Author: Hazel Randall

I'm a freelance content writer and copy editor.

Rabbit Shooting with the R10TH and London Armoury Scope

Late one Friday evening in June, Jack, from the Pellpax Sales team, set out with an R10TH .22 calibre PCP, hoping to bring back a few rabbits.

BSA’s R10TH, which was released in 2019, has proved to be a popular airgun for pest control. The 280cc buddy bottle will give you up to 340 shots in .22, and the ergonomic thumbhole stock, with adjustable butt stock, is supremely comfortable. The R10TH is also available in .177 calibre.

Jack’s choice of scope was an FFP (first focal plane) riflescope (6-24×50) from London Armoury’s Resurrection range, attached by a Hawke one-piece mount. His ammunition was JSB Exact Jumbo Diablo pellets – wide-skirted roundheads, well known for their knockdown power.

Jack’s Review

Ergonomic PCP and top-quality scope

The best time to shoot rabbits is probably at dawn, after a rainy night. The rabbits have been in their burrows for hours, sheltering from the rain, so by the morning they’re hungry. They’re so intent on feeding, they’re not so quick to bolt!

With rabbit shooting, though, you don’t have to wait for the perfect time. There are usually plenty of them about, especially at morning or evening twilight. If you know what you’re doing, you’re sure to bag a few.

I spent most of the time in a prone position, which can get pretty uncomfortable. But with its smooth thumbhole design and adjustable cheekpiece, the R10TH is a great gun for prone shooting.

The scope gave me a fantastically clear view, and the adjustable objective focused perfectly at ranges of around 23 to 36 metres. I set the magnification to x12 for a good view of the field, and adjusted the AO as I went.

Missed!

I took my first shot at what looked like a young jack rabbit, about 30 to 35 metres away. I was lying close to the hedge, but facing into the sun, so I used the scope’s sunshade. The sun was dazzling, and I missed the rabbit, sending the pellet low and to the left.

My target fled, but the shot didn’t seem to alarm other rabbits, who were grazing further away. The R10TH is fitted with a customer-configurable shroud (CCS), which makes each shot incredibly quiet. I decided to move to a better position before attempting a second shot.

Result!

This time, I made sure my back was to the sun, and ducked down behind a fallen tree, approximately 25 – maybe 30 – metres from the hedge. I re-zeroed for my next shot (the fine adjustments on the turrets were fantastic) and removed the sunshade.

I don’t think the rabbits were aware of me creeping about on the outskirts of the field. I was wearing Huntsbury camo clothes, which are great not only for keeping you out of sight, but also out of hearing! The few rabbits I could see were too far away to take a shot at, so I lay still for a while and waited.

Eventually, rabbits started wandering closer to me. Fortunately, the little bit of breeze was coming my way, so they couldn’t smell me.

My second shot was spot on – bang in the middle of the crosshairs. The sun was getting lower now, and the light levels were dropping, so I turned on the illuminated reticle to a low-level green setting. A rabbit ran from my right and stopped to feed, less than 10 metres from my hiding place. I hit the rabbit clean in the back of the head.

I loved using the R10TH, and, as always, I was more than happy with the JSB pellets. I found the London Armoury scope to be a great piece of kit – a fantastic all-rounder – but its security and steadiness were totally down to Hawke’s top-quality mount.

Oh yes … and I was very pleased with my three rabbits!

Derya Arms Shotguns at Pellpax

As a registered firearms dealer (RFD), Pellpax deliver firearms directly to your door. Our own drivers go out every weekend to deliver firearms, airguns, and ammunition to customers all over England and Wales.

Over the last 22 years, a new wave of innovation has swept over the world of shotguns. At the crest of this wave is Derya Arms, one of Turkey’s most prestigious manufacturers of firearms. Now there are some spectacular Derya shotguns available from Pellpax.

Derya is all about quality control

Derya Arms is based in the south-western city of Konya, one of Turkey’s Anatolian Tigers. Working with highly skilled designers, technicians, and gunsmiths, top-quality raw materials, and a stringent proofing process, Derya Arms produce excellent shotguns for hunters, competition shooters, and security agencies. The company ethos is based on ethical conduct in all areas of business and manufacture.

Each stage of production is carried out in accordance with the following international industry standards:

  • Turkey: TSE (Türk Standardları Enstitüsü (Turkish Standards Institution))
  • Europe: CIP (Continuous Improvement Process)
  • USA: SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute)

The name Derya is Turkish for ‘sea’.

New for 2020 at Pellpax

Our complete range of shotguns from Derya Arms can be seen here. But let’s have a quick look at a couple of our favourites …

Lion Principal Semi-Automatic – 12G

The sleek black polymer stock on the Lion Principal semi-automatic is stylishly chequered for a firm grip. Further chequering on the fore-stock provides a secure hold for the supporting hand. This simple detail lends a certain elegance usually associated with a wood stock.

The raised, ventilated rib serves to absorb much of the heat produced in the barrel. When heat waves are dispersed into the air immediately above the barrel, a shooter’s view can be distorted; overheating can also cause damage to a barrel. With the additional metal of the rib to bleed the heat, there’s no thermal disturbance to warp a shooter’s view; and the barrel’s temperature is more quickly lowered.

The raised rib is a relatively recent addition to the shotgun’s anatomy, and although it’s not to everyone’s taste, aesthetically, it’s a feature that certainly provides a technical advantage.

Meriva MR-300 Over & Under – 12G

The Meriva MR-300 is truly a thing of beauty. The steel receiver is gorgeously engraved with images of birds in flight, and the walnut stock features intricate chequering for a firm grip. A vented raised rib and slender trigger guard add a combination of old-fashioned finesse and modern simplicity.

