OPEN...DON'T NEED TO GET SHOT BY A NUMBNUTS WANTING TO TRY YOUR PISTOL WHILE YOUR DOWNSTREAM].