We finally get to the whole reason for doing weeks of testing today. My initial question was what difference does the pellet weight make in energy. Or said differently, what pellet would be best to eliminated pests. Is a heavier or lighter pellet better? My opinion is that the highest energy pellet is the best. To calculate that, I need to know the velocity of the different weight pellets.
On the left is the Crossman Powershot 5.4 grain and on the right is the Gamo Rocket 9.6 grain. You might recall to date, all testing has been done with various models of the Gamo 7.54 grain pellet. An interesting anecdote about the Powershot is that I was reading reviews about it and apparently can penetrate 16 gauge steel in the right circumstances. I bought it because it was light, for comparison purposes.
| 5.4gr Muzzle | 5.4gr 30′ | 7.54gr Muzzle | 7.54gr 30′ | 9.6gr Muzzle | 9.6gr 30′ |
| 1006 | 879 | 942 | 849 | 864 | 797 |
| 1028 | 884 | 946 | 853 | 855 | 777 |
| 1028 | 901 | 966 | 866 | 855 | 785 |
| 1005 | 904 | 959 | 859 | 857 | 798 |
| 1040 | 875 | 953 | 855 | 847 | 795 |
| 1007 | 880 | 952 | 870 | 848 | 784 |
| 1049 | 913 | 973 | 852 | 840 | 793 |
| 1039 | 885 | 947 | 853 | 852 | 787 |
| 1027 | 895 | 951 | 868 | 840 | 786 |
| 1036 | 903 | 966 | 858 | 844 | 791 |
| 1026.5 +/-46.9 | 891.9 +/- 38.9 | 964.6 +/- 19.5 | 857.3 +/- 22.2 | 850 +/- 23.4 | 789.3 +/- 20 |
Why do I keep measuring velocities at two different distances? I am hoping to get enough data that I can calculate (or guess) velocity at distance and have an educated guess at performance with one measurement. Using formulas I have discussed in the past, here are the results in energy at target distance.
| 5.4gr 30′ | 7.54gr 30′ | 9.6gr 30′ |
| 9.5 | 12.3 | 13.2 |
From the data, it would appear that my hypothesis is correct for my assumption. The 9.6 grain pellet has the most energy at target range. Therefore, this would be the most effective pellet for pest control.
I want to point out that energy should not be the sole determining factor in selection of ammunition. Barrel rate of twist can only stabilize projections within a certain weight range. That really translates to accuracy and consistency. There are additional considerations for wind drift as well. The lighter the pellet, the more likely wind is going to effect point of impact as well. That variable is more difficult to test, but it is a known fact. Finally, depending on the distance of the target and the overall velocity, pellets drop based on the rate of gravity, so the slower the pellet the more drop at distance making aiming (and accuracy) more difficult.
End Your Programming Routine: I hope that you have enjoyed my mini-series on pellet ballistics. I have learned a lot as well as re-awakening some long dormant brain cells on math. I will be back from time to time with this line of writing because I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and I have the tools to do it now. I have one more test in this line to complete but it is going to take a bit of effort to finish. For now, I am coming back with something different next week.
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