This shotgun is an heirloom in the making.

Multi-Choke Shotguns

Most Derya shotguns come with a selection of chokes. Some shooters aren’t too bothered about repeatedly changing chokes. For others, though, selecting the right choke is a vital part of every shot.

By restricting – or, occasionally, widening – the outlet at the muzzle, a choke determines the spread of shot as it exits the barrel.

A full choke is the most restricting of the common choke types. At 30 yards (27.43m) from the shotgun’s muzzle, 100% of the fired shot will be within a 30-inch-diameter circle. At 40 yards (36.58m), 70% of the shot will be in a 30-inch-diameter circle.

A full choke is handy for long shots. If you’re shooting clays or birds at a range of 40 or 50 yards, you need your shot to stay grouped over a greater distance. Without a choke, the shot would be too widely dispersed.

If you’re using a half choke, only 83% of shot will be within that hypothetical circle at 30 yards. At 40 yards, the percentage decreases to 60%.

The true cylinder choke has a diameter equal to that of the gun’s barrel and imposes no restriction. At 30 yards, 60% of shot will be within a circle of 30-inch diameter, and at 40 yards, just 40% of the shot will be grouped. The wider spread of shot is suitable for close-up shots, giving the shooter more opportunity to hit the target.

I was curious about the purpose of a true cylinder choke. Why wouldn’t an unchoked barrel suffice? I went in search of Pellpax gunsmith, Luke, who explained that, over time, the barrel’s thread would be damaged by the shot. So, the purpose of the true cylinder choke is to protect the thread when no choking is needed.

Contact us

For more information about Derya shotguns, or to talk to a member of the sales team about any of the products on the Pellpax website, just give us a call on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected].

Two New Spring Rifles from Black Ops

At Pellpax, we’re welcoming in the new year – and new decade – with some fantastic new products, including two new spring-powered rifles from US manufacturer, Black Ops.

Black Ops Quantico Air Rifle

This .177-calibre rifle gets its name from Quantico, headquarters of the United States Marine Corps. This huge institution is also home to the FBI Academy and is the country’s main DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) training facility. Quantico is in Prince William County, Virginia.

At the legal power limit for a non-FAC gun (12 ft/lb), the Quantico is a powerful and effective break-barrel rifle. The rifled steel barrel is shrouded for noise reduction, and the adjustable fibre-optic sights ensure a perfect aim. An adjustable, modular stock means that this rifle can be adapted for a young shooter, or for circumstances where movement is restricted – for example, hunting in dense forest.

The stock is made from a durable, high-density polymer, which provides a firm grip in all weather conditions. The cheek-pad contributes to a comfortable and successful shooting experience.

Depending on the stock setting, the Quantico is between 1,130mm and 1,150mm long, and it weighs 3,275g. This rifle features a picatinny rail system and a weaver rail, so when it comes to the fitting of accessories, the options are numerous.

At just £104.99, the Quantico is perfect for pest control at ranges of up to 40m. It’s safe, strong, and great value for money

Black Ops Pendleton Air Rifle

This rifle’s name’s-sake is the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California, which was built in 1942 for the purpose of training US marines for service in WWII. The facility was named after Major Joseph Henry Pendleton (1860-1942) of the US Marine Corps.

With a five-position, adjustable M4-style stock, side rails, picatinny rail, and adjustable fibre-optic sights, the Black Ops Pendleton is a supremely customisable gun.

The Pendleton’s overall length is between 1,045mm and 1,129mm, and it weighs 3,120g. The gun comes with a set of six ergonomic grips, so it can be customised for the comfort of any shooter.

Made by Black Ops to an exclusive design, the .177-calibre Pendleton is fantastic for pest control at ranges of up to 40m. And at just £119.99, it really is excellent value.

Contact Us

If you’d like more information about these Black Ops rifles, or about any of the products on the Pellpax website, just give us a call on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected].

New Dan Wesson Kits at Pellpax

At Pellpax, we’re celebrating the start of the new decade with some fantastic new products. Our Dan Wesson 715 CO2 pistol kits, in particular, are an exciting addition to the Pellpax range of airgun kits. Modelled on the original Dan Wesson 715, which was chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, these high-quality, realistic pistols by ASG uphold the Dan Wesson reputation for innovative design and first-class construction.

Dan Wesson Firearms

Daniel Baird Wesson II (1916-1978) shared his name with his great-grandfather, the talented gunsmith and inventor, famous for co-founding the Smith & Wesson Company.

The legacy of Daniel Baird Wesson I (1825-1906) lives on, of course, in the ever-popular Smith & Wesson brand. But he’s also remembered at the not-for-profit Baystate Medical Centre in Massachusetts, which incorporates the hospital to which Mr Wesson donated $100,000 in 1904.

Dan Wesson worked for 25 years at Dan & Wesson before establishing his own firearms manufacturing business in 1968. Dan Wesson Firearms, now owned by CZ-USA, operates from Kansas City, Kansas, and Norwich, New York.

Action Sport Games  

Danish company ASG (Action Sport Games), which specialises in 1:1-scale replica guns, is exclusively licensed to produce Dan Wesson replica models.

Dan Wesson 715 Pistol Kits

ASG’s Dan Wesson 715 is made mostly of metal, giving it a realist feel, and a 12g CO2 capsule is concealed in the textured rubber grip. The pistol features a fixed open sight at the muzzle-end of the barrel, and a rear sight that’s adjustable for windage and elevation. It has a two-stage trigger, manual safety, and an underside weaver rail. Pellets are loaded into the rear of the six cartridges that are housed in the easily accessible magazine.

Besides the pistol, this kit includes five CO2 capsules, a tin of .177-calibre pellets, 50 targets, and a hard case.

