Air Venturi Avenge-X classic wood.
Link to Part 12 of the Avenge-X wood stock report series
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
This report covers:
- Formerly
- Chasing accuracy instead of numbers
- Fundamental shift
- Air regulator
- Testing slugs
- Detailed files
- First test
- Discussion One
- Test two
- Discussion Two
- Test three
- Discussion Three
- Summary
Today I change directions in the report series on the .22-caliber Air Venturi Avenge-X precharged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle. I will explain.
Formerly
I had been testing the .22-caliber Avenge-X the same way I had tested the .177 Avenge-X — searching for the tune that produced the least velocity variation with a particular pellet. Then two things happened that caused me to reflect on the wisdom of that. The RovAir Portable Compressor failed and had to be sent back to Pyramyd AIR for repairs and the Avenge-X started leaking. I wasted a whole month before discovering that all the rifle needed was to be oiled properly during a fill. That was reported in Part 15. The down time, plus my trip to the 2024 Pyramyd Air Cup, gave me time to think.
Chasing accuracy instead of numbers
When tuning the .177 Avenge-X I was searching for the lowest velocity spread with a particular pellet. But accuracy is what I really care about and from what I’ve seen, the Avenge-X has it with a wide range of pellets and velocities. Also, at the Pyramyd Air Cup I noticed that in the benchrest competition the shooters who did the best weren’t focused on velocity that much. Yes, most of them had radar chronographs on their benches, but none of them were adjusting their rifles. Instead they were waiting on the wind to either calm down or to stabilize. They were looking for accuracy.
Fundamental shift
I have decided that instead of trying to tune the .22-caliber Avenge-X for a small variation in velocity I will instead see how accurate it is in this caliber. That begins today.
Since the rifle was rejuvenated with oil on October 2 (I write blogs at least one day before they are published and often do the testing many days before that) I checked it this morning. I had filled the reservoir to 3500 psi on Oct 2 and it was still holding that pressure on Oct. 3. This morning (Oct. 15) the Avenge-X reservoir gauge read 3200 psi — a loss of 300 psi over 13 days. I refilled it to 3500 psi by watching the rifle’s onboard reservoir gauge and was ready to test.
Air regulator
The adjustable air regulator was set to 2400 psi on or about the first of September. This morning (Oct. 15) the regulator gauge needle read 2800 psi, but I have noticed in the past that the reg gauge will settle back to its setting after one or two shots, so I did nothing.
Testing slugs
Many readers want me to test the Avenge-X with slugs and ZAN gave me a pack of their 33-grain 0.218-inch slugs at the Pyramyd Air Cup. Are they the most accurate slugs in this rifle? We don’t know yet, so we test.
I only have 100 ZAN slugs so I don’t want to waste them. I therefore took a different heavy .22-caliber pellet to start the test. I decided that if the velocity of that pellet was high enough on High power I would not touch any adjustment because at this point I know nothing about accuracy with these pellets.
Detailed files
Because I had been working on the tuning test when the rifle started leaking, I have a lot of test data. I know exactly where both the regulator and the hammer spring adjustment were set. Like the Terminator, I have detailed files. The reg was set at 2400 psi and the hammer spring adjustment was set at 3-1/2 turns in. Today the rifle is set on High power.
First test
For this first test I used the JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy Monster Redesigned pellet to start with. As mentioned the rifle is now filled to 3500 psi. Here is what I got.
Shot…….Vel
1………….820
2………….861
3………….862
4………….did not register
5………….851
6………….857
7………….did not register
8………….854
9………….858
10………..864
11………..850
Discussion One
The velocity of the first shot is well below those that follow. Let’s disregard that one as anomalous — first shots often are. The nine recorded shots that follow range between 850 and 864 f.p.s. — a 14 feet per second spread. That’s high if you are chasing numbers but not that bad if you are looking for accuracy. Or rather we don’t know if it is bad or not because we have not yet shot this pellet for accuracy from this rifle on High power. What I’m saying is please hold your comments until we test it for accuracy.
Before the second shot in this 11-shot string the regulator gauge was reading 2400 psi. At the end of the 11 shots the regulator gauge still read 2400 psi and the reservoir gauge read 3000 psi.
Test two
Next to be tested were the 33-grain ZAN slugs. I weighed six of them and five weighed 32.9 grains with one weighing 33 grains — remarkable consistency!
The 33-grain ZAN slug.
Shot…….Vel
1………….630
2………….did not register
3………….641
4………….648
5………….648
6………….653
7………….651
8………….646
9………….654
10………..651
Discussion Two
If we disregard the first shot again we see a range of velocities from 641 to 654 — a 13 f.p.s. spread. At the end of this string the reg. gauge still read 2400 psi and the reservoir gauge was just under 3000 psi. It’s hard to say exactly where it was — 2950 psi?
