by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Hatsan’s .30 caliber 135 QE Vortex is a large breakbarrel — both in size and caliber.
This report covers:
- The test
- Sight-in
- JSB Exact 44.75 grain
- JSB Exact 50.15-grain
- Predator Polymag
- Next
- JSB domes at 25 yards
- Predator Polymags
- Polymags with the tips removed
- Popeye?
- What’s next?
- Summary
Time for me to bend the bow of Ulysses and see what it can do. Today I have a slightly different accuracy test for you.
The test
I tested the rifle at both 10 meters and 25 yards. I shot 5-shot groups today because this rifle is just too hard for me to cock. A tired BB is a sloppy BB. All shooting was off a sandbag rest in the normal fashion and I used the artillery hold, both because I knew the rifle would be twitchy, something several readers confirmed.
Sight-in
Sight-in took five shots. As it came from the package the rifle was shooting high and right. The open sights have scales to tell you where they are and I found the windage scale most helpful, getting on target.
JSB Exact 44.75 grain
First to be tested for no special reason was the JSB Exact 44.75-grain dome. I checked through the spotting scope to see that the first pellet landed in the black and then didn’t look again. I held the rifle very loose, concentrating on not pulling it into my shoulder. A twitchy rifle needs to be allowed to twitch all it wants to, because it will probably do so the same way every time.
The group looks quite large, but you must remember that these are .30 caliber pellets. Thirty caliber can be anything from 0.30-inches to 0.312-inches. It depends on the country that controls the round. I needed to know the exact size to calculate the groups, so I measured this first pellet. It came out at 0.308, so that is what I will subtract from all the group sizes to find the center-to-center dimensions.
As you can see, these JSB pellets measure 0.308-inches — at least this one does.
This first group measures 0.439-inches between centers. It looks larger but that’s just due to the size of the pellets. This is not bad for a 10-meter group shot with open sights! This pellet bears watching.
Five JSB 44.75-grain Exact domes made this 0.439-inch group at 10 meters.
JSB Exact 50.15-grain
Next I tried the JSB Exact dome that weighs 50.15 grains. It probably looks similar to the last pellet, but it landed lower on the target and also made a larger group. I did not adjust the sights from the last group. Five of these pellets went into 0.754-inches at 10 meters.
Five JSB 50.15-grain Exact domes made this 0.754-inch group at 10 meters. It landed a little lower on the target at 10 meters.
Predator Polymag
The last pellet I tried was the Predator Polymag. They weigh 44.75 grains, the same as the first JSB dome, which means JSB, who makes Polymags, probably uses the same lead preform for both pellets. The Polymag is a hollowpoint with a red polymer tip in the hollow. I have found this pellet in other calibers to deliver superior accuracy, so today we will see what it can do in .30 caliber.
Once again I did not change the sights from the first group. Polymags landed a little lower than the first JSBs and a little higher than the second ones. They also went a little to the right. Five of them made a group that measures 0.536-inches between centers. That’s almost as good as the first pellet and quite a bit better than the second one. I tell you that for a reason.
This group of 5 Predator Polymags is slightly larger than the first group of JSBs. It’s 0.536-inches between centers.
Next
Okay, with 10 meters out of the way and with the rifle sighted in, we can back up to 25 yards. I will only shoot the two best pellets at this distance, but one reader asked me to try something special, as well.
JSB domes at 25 yards
I did not adjust the sights for this session. The first group was shot with the 44.75-grain JSB Exact domes. They made a group that measures 0.973-inches between centers, but 4 of the pellets are in 0.33-inches. That’s smaller than the first group at 10 meters! Of course it’s just 4 of the 5 shots, but it hints at a level of accuracy I hadn’t expected to see from this rifle.
At 25 yards five JSB 44.75-grain domes went into 0.973-inches c-t-c. Four are in 0.33-inches.