Dan Wesson 715 2.5” Silver Pistol

£229.99 £199.99

This neat little pistol has an overall length of 203mm and weighs 900g. The rifled barrel is just 63mm long, making the pistol well balanced and easy to manoeuvre.

Dan Wesson 715 4.0” Silver Pistol

£252.99 £229.99

With a total length of 242mm, and weighing 1,100g, this is the medium-sized Dan Wesson pistol. The rifled barrel is 101mm long.

 

Dan Wesson 715 6.0” Grey Pistol

£224.99 £199.99

This six-inch-barrel version of the 715 Dan Wesson pistol is heavier and stronger than the shorter-barrelled models. It weighs 1,225g and has an overall length of 297mm. There’s added realism to this pistol, with the cylinder-releasing mechanism, which is exactly the same mechanism that features on the real 715.

Door-to-Door Delivery Service

As a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD), Pellpax provides a reliable and secure face-to-face delivery service. Order before 12pm on a Tuesday, and you’ll receive your item the following weekend, subject to availability. We deliver to any address on the mainland of England and Wales. If you require delivery to another part of the UK, arrangements can be made for collection from an RFD near you.

Contact Us

For more information about any of our products, or about Pellpax’s unique delivery service, just give us a call on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected].

Happy New Year!

Five Excellent Air Rifle Scopes for Under £300

When you’re looking to buy a scope for your air rifle, there’s a huge amount of choice. Some designs are more suited to a particular type of rifle, and others to either target shooting or hunting. In many cases, the features of a scope are a matter of preference – or budget.

We’ve picked out five air rifle scopes that we consider to be good value. They’re all great quality scopes. And they’re all under £300.  

Hawke Airmax 30 Touch 3-12×32

At 266mm long, and weighing 572g, Hawke’s Airmax Touch is a strong, lightweight scope with a 30mm tube. The glass-etched reticle can be illuminated (in the centre only) to six levels of brightness, and between each setting on the adjustment turret, there’s an off position, so it’s easy to switch directly to your preferred setting. The scope comes with a 76.2mm wheel to make adjustment a bit easier.

A zoom ring that indexes with an audible click allows magnification up to twelve times. The definite click means that you can adjust magnification without moving out of position to peer at the setting. Although the objective lens is just 32mm, the wide-angle (short focal length) optical system provides an expansive image of the landscape.

This piece of kit is ideal for daytime hunting.

The Hawke Airmax features a focus control for parallax adjustment. Parallax is the differing perspective of varying viewpoints. By the neurological process of stereopsis, our natural binocular vision uses parallax to form a single, solid, 3-dimentional image.

In a telescopic sight, however, parallax can work against us. Light becomes distorted as it hits the various surfaces in a scope, and as a result, the reticle may seem to wander. The Airmax parallax adjustment is a technically sophisticated function that allows a shooter to achieve pinpoint focus.

Especially suitable for low-recoil air rifles, the Hawke Airmax has zero eye relief. Like those early cameras that were operated by a photographer who draped a black cloth over his head and the camera, a zero-eye-relief scope prevents light bleed at the viewing end, allowing for a clearer image through the sight.

Every glass surface in this scope is coated with 16 layers of light insulation.

London Armoury Resurrection FFP Riflescope

London Armoury’s Resurrection scope is available in two sizes: 4-14×44 or 6-24×50. Even in the smaller of the two scopes, the objective lens is large, allowing for excellent light input. This is a great advantage for crepuscular shooting, when daylight is dim.  

The wide zoom range (4-14 or 6-24) makes it possible to focus on targets at varying distances. The illuminated reticle is on the first focal plane. This means that the reticle is magnified with the image, making it easier to focus on the target.

This scope features a detachable sunshade, and lockable turrets so you can be confident that your rifle will stay aligned for a follow-up shot.

Hawke Vantage AO 3-9×40

Hawke’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof Vantage AO scope is 322mm long and weighs 482g. Constructed from a single 25mm tube, this hardy scope has been nitrogen purged for long-lasting internal purity.

The optics are coated with 11 layers of protection, ensuring first-rate light transmission and clarity at all ranges. Multiple coating of all optic components means that the scope is identified as fully multi-coated. This high grade of protection results in an image of exceptional clarity and contrast.

This sturdy little scope’s magnification range is from three times to nine times, and the 40mm objective lens allows parallax adjustment from 10m to infinity. Elevation and windage can be adjusted over a range of 100 MOA, at increments of ¼ MOA. The mil-dot reticle shows 1 milliradian (3.44 MOA) increments in all four directions.

The ocular and objective lenses are threaded for additional accessories, such as lens covers or sunshade, and the adjustment turrets come with protective caps.

Richter Optik 3-9×40

A mil-dot reticle provides a way to focus by increments of milliradians. A milliradian is an angle. There are approximately 6,283 milliradians (or mils) in a complete circle.

Along the crosshairs of the reticle, there are dots. The distance between the centre of one dot and the next is one mil.

At a range of 100m, an adjustment of one mil will alter your aim by 10cm. If you’re 200m from your target, one mil will equate to 20cm. At 300m, it’s 30cm; at 400m, it’s 40cm; 500m, 50cm … and so on.

At under £35.00, this 320mm-long Richter Optik scope, which weighs a mere 382g, is exceptionally good value. The scope’s variable zoom system allows magnification of times three to times nine. A 40mm objective lens is protected by a flip-up cover. 

This scope is one of Richter Optik’s most popular products. With its large range of magnification and precise mil-dot sighting, this model is a great favourite among hunters.