The ZAN slugs loaded MUCH harder than the diabolo pellets. That is to be expected because the rifling has to be engraved on the slugs as they enter the barrel.
Test three
Since the reservoir still has more pressure than the regulator is set to, the rifle should still be on the power curve. JSB Exact Jumbo Monster Redesigned pellets were shooting in the 850-864 f.p.s. range before; where are they now?
Shot…….Vel
1………….854
2………….860
3………….861
4………….866
5………….862
6………….did not register
7………….859
Discussion Three
At the end of this 7-shot string the regulator gauge still showed 2400 psi. The reservoir pressure read 2700 psi — so the Avenge-X is still on the power curve. That is a total of 28 shots on High power with the rifle generating 31 to 42 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. That’s not the most power the .22 Avenge-X can generate. It’s just where the rifle is on high power at the moment. Now I can shoot it for accuracy with these pellets and others.
I now know where the rifle is, power-wise and stability-wise. What I want to know is where it is accuracy-wise.
Summary
As I’ve said many times, the Avenge-X is too adjustable for me to test it all ways. So I’ve decided to test it the way I would if it were my own rifle. If it does well at 25 yards I plan to test it at 50 yards. If it also does well there, who knows?
I will keep you informed of all that transpires as the test progresses.
Tom,
Now that is turning the test on it’s ear. Never mind the velocity. What is the accuracy? We have gotten too close to the tree we cannot see the forest. Yes a consistent shooting platform promises accuracy, but will it always deliver? Hopefully you will have several windless days to shoot the Avenge-X at 25 yards and farther.
Siraniko
BB,
Sorry for going off topic, but regarding yesterday’s report, do you know if the HW35 transfer port size differs from the R1/HW80? I understand the R1 was based on the HW35, but with a longer piston stroke to increase the muzzle energy. I was wondering if the port size was changed also to facilitate the power increase.
Bob,
To measure the port accurately the barrel needs to come off. I have an HW35 in my Barakuda, but I don’t want to disassemble it. But I will look later today and see what I can see. I’m betting it is a 0.125.
BB
BB,
LOL! For many years you, I and others have been telling folks that a chronograph is great for telling you your airguns are functioning properly, but we should not be chasing the numbers. With this air rifle you have been chasing the numbers.
The real question with this and any other airgun becomes, can you hit what you are shooting at? Yes, if there is a very small variation in velocities you have a greater chance of your projectiles hitting the exact same point, but there are times when that just ain’t so.
Superb accuracy can be achieved over a wide range of velocities. This is especially true with sproingers. Most of these critters have a considerable spread in velocities, yet still produce very tight groups.
Them there fellers over in the UK are limited to under 12FPE yet still kill squirrels and rabbits out to considerable ranges. They figured out a long time ago that it is not how fast a shot goes, but where it goes.
Welcome back.
RR,
Hello, my name is BB Pelletier and I chase numbers.
BB
BB,
ROTFWL! Yes, sometimes we all do!
RidgeRunner,
Yup!
If you get down range velocities from a Doppler RADAR Chronograph or sacrificial down range Optical Chronographs you can get Ballistic Coefficients (Drag information) as well as a bonus for your D.O.P.E..
shootski
shootski,
For me, that is waaaay too much information. I really am not in the least bit concerned about BCs and such. I just like to enjoy myself when I am shooting, not using a calculator.
Now, have you given any thought to making the trip to the NC Airgun Show with Blake and me?
B.B.
“The adjustable air regulator was set to 2400 psi on or about the first of September. This morning (Oct. 15) the regulator gauge needle read 2800 psi, but I have noticed in the past that the reg gauge will settle back to its setting after one or two shots, so I did nothing.”
What??? Why is this? Is the regulator gauge junk?
-Yogi
Yogi,
The reg gauge probably admitted air over the long downtime. I really don’t know why it happens — just that it does.
BB
Yogi & BB
My .25 Avenger’s regulator gage behaved this way but after a few months of shooting it now stays steady.
Deck
Deck,
Thanks. That’s good to know.
BB
Yogi,
Well, it is likely not the greatest gauge in the world, but I would not go that far.
Yes, we all know that as far as you are concerned, if it is not a sproinger it is junk.
Wrong!
If the fuel gauge on your car says it is full, when it is half empty. You have a problem.
If I ever see you walking on the side of the road because you ran out of gas, I would stop and pick you up.
Gauges are suppose to tell the truth, if they do not do that what is their point?
Yes truth is an elusive concept these days…
-Y
I think the gauge is right. The regulator is letting additional air in over time, and the gauge is measuring that. Hopefully, with use, the regulator will break in and stop doing that.
Roamin Greco,
BINGO!
Those of us who have been slaves to the DARK SIDE even have a name for the phenomenon:
REGULATOR CREEP!
For Yogi and others…it almost without exception has NOTHING to do with the gauge being in error!