Predator Polymags
Next up were the Predator Polymags that did almost as well at 10 meters as the JSBs. At 25 yards the 135 put 5 of them in 1.231-inches between centers. Once again, 4 pellets were even tighter, at 0.572-inches. Notice these pellets landed lower on the target, and also to the right, which is the same thing they did at 10 meters. What I’m saying is this big Hatsan rifle is proving to be very consistent.
Five Predator Polymags went into 1.231-inches at 25 yards. Four are in 0.572-inches.
Polymags with the tips removed
Reader Kevin asked me this after Part 2 was published.
“Speaking of limited pellet choices for your accuracy testing portion of this series, please consider removing the plastic tip from the predator pellets and testing them as a 4th pellet when you move beyond 10 meters. Two reasons for this:
1-Many of the plastic tips in predator pellets become offset and at distance this affects accuracy.
2-I’d like you to have at least one arm that looks like Popeye’s”
Well, Kevin, I tried doing that to several of the Polymag pellets and I could not get a tip to come off or even to move. I noticed that I was starting to damage (bend) the pellets I was working on, so I gave up. You may have seen batches of Polymags whose tips were loose, but these .30-caliber pellets aren’t like that. I looked at every pellet in the tin (that’s only 100) and none of the tips had fallen off.
Popeye?
As for Popeye’s arm, I started this series off more like Olive Oyl. But today I shot the rifle many times and cocking was getting smoother. Maybe it’s because I eats me spinach! Kidding aside, the test 135 is getting smoother to cock. Not easier, just smoother.
What’s next?
I went to 25 yards today because you guys are starting to pester me to test this rifle at 50 yards. Before I do that I need to get a scope mounted and zeroed. I will test the scoped gun at 25 yards before moving out to 50. So that’s next.
Summary
I was surprised by the performance of the rifle today. That said, the high cost of .30 caliber pellets forces me to say that I think .25 caliber is the better way to go. Until now I have not thought of .25 caliber as a plinking caliber, but comparing nickel pellets to 10- to 12-cent pellets, it certainly is! If you want to take full advantage of this big breakbarrel, go with the largest caliber you can comfortably afford to feed.
I am truly surprised at the level of accuracy and consistency this rifle is giving.
I would have thought 25 yards would have been a pattern, not a group.
It shows Hatsan is truly holding their engineers and quality control to a very exacting standard.
I can’t wait for the 50 yard test.
I sent a link to this to my brother, he is not an airgun guy, but has recently expressed an interest in the larger bore air guns, that are not precharged.
BB,
I am happy to see your rifle is performing like my 130s. I have been waiting on tenterhooks for this review. I’m looking forward to 50yd results. I took mine on vacation last week and put a couple tins of the H&N 46.3 and it is smoother than ever. I’m getting better with it, or it is settled down.
Also – I am using a rws drooper mount to keep the vertical turret tight, and an old Hawke scope. no movement on the scope or mount so far.
Edw,
I will be sure to use some kind of drooper mount, as well.
B.B.
I don’t have the slightest idea what the proper calculations are to compare iron sighted 5 shot groups to scope sighted 10 shot groups, so I have no idea about this gun’s accuracy.
Sean,
The test is not finished.
B.B.
B.B.,
A 57 pound cocking effort per shot definitely doesn’t entice this as an all day plinker. More weight might have helped dampen the vibration but then this would be too heavy for most to lug around. I am thankful that it is accurate enough to warrant further testing. Most other rifles being sold just end up as gimmicks.
Siraniko
BB
Sounds promising to me. Might just be the thing to push me over to the big bore darkside. 🙂
And now after you saying about the Polymags. I might just have to get a couple tins and try them in my .25 Condor SS.
B.B.,
Very nice. Thank you for the hard work. Like some, I was very surprised with the accuracy. Looking forwards to the 50 yard. Maybe a drooper mount?
Also, maybe dissect one of the poly mags.? I did that with the metal mags. (plus there was 2 tips loose in the can of .22’s) and found a conical front, with a round, straight shaft in the rear.
On the pellet measure photo, I was a bit surprised to see the caliper contact (both) the head and the skirt, as skirts are often larger than the heads. While good enough to gauge a group center to center, not the way to measure head size for those that might not be aware.