ProShot Precision Rifle Scope with Mounts 3-9×50

With magnification up to nine times and a large (50mm) objective lens, which is ideal for hunting in low light conditions, this Proshot Precision scope is a very handy piece of equipment. Made of high-strength aluminium and fully multi-coated, it’s waterproof, fog-proof, and resistant to recoil. It has a 25mm tube and a duplex reticle.

This scope, which comes with mounts, is ideal for target shooting and pest control at ranges of up to 60m.

Looking for Something Special?

So we’ve had a look at five great rifle scopes with a price tag under £300. However, if you’re after something a little bit more extravagant, how about this super scope from Leupold …

Leupold Rifleman 3-9×50

The good-looking black Rifleman 3-9×50, made of aircraft-grade aluminium, is 315mm long and weighs 411g. Featuring a simple duplex reticle, this lightweight, durable piece of kit is waterproof, fog-proof, and impervious to rust and corrosion. On the end of the 25mm tube, the large (50mm) objective lens is great for low-light hunting, making this scope ideal for deerstalkers.

Eye relief is 106.68mm at low magnification, and 93.98mm for greater magnification. The scope tube is 25mm in diameter.

There’s no doubt that this nifty little scope was designed with the hunter in mind.

The scope’s nitrogen-purged optical chamber contributes to a crystal-clear image. Ambient air inside the scope is forced out by, and replaced with, near-pure nitrogen. With this dry, inert gas occupying all the space, oxygen and water vapour are excluded, protecting the interior of the scope from fogging and oxidation. O-ring-sealed lenses enhance the scope’s impedance to moisture.

Contact Us

For more information about scopes, or to talk to a member of staff about any of the products on the Pellpax website, give us a call on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected]

Merry Christmas!

Another Step Forward for Reeds Target Shooting Club

Let’s Get Physical

Albert Reed (1846-1920), owner of Aylesford Paper Mills, in Kent, was a man who believed in fostering a happy working environment for his employees. More than a century ago, Mr Reed established an in-house sports and social club for his workers and their families. As his business grew into one of the largest paper-making plants in Europe, the social club thrived – especially on the target-shooting side.

When the Aylesford site closed, in the 1990s, Reeds Target Shooting Club was left without a home.

Winners of Reeds Pairs Competition

The Wanderer

Twenty years after the closure of Aylesford Paper Mills, Reeds Target Shooting Club is still homeless, renting space from other clubs and keeping membership tight through regular competitions and practice sessions, as well as social events and an active website.

“We’re as big and active as we’ve ever been,” says John Lucas, club secretary (and the club’s sole remaining former Reeds employee). “We still shoot at Bisley once a month; in fact, we do as much shooting as we can. But it’s not the same as having your own place.”

Despite the club’s nomadic existence, there’s a healthy membership of around 100 – and a waiting list, too.

Winner of Reeds Gallery Cup

Every shooting club has a legal obligation to place each new member on three months’ probation before full membership is granted. During this time, an assessment of their suitability can be made. Without their own facilities, however, it isn’t so easy for the members of Reeds to make these assessments.

“And we’re old-fashioned,” says John. “We don’t feel that three months is long enough to get to know new members. At Reeds, the probationary period is six months.”

Moving On Up

For many years, now, this tenacious club has been working towards establishing a new home. Well-attended competitions and social events have raised thousands of pounds so far, and the target is at last coming into sight. Planning permission is now underway for a new indoor range and clubhouse.

It’s not plain sailing though.

“A noise assessment has been requested,” explains John. “We’ve engaged a noise consultant to carry out the assessment, but it’s slowed the process down, and is swallowing up more funds.”

Reeds Christmas dinner 2019

As things stand, the foundations to Reeds’ new home are due to be laid in the spring of 2020. Once building is underway, the club will have access to further fund sources associated with its changed status.

“Once the club is built,” John tells me, “we’ll be able to provide more coaching. There’ll be opportunities for shooters to reach high standards and to compete at international level.”

Reeds has an ethos of diversity and accessibility.

“We plan to broaden our membership. At the moment, about 10 percent of our members are children. We’d like to encourage more youngsters into the club. Our new premises will be equipped with facilities for wheelchair users. Disabled shooters will be welcomed and encouraged. Shooting is such an inclusive sport. We want to make the most of the possibilities.”

Fun, Fun, Fun!

The Reeds Target Shooting Club annual Christmas dinner and raffle is one of the mainstay events in the club’s fundraising programme. This year, the Reeds Christmas dinner was on Saturday 7 December, and, as always, the evening was a lot of fun. The raffle raised over £300.

John Lucas (left) and Bob Peacock

Pellpax’s donation to the raffle was a Norica Dream Hunter air rifle in .22 calibre. The Dream Hunter is a powerful spring-powered rifle with under-lever action and ambidextrous stock. This fantastic prize was won by Bob Peacock.

Events like this will continue to be held until the ribbon is cut at the official opening of the new Reeds clubhouse and shooting range. Nobody knows exactly when that will be, but if the foundations are laid in the spring of next year, the long-awaited goal is certainly within sight. As John says, there’s still a lot of hard work ahead.

“We need to raise another £20,000, or even £30,000. There’s a long way to go.”

Images courtesy of Reeds Target Shooting Club

Best Airgun Pellets for 2020

The range of airgun pellets available to us today is larger than ever before. In each calibre, there’s a massive range of head shape, skirt size, length, material, and weight. There’s a lot of difference in price, too, and it’s easy to make the (sometimes misguided) assumption that the more expensive the pellet, the better quality it will be.

Those shooters who have found the ideal pellet for their gun and purpose will often stick with it, perfecting their shooting performance with the benefit of consistency. Some shooters will have a repertoire of favourite pellets. Others, however, are still experimenting – still searching for the pellet that perfectly suits their gun, purpose, and style.