I couldmight have an effect on the first shot (cold bore) velocity number. And NOT automatically up or down since that is driven by the downstream valve, Transfer Port, projectile, barrel induced variables.
Springers are simple…PCPs are much more COMPLEX which is why they frustrate the FIDDLERS and other DUFFERS!
shootski
“REGULATOR CREEP” – is that the proper way to refer to a fussy, intrusive, overbearing OCD type working for a regulatory agency, shootski? 😉
FawltyManuel,
I always thought what you are referring to as being Government (bureaucratic) Sloths!
shootski
Yogi,
Gages tend to be “relatively” precise, especially at the price point that we are dealing with, which should be good enough for our purposes. They are very good at showing a trend and keeping you informed of that trend.
There is an old story of asking a computer “Which is better, a watch that loses a minute a day, or a stopped watch?”
The computer answered “The stopped watch.”
When asked why, the reply was “The watch that loses time will rarely be correct, while the stopped watch has the exact time twice each day.”
Precision can sometimes be overrated.
Bill
Bill you obviously never worked for NASA!
-Y
Yogi,
Yup NASA…
Countdowns and explosions for a decade or so with millions of Taxpayer Dollars with a few trips to the Moon and tons and tons of space junk soon to make escaping Earth safely impossible.
The Test Pilot program and NACA engineers in the 1950’s were working on a runway launch and recovery platform that lost out to the NASA Chimps in Space program…progress…?
Yeah, and I bet your gauges were accurate?
-Y
Yogi,
Nope, never worked for them. Worked around a consultant for the Lawrence Livermore Labs, talked about repeatability to point a telescope +-2 arc seconds. I do understand accuracy, but I also understand Engineering students infatuation with CAD programs to carry figures after the decimal point way further than it makes any sense to. Sometimes, you get fixated on one aspect of what you are doing, to the detriment of the rest. Accuracy is a good thing, but it’s not the only thing (unless your sole focus is on accuracy).
Most of us have the luxury of living in the fat middle of the bell curve, where close (and sometimes very close) can be good enough.
Bill
Bill,
I have an analog watch. But, if the gauge on a PCP reads 10-15% high on fill pressure. A prudent man would always under fill their gun. So when filling you take this into account and purposely over fill(by the gauge anyway)so to get to the max fill pressure. Now what happens if you gauge all of a sudden fixes itself, or breaks in, you have a gun filled beyond the recommended fill pressure. Not a good thing!
-Y
Yogi,
“Gauges are suppose to tell the truth, if they do not do that what is their point?
Yes truth is an elusive concept these days…”
The following IS the TRUTH: When flying you use a fuel tank dip stick to measure the fuel level in your fuel tanks. You then compare that to the fuel gauges in the cockpit and on some aircraft the gauges at the refueling station as well. That ensures the gauges are at least in CALIBRATION with that quantity of fuel on board the aircraft. Once you start the flight you run a fuel log at regular time intervals that compares the fuel flow gauge(s) to the fuel quantity gauges to ensure you arrive at your destination without the embarrassment of running out of fuel…as all too many pilots have in the past and in the future.
n.b. these are fuel gauges and remote sensors that are many times more expensive than even the most expensive gauges we have on airguns and our fill systems!
But we still use a Dip Stick to physically check the fuel load…”…what is their point?”
You may ask! And I will give you The TRUTH…if you can STAND IT.
shootski
Yogi,
Fortunately for me, I have always had a few gallons left when the gauge said it was empty.
With all the potential adjustments that might be made on the AvengeX rifle, I think it is difficult to figure out just what to chase. This image depicts a somewhat similar situation.
Elmer Fudd,
Only ONE thing should matter to a shooter!
Accuracy and couplet…
PRECISION
shootski
Love this image!
B.B.,
Even with the 8 grain lighter pellet going 850 f.p.s. and the heavier ZAN slugs going 200 f.p.s. it makes me think there is more muzzle velocity lost due to oversize than greater Mass.
“The ZAN slugs loaded MUCH harder than the diabolo pellets. That is to be expected because the rifling has to be engraved on the slugs as they enter the barrel.”
You wrote that they were “0.218” in diameter; maybe the ZAN Projectiles Slug HP .217 Cal, 33gr. might be a bit easier to load and still engrave and seal the bore during their ride out of the Avenge X’s barrel? That has been my experience before getting wiser and learning my actual bore diameter by running a slug (both ways through a bore if possible) before buying projectiles or molds.
I believe if you and others want to shoot bullets (slugs) out of your airguns you need to slug your barrel to avoid buying projectiles that have little chance of performing well both in the bore and out of the muzzle.
shootski
I use .217 20 gr cup base hp slugs that I swag myself. they are just as accurate as the 18.9 pellets, the only difference being is that I have them at 930 fps. the slugs need more speed to be stable. oh, they load about as easy as the pellets.