Good Day to one and all,…. Chris
B.B.,
Any Athlon FFP scopes on the test schedule? I have been very happy with my 8-34×56. The reticle is sweet!
Chris
Chris,
No plans yet.
B.B.
B.B.,
I would put one on your Pyramid Air wish list (for testing). I have found the hold over requirement at different magnifications to be spot on. (As in,… I do (not) have to adjust hold overs at different magnifications).
Chris
Chris,
I’m overloaded with things to test right now, but keep after me.
B.B.
B.B.,
No rush. I will do my part to “plug” them as the situation may arise. I would like to take the .25 M-rod out at the same time as the Red Wolf and pair the UTG 6-24×56 against the Athlon at 24 mag. and do a (side by side) comparison on clarity. As you know, my 30-100 is through a mature woods,… so ideal lighting at target is lacking. Side by side,…. looking through one,.. and then the other,… several times,…. should provide a good comparison.
I will say now that I (think) I like the reticle lighting better on the UTG. Also, I like the reticle better on the Athlon. Both scopes benefit from the eye cup to reduce the outside light from the eye.
I will say too,…. I think that an eye shade/cup is (very) much over-looked. The difference in clarity is (HUGE) and I never see it discussed. A topic????,…. if you should happen to agree. ?
Chris
Chris,
So bring them both to the Pyramyd AIR Cup next week and show them to me.
B.B.
B.B.,
That would be nice. We just went to OT last week and looks to last the next month. Plus, the usual weekend commitments. So,… I shall be passing year.
Chris
Correction,… I shall be passing (this) year,…………… Which in hindsight, sounds a bit morbid. I hope not. How about?,…. I will be unable to attend. 🙂
Arrrrg!,….. My kingdom for an edit comment option! 😉
Chris
Chris,
That’s too bad. I only get out there every 2-3 years.
B.B.
B.B.,
Yes it is. I would love to show you the Red Wolf and let you shoot it, but most of all, meet you in person. My M-rod is set up like yours.
Normally, I work 4 tens. M-TH. Worked 6 last Fri.. This week they are talking 10 Fri., 8 Sat. and 6 Sun..,…. if that gives you any idea. The 2 weeks after this could be worse.
Someday,…. Chris
Chris,
No plans yet.
B.B.
Hatsan has come out with an interesting product in their 135 – a real thumper without the concern about the power source – no pumps or tanks needed :-).
B.B.
To ease the testing you might want to ask around for someone to do the cocking for you. There must be some strong, young guys who would be willing to help. That would leave you fresh for the actual shooting.
Hank
B.B.
Nice report! Any thoughts on the open sights? Usually you comment, complain, about the fiber glow sticks, not this time. Maybe you should shoot the gun again at 25 meters with a scope attached. Usually Hatsan’s come with the most terrible scope ever as part of a bundled package, not this time?
Thanks,
Yogi
Yogi,
Yes, scoped at 25 yards is next. The open sights on this rifle are okay, but not great. I light the targets so the fiberoptics don’t get in the way. The front post is rounded which makes sighting a little harder, but not much.
Al in all it’s a good rifle. Much better than I assumed it would be.
B.B.
B.B.
I learned on another site that most gas rams should be stored with their muzzle pointing down. This supposedly lets the oil inside the ram contact the ram’s stem and keep it lubricated. Is this true for Hatsan gas rams too?
thanks,
Yogi
Yogi,
I never heard that and the manual does not address it. That may be an old wive’s tale.
B.B.
Since gas rams are relatively new, wouldn’t that be a “new wives tale?”
Or a wives tail in the making?
Ian.
B.B.,
This air rifle has definitely turned out to be a serious one, not a gimmick in the least.
After reading Parts 1 and 2 a second time, I had a hair-brained idea that I decided was too silly to share here, but now I’ve decided to do so. I dug out my most powerful air rifle, a Gamo SOCOM Extreme in .177 caliber. I neglected to measure it, but it is one mighty long long gun, and the cocking effort is no doubt over 50 pounds.