At Pellpax, we’ve been looking at some of the best airgun pellets on the market, and we’ve picked out what we consider to be the cream of the crop.

Target shooting

For target shooting, a wadcutter (flathead) pellet is ideal, as it will punch a clean hole in the target for clear scoring. This shape of pellet, though, has high air resistance, and will lose speed, causing it to drop. A wadcutter pellet is perfect for shooting over a short distance, for example 10m competition target shooting.

Over longer distances, the wadcutter loses efficacy, and this is where the aerodynamic domed (roundhead) pellet comes in handy. Although heavier than the wadcutter, the domed pellet will maintain a straighter trajectory over distance, thanks to its aerodynamic properties. The domed head and added weight also serve to stabilise the pellet in windy weather.

THREE: H&N Baracuda Power (Domed) .177

The hard copper coating of the Baracuda Power pellet means less deformation during firing and on impact, and less lead fouling in the barrel. Weighing in at 10.65gr (0.69g), this is a heavy pellet for .177 calibre. It’s ideal for target shooting at long range.

Available in .177, .22

TWO: Rifle Premium Series (Flathead) .177

Made from supremely high-grade lead, Rifle’s Premium Series Flathead is an accurate and powerful pellet. The purity of lead and the refined manufacturing processes result in uniformity and consistency among pellets. This wadcutter pellet, which weighs 8.18gr (0.53g) is designed especially for the competitive target shooter.    

Available in .177, .22

ONE: QYS Match Grade (Wadcutter) .177

Zhuhai Qiang Yuan Sports Goods Co. Ltd (QYS) was founded in 1994 by Fu Qiang, who is still very much in the company’s driving seat. QYS operates from Zhuhai City, in the south of China, and exports to more than 50 countries. In the last five Olympic Games, QYS pellets have been used by 19 medal winners.

This flathead match-grade pellet, which weighs just 8.18gr (0.53g), is designed specifically for competition target shooting and high-level training. The pellets are carefully and securely packed, separated by layers of padding and well protected from corrosion and impact.

Available in .177

Hunting

For hunting, a hollow-point pellet is generally considered to be the best option. The hollow-point pellet is designed to mushroom on impact, creating a wider wound channel that’s more likely to result in an instant kill. Alternatively, that jack-of-all-trades of the pellet world, the dome-head, is an effective hunting pellet.

There are conflicting views when it comes to the pointed pellet. Some shooters swear by it, and others won’t touch it.

A wider-skirted pellet will add power to the shot, as the skirt creates a tighter seal in the barrel, meaning that more pressure builds up behind it, increasing the velocity of the pellet.

THREE: Weihrauch Magnum (Domed) .22

In compiling this list of top-performing airgun pellets, I talked to the gunsmiths, sales staff, and shooting enthusiasts who make up the Pellpax team.

One of the gunsmiths, whose work involves zeroing guns before they’re sent out, recommended the Weihrauch Magnum .22. He told me that this pellet is an excellent all-rounder, suitable for most .22 rifles. What my colleague particularly likes about this pellet, though, is that it’s the very best choice for his own Weihrauch HW100 KT.

“It’s brilliant for pest control. But I use it most of all for plinking in the garden with the kids. For my HW100, there just isn’t a better pellet.”

The Weihrauch Magnum .22 weighs 21.14gr (1.37g).

Available in .177, .22

TWO: Daystate Rangemaster Sovereign (Domed) .22

Throughout the manufacturing process, Daystate pellets are carefully checked for quality. Only the very best are selected for packing. This means that there’s excellent consistency in form and performance.

Because the Rangemaster Sovereign is on the heavy side 15.9gr (1.03g), it’s better suited to high-power PCP rifles.

Available in .177, .20, .22

ONE: JSB Hades (Hollow Point) .22

JSB Match Diabolo is based in Bohumín, Czech Republic. The company was established by an experienced shooter and coach, Josef Schulz, whose research into airgun ammunition led to his own developments in the field. Teaming up with some equally knowledgeable colleagues, Mr Schulz began to produce a new line of airgun pellets.

The 15.89gr (1.02g) Hades .22 has a hollow point that’s surrounded by a trio of lead flaps. On impact, the air pressure in the hollow pit forces the three lead flaps to spread outward, creating a wider wound channel. This well-engineered pellet is perfect for hunting and pest control.

Available in .22

Pistol

Pistols often present the problem of jammed pellets. One of the causes for jamming is that the pellet is too long for the magazine, which is then prevented from cycling properly. The other main reason for stuck pellets is that the low power (under 6 ft/lb) of a pistol is not enough to propel a wide or heavy pellet.

So, basically, when you’re choosing a pellet for your pistol, make sure that it isn’t too big in any way: length, weight, or width.

THREE: RWS Superdome (Domed) .177

This pellet is an excellent all-round performer. Whether you’re using it in a PCP-, spring-, or CO2-powered gun, and whether that gun is a pistol or a rifle, the RWS Superdome is a reliable pellet. The pellet weighs 8.3gr (0.54g), and behind the smooth, round head is a ribbed skirt that adds aerodynamic stability and a flat trajectory.

Available in .177, .22

TWO: Air Arms Field (Domed) .177 (4.51)

The Air Arms Field dome-head is recommended by Pellpax gunsmiths for use in pistols.

Air Arms pellets are carefully inspected at each stage of the manufacturing process to ensure that each one is of the highest quality. The perfectly shaped domed head maintains a flat trajectory, adding to the consistency of this super little pellet. Each Air Arms Field Dome .177 pellet weighs 8.4gr (0.547g).

Available in .177 (4.51, 4.52), .22 (5.51, 5.52)

ONE: H&N Field Target Trophy (Domed) .177

Haendler & Natermann Sport GMBH (H&N) have been manufacturing airgun pellets since the 1950s. The business, which started out in the production of lead foil, was founded 100 years earlier by Carl Georg August Natermann. H&N is still based in its original location – the town of Hann. Münden, Germany.

Made of a lead alloy that produces one of the lowest rates of lead fouling, the H&N Field Target Trophy dome-head is lightweight and aerodynamic for a flat trajectory and high velocity. Suitable for air rifle and pistol, this pellet is ideal for competitive shooting and high-level target practice.

Available in .177, .20, .22, .25

Contact us

There are, of course, many other fantastic pellets available, and this list really is a subjective selection of some of the best. Nevertheless, the pellets featured in this article are all excellent products and have been positively reviewed by shooters all over the world.

For more information about airgun pellets or any of the products on the Pellpax website, just give us a call on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected].

South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club

On Sunday 10th November, Gary Mitchell and I set off to the South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club in Attleborough. It was the final day of the Norfolk County Rifle Association’s Open 10m Air Rifle and Air Pistol Meeting, incorporating the Norfolk County Championships. This was a three-day event, held on the 8th, 9th, and 10th November.

Carole Darnell

Until 2001, Carole Darnell was a healthy, able-bodied woman. Then, when she was 37 years old – and for no apparent reason – Carole collapsed. She was hospitalised and diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder.

Now relying on a wheelchair for mobility, and looking for a new hobby, Carole went along with her partner, Chris Cook, to St Michael’s Rifle and Pistol Club in King’s Lynn. Chris was a keen rifle shooter, but when Carole had a go at rifle shooting, she wasn’t inspired.

“Then I tried shooting pistol, and I was hooked. This was the sport for me.”

Just months after Carole bought herself a competition Walther pistol, she became Norfolk Ladies’ Champion – a title she held for several years.

Through her performance in postal competitions, Carole came to the attention of the Eastern Region Training Squad; and at the Welsh Championships, she was picked up as a promising disabled shooter.

Carole began training at Stoke Mandeville, and for two consecutive years held the title of British Disabled Ladies’ Champion. However, at international level, her disability didn’t fit the classification system. She wasn’t disabled enough to compete at international level, yet her disability was severe enough to be a handicap in able-bodied competition.

Having arrived at this barrier to ongoing progress in competitive shooting, Carole had to re-evaluate her situation. She wondered about coaching. The more Carole considered the idea of coaching, the more certain she became that she’d be good at it.

She was right. Chris Dickenson, the club’s Competition Manager, told me, “Carole’s great with working with people and enjoys teaching a sport she is so passionate about.”

After qualifying as a coach, Carole became a national coach for disabled shooters, and she coached able-bodied shooters at county level.

UK’s 1st regional training centre for para-sport shooting 

In 2013, Carole was approached for help.

“I was asked if I’d consider starting up a disabled shooting club. There was nowhere in Norfolk for disabled people to shoot – in fact, there was nowhere that was accessible with a hefty wheelchair.”

Carole, along with her partner, Chris Cook, and mum, Merle Darnell, established the UK’s first regional training centre for para-sport shooting.

“We were two units down from where we are now. There were four firing points, and one of those was a hatch, so people could get through to the loo.”

The club’s first airguns were bought from Pellpax!

Although the new club provided opportunities for many disabled shooters in the area, membership was low. Without a reasonable income, it wasn’t possible to grow the club and to develop. So, five years after founding the club, Carole decided to include able-bodied shooters, transforming the South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club into a truly inclusive shooting community. 

“We’ll let anyone in,” Carole said cheerfully.

Chris Dickenson

Chris Dickenson, the club’s competition manager, is really keen to increase the number of face-to-face competitive shooting opportunities within the county.

“It’s lovely to see people come out of their shell,” she told me. “Some of our disabled shooters first come to us at the club with low self confidence. It’s amazing to see how powerful sport is in transforming people’s lives.”

The Olympic Charter

The more contact I have with people in the world of target shooting, the more evidence I see of the sport’s innate connection with the fourth fundamental principle of Olympism:

The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

In support of this principle, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the Sport for All programme, which was adopted by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Shooting Sport for All has introduced the Supported Rest discipline for seniors. This means that anyone over the age of 56 is permitted to rest their rifle barrel or pistol grip whilst taking 30 shots.

Ray Hart, who took the gold medal for Supported Rest Pistol, cheerfully refers to this discipline as “old man shooting”. (I’ll leave you to muse on that concept.)

Results

Air Rifle (60 shots)

Gold                            Olivia Hill                               567

Silver                           Ellie Folkard                           549

Bronze                         Jessy Lodge                            498

Supported Rest Air Rifle (30 shots)

Gold                            Peter Bell                                280

Silver                           Paul Budd                               272

Bronze                         Colin Allison                           252

Bronze                         John Lane                                252

Air Pistol (60 shots)

Gold                            George Mees                           544

Silver                           Tim Fawcett                           540

Bronze                         Janis Purins                             536

Supported Rest Air Pistol (30 shots)

Gold                            Ray Hart                                 273

Silver                           John Lane                                272

Bronze                         Colin Allison                           262

Thank you SNARPC!

It really was a pleasure to meet the members of the South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club and some of the weekend’s competitors. We were made to feel very welcome and involved.

As if the lovely company wasn’t enough, Gary and I left with a plate of homemade cakes!