I’m six feet tall, and while by locking my elbow and using my upper body weight to cock the second half of the stroke, the first third to first half is such that I have significantly less leverage. I stood on an eleven inch step stool (too high by roughly four – five inches to be fully effective for me, but perhaps just right for someone shorter) and cocked the SOCOM Extreme using a locked arm and almost entirely upper body weight. It was easy! Granted, I have far too much upper body weight for my own good, but I might just be onto something here.
As I do not shoot ultra-magnum air guns of any kind, this technique is not one I will often use, and it is not at all practical for most hunting contexts, but I thought I would pass it on.
Michael
So…it has both power and accuracy…cool. =D
B.B.,
Potential Predator Polymag Panacea
The one flyer in your 5 shot group using polymags at 25 yards does not surprise me. I blame the tips.
Thank you for your attempt to remove the polymer tips and shoot the predators “naked”.
The plastic tip on the predators have a “lip” at the bottom of the skirt to help secure it to the lead portion of the pellet. The way I remove them for shooting in an FX Boss .30 caliber is to grasp the top of the pellet with your fingers to avoid damaging the pellet, then use a pair of dykes to squish the polymer tip as close to where it joins the lead head of the pellet. Once squished, rotate the dykes upwards in a motion that is like removing a bottle cap from a soda.
https://www.grainger.com/product/STANLEY-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers-2MU27?cm_sp=Product_Details-_-Products_Based_on_Your_Search-_-IDPPLARECS&cm_vc=IDPPLARECS
Thanks again for the attempt.
Kevin,
Okay, now that you have told me the way to do it I can try that in the next test. I have dikes.
B.B.
B.B.,
Kind of you to give it another attempt.
Predator Polymags have never been the most accurate pellet in any caliber in any of my guns BUT they are such a devastating hunting pellet that they warrant extensive testing especially in guns like the .30 caliber Hatsan 135 that isn’t designed to be a plinker. If they prove accurate enough for an individuals hunting needs they’re definitely the pellet to take into the field.
Those are good results BB, better than what I expected – looking forward to the next report. It could turn out in a reliability test for the scope and mounts too.
As a sideline, these results also increases my interest level in the .25 caliber version. Not that I need it, but . . .
Best, Henry.
I’ve been through 4 tins on mine now. No issue with a rws droop mount and Hawke scope.
BB and Kevin,
I have a tin of Polymags in .35 for my HM1000X I have not yet tried. I am going to have to do a comparison of them with and without tips against the JSBs to see how they fare.
/product/jsb-match-diabolo-exact-35-cal-81-02-grains-domed-100ct?p=1087
Remembering 9/11/2001 today and the people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.
Geo
Yes. The people that lost their life in the attack.
I always wondered with that much force used to cock the rifle can you bend the barrel? hopefully it is thick enough to prevent that
Mildot52,
No, the barrel is quite strong. No risk of bending.
B.B.
B.B.
Not a long barrel that’s for sure.I have not been able to go to the little range yet.The weather is not corporating at all and only going to get worse I’m roughly 150 miles away from the coast so should be fine lots of rain is expected and not sure about wind.
Hopefully this file is small enough to upload. Just photo of my 135 Vortex qe .25
Great job B.B.
Mag-Man,
Good job posting the picture. I believe the max file size here is one megabyte. Remember, this has nothing to do with the physical size of the picture. The file size just has to be compressed smaller. Even after compressing, the picture appears the same when viewed online with no loss of resolution.
I used to wonder about that. Then one day I was using a come along that had a thin steel handle. I was using all I had on it and it was 16ga or less.
B.B.
Not a long barrel that’s for sure.I have not been able to go to the little range yet.The weather is not corporating at all and only going to get worse I’m roughly 150 miles away from the coast so should be fine lots of rain is expected and not sure about wind.
Hopefully this file is small enough to upload. Just photo of my 135 Vortex qe .25
Great job B.B.