Olivia Hill Receives Award for Outstanding Sporting Achievement

The Broadland Community at Heart Awards

The Broadland Community at Heart Awards celebrate the region’s community heroes. Eighteen-year-old Olivia Hill, who is sponsored by Pellpax, was among those nominated for the outstanding sporting achievement award. As you can imagine, the whole Pellpax team is tremendously proud of our protégée for being the winner of that award.

The judging panel included Mick Parker of Parker Communications, who organised the event, and Chairman of Broadland District Council. Also on the panel were two representatives of Price Bailey Chartered Accountants, regular sponsors of the Broadland Community at Heart Awards. Matthew Hector (Business Development Manager) and James Elvin (Manager) were hugely impressed by Olivia’s attitude and achievements.

“The Outstanding Sporting Achievement category was incredibly hard to judge,” Mr Elvin told me. “Olivia was crowned the winner due to her outstanding achievements and commitment at such a young age. To compete at her level must have meant some sacrifices, and to have overcome so many hurdles, whilst continuing her studies, is commendable.”

Mr Hector added, “Well done Olivia. We look forward to watching your continued success”.

South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club

Having followed Olivia’s shooting career for some time now, we thought it was about time we saw her in action. So, on Sunday 10th November, Gary Mitchell and I set off to the South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club in Attleborough. It was the final day of the Norfolk County Rifle Association’s Open 10m Air Rifle and Air Pistol Meeting, incorporating the Norfolk County Championships.

In preparation for the competition, Olivia had checked every one of her RWS R10 flathead (wadcutter) pellets for imperfections. Nevertheless, before loading each pellet, Olivia looked it over carefully, paying attention to the skirt, where a nick or an indentation might affect the pellet’s trajectory. Pellets can become corroded as a result of contact with each other in the tin.

“If it doesn’t look right,” Olivia explained, “don’t shoot it.”

Norfolk County Champion

Just a few minutes into the shooting time, Olivia felt that her rifle sight needed to be adjusted. However, even after carrying out work on her kit, Olivia wasn’t totally happy. Other competitors were also struggling with vision, and it soon became apparent that the problem was due to the changing natural light that was coming through the opaque skylights. As nothing could be done about this, they pressed on, adjusting their eyes as well as possible to the fluctuating brightness on the range.

Despite scoring a little below her own expectations, Olivia won Gold in the Open, and Gold in the Confined, meaning that she’s the overall 10m County Champion. 

What’s next for Olivia?

To round off another fantastic year, Olivia will be travelling to Luxembourg, where she’ll compete in the 37th RIAC and IBIS CUP. The competition, which will run from 11th to 14th December, is an annual international event organised by FLTAS (Fédération Luxembourgeoise de Tir aux Armes Sportives). Last year, at this competition, Olivia performed very well in her first mixed doubles event. Her impression of Christmastime in Luxembourg, though, was mostly about the hot chocolate!

Rifles and Shotguns: 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Pellpax is a company well known for a reliable, face-to-face delivery service. Each weekend, our own drivers cover the whole of England and Wales, delivering firearms to the doors of our customers. We’re able to do this because Pellpax is a Registered Firearms Dealer.

The UK has the strictest firearms regulations in the world. Fortunately, shooting sports are surviving Britain’s legislative measures to prevent gun crime. If you’ve ever bought a gun from Pellpax, you’ll be familiar with the procedure.

As a registered firearms dealer, Pellpax carries a huge responsibility. We don’t take this responsibility lightly. In fact, we consider our licence to sell firearms a privilege.

Customers ask a lot of questions about airguns and firearms and their ammunition. Today we’re going to have a go at answering five of the most common questions that people ask about live-fire guns.

1.    Do I need to have a Firearms Certificate (FAC)?

For a start, you’ll need a firearms licence if you own a live-fire weapon.

Firearms Act 1968 Section 1 (1)

It is an offence for a person

  • to have in his possession, or to purchase or acquire, a firearm to which this section applies without holding a firearm certificate in force at the time, or otherwise than as authorised by such a certificate.
  • to have in his possession, or to purchase or acquire, any ammunition to which this section applies without holding a firearm certificate in force at the time, or otherwise than as authorised by such a certificate, or in quantities in excess of those so authorised.

Firearms Act 1968 Section 2 (1)

Subject to any exemption under this Act, it is an offence for a person to have in his possession, or to purchase or acquire, a shot gun without holding a certificate under this Act authorising him to possess shot guns.

That covers all rimfire and centrefire guns and their ammunition. For possession of both a shotgun and a live-fire rifle, you’ll need an FAC (firearm certificate) for each. The licence will specify the calibre and action of your gun, and there’ll also be a restriction on the amount of ammunition you’re permitted to possess at one time.

Firearms Act 1968 Section 57 (1), defines a firearm as

a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged.

Clear as a bell – apart from the word lethal, which is a matter of interpretation. For the purpose of this law, a lethal weapon has the potential to discharge a missile with 12 ft/lb or more of muzzle energy. This definition, of course, includes some air rifles.

There’s no central issuing authority for firearms licences. Each regional police force deals with application, issue, and renewal of FACs. Although the Firearms Act 1968 presents clear guidelines, much of its execution is down to interpretation by experienced police officers who have in-depth knowledge of firearms and a clear understanding of firearms law.   

The Firearms Act 1968 Section 27 (1) says

A firearm certificate shall be granted where the chief officer of police is satisfied

  • that the applicant is fit to be entrusted with a firearm … and is not a person prohibited by this Act from possessing such a firearm
  • that he has a good reason for having in his possession, or for purchasing or acquiring, the firearm or ammunition in respect of which the application is made
  • that in all the circumstances the applicant can be permitted to have the firearm or ammunition in his possession without danger to the public safety or to the peace.

Basically, you must have a legitimate reason for owning a gun, and the licencing officer needs to be satisfied that you’ll abide by the law and not put anyone at risk … and you have to be a ‘he’. Just kidding.

2.    How does a shotgun shell work?

A shotgun shell – or cartridge – is made up of the following components:

Case

The plastic casing (or shell) of the cartridge holds everything together and forms a seal within the barrel, allowing the pressure of expanding gasses to build. At the base of the casing, a protruding metal (usually brass) rim acts as an anchor. The crimped top forms a lid to keep the contents secure, and when the gun is fired, the leaves form a sort of funnel for the shot.

Primer

A small amount of primer is contained within a central recess of the cartridge’s flat base. The firing pin crushes the primer, and the impact causes a chemical reaction that ignites the primer, creating enough heat to ignite the propellant. 

Propellant

The propellant is the exploding black powder or smokeless powder (a term used chiefly in the US). When black powder burns, the product is approximately half gaseous and half solid. When smokeless powder (‘propellant’ in the UK) combusts, the product is mostly gaseous, and therefore a lot less smoky than traditional gunpowder.

Wad

The wad, which is made up of three plastic (or fibrous) components, serves multiple purposes.

Wadding separates the explosive from the shot and creates a seal to prevent the propellant gas from passing through the shot and thus losing power. The centre piece of the wad is the cushion, which acts as a shock absorber by compressing under pressure; this helps to prevent deformation of the shot. Another part of the wadding cups the shot, keeping it together as it’s propelled down the barrel.

Projectile

Shot cartridge projectiles come in various forms – from a single slug, to a dozen buckshot pellets, to hundreds of tiny birdshot. Shot pellets are usually made of lead, but can also be of other metals, such as tin, zinc, bismuth, or steel.

3.    How does a rifle cartridge work?

A rifle cartridge is made up of the following components:

Case

A rifle cartridge case is made of metal – usually brass. The case contains the primer, propellant, and projectile.

Primer

The primer is a shock-sensitive substance that combusts when hit by the firing pin. Its purpose is to ignite the propellant.

Propellant

The propellant is an explosive substance that quickly produces hot, expanding gas as it burns. The pressure of this explosion propels the bullet in the direction of least resistance – i.e. down the barrel.  Traditionally, the propellant was gunpowder (also known as black powder), and it’s still used today. However, it’s now more usual for the propellant to be smokeless powder (in the UK, known simply as ‘propellant’).

Projectile

The projectile in a rifle cartridge is a bullet, which is usually a single flat-bottomed dome, made of lead or lead alloy, weighing between 15 grains and around 750 grains. Some are long and narrow, and others are squat. Some bullets have pointed tips, and others have tapered bottoms.

4.    What’s the difference between rimfire and centrefire?

The difference between a rimfire and a centrefire cartridge is down solely to the way in which the firing pin strikes the primer.

Centrefire cartridge

In a centrefire cartridge, the primer is contained in a metal cup within the centre of the base. The primer is all in one place, so when it’s struck by the firing pin, the resulting combustion is consistent and predictable. A centrefire cartridge is more expensive than a rimfire cartridge, but it’s safer to transport, store, and handle, because of a thick metal casing and protective position of the primer.

All shotguns are centrefire.

Rimfire cartridge

With its thin-walled case, a rimfire cartridge is easier and cheaper to manufacture, and therefore cheaper to buy. The rimfire cartridge, though, is not as reliable as its centrefire equivalent. With the primer spread around the rim of the cartridge and struck by the firing pin at just one point, the level of chemical reaction is inconsistent.

5.    What do the numbers on a shotgun shell mean?

Gauge/Calibre

The gauge, or calibre, of the shell case is a measurement of its diameter, which is represented in this way:

Imagine a pure lead sphere that fits perfectly into the barrel of a specific gun. The weight of this imaginary sphere is expressed as a fraction of a pound – e.g. 1/12 or 1/20.

A 12-gauge cartridge is the right size for a barrel that would, in theory, be a perfect fit for a lead sphere that weighs 1/12 of a pound. A 20-gauge cartridge fits a barrel that would hold a lead ball that weighs 1/20 of a pound. So, the 20-gauge cartridge is smaller than the 12-gauge cartridge.

Shot

Pellet size is expressed as a code. Below are a couple of examples.

Shot Pellet Size Pellet Diameter Pellet Weight Count per 28g
7 Shot 2.5mm 0.08g 340
6 Shot 2.6mm 0.1g 270

In a Hull Cartridge Imperial Game 6 shot cartridge, with a 26g load, there’ll be approximately 250 (270/28 x 26) to 260 (26/0.1) pellets.

A Hull Cartridge ProSteel 7 shot cartridge, with a load of 19g, will contain approximately 230 (340/28 x 26) to 237 (19/0.08) pellets.

Load

The load is the combined weight of the shot.

A birdshot cartridge containing approximately 460 pellets might have a total weight of 492 grains (32g); each pellet weighs 1.07 grains (0.07g). Nine 60-grain (3.9g) pellets in a buckshot cartridge will have a combined weight of 540 grains (35g). And a single slug weighing 383 grains (24.8 grams) carries the shell’s total weight in one unit.

Length

The measurement given is the length of the cartridge with crimps open – its length after being fired.

Using a shell that’s too long for the chamber can cause serious bodily injury and considerable damage to a gun A shorter shell, though, is fine.

There’s usually a manufacturer’s warning on the cartridge box – e.g. Use only in guns with a minimum chamber length of 76mm or These cartridges are suitable for use in guns with a chamber of 2 ½” (65mm) or longer.   

Contact us

These are just a handful of the questions that people ask about live-fire guns. For more information about firearms or any of the products we sell, just give us a call on 01263 731 585 or email [email protected].