Best pellet for BSA Airsporter MK6 .177

[Neil.]

Righto
After what seems like a lifetime, I've finally got one.
Before I get into stripping it down and fettling it, I think getting some suitable lead for it would be best.
What do the crusty learned members recommend? I seem to remember reading Airgun World back in the late 70s that BSA changed the bores into something else. I guess Ely Wasp aint the wonderful looking silver beasts they once were, having looked in a tin some years ago.

Over to you.

Look a bit lively on this as I intend to get some online sharpish...

[Vic Thompson]

I'd recommend a complete strip down and thorough assessment of your particular item before deciding further as IMHO many BSA's of this genre don't deserve time and money being spent on them. Why spend oodles of money on something that's 7.5 ftlbs with the right pellet and 5.5ftlbs with the "wrong un".

IMHO, the cylinder of this era of Airsporters needed more attention than any other part of the item, not mentioning in addition Piston Head and Buffer Washer problems.

Vic Thompson.

[laverdabru]

Righto
After what seems like a lifetime, I've finally got one.
Before I get into stripping it down and fettling it, I think getting some suitable lead for it would be best.
What do the crusty learned members recommend? I seem to remember reading Airgun World back in the late 70s that BSA changed the bores into something else. I guess Ely Wasp aint the wonderful looking silver beasts they once were, having looked in a tin some years ago.

Over to you.

Look a bit lively on this as I intend to get some online sharpish...

Don't know much about the Mk 6, I've got a 2 & 4. In .22. Think there was a change from 5.6 to 5.5mm in the '70's.
As for .177, I'd just go with a cheap, decent pellet to start with. Hobby or Excite 2?
Eley Wasps? No longer Eley, & the copies are - I think - no longer made.

No doubt someone who knows a lot more will be along in a bit.

ATB

Bru

[Craiga Boy]

I have loads of original genuine Eley Wasps if you want some at a reasonable price just drop me a pm.
regards
Craiga Boy

[Geezer]

Not sure it matters that much, TBH. These aren’t exactly match rifles. Any decent light-medium weight pellet, probably. Hobbys, Superdomes, JSBs, FTT etc etc.

.177” Eley Wasps were good, back in the day, but not any better than the better RWS, H&N etc.

[slow_runner]

I'd recommend a complete strip down and thorough assessment of your particular item before deciding further as IMHO many BSA's of this genre don't deserve time and money being spent on them. Why spend oodles of money on something that's 7.5 ftlbs with the right pellet and 5.5ftlbs with the "wrong un". IMHO, the cylinder of this era of Airsporters needed more attention than any other part of the item, not mentioning in addition Piston Head and Buffer Washer problems. Vic Thompson.

Would you agree that another option would be that Neil could drill out the butt stock, fill it with a good amount of lead and place it by the door for self defense and protection?

[Shed tuner]

if you want to make it shoot better, increase the stroke and convert the piston nose to take a diana 28mm seal. really transforms the rifle.

[Neil.]

if you want to make it shoot better, increase the stroke and convert the piston nose to take a diana 28mm seal. really transforms the rifle.

Any Pictures, Jon?

[Shed tuner]

Any Pictures, Jon?

don;t think so, but I did a thread on it on here a while back...

edit here's one:
http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....orter-MKV-Tune

[Josie & John]

I must admit I don't buy into the 5.5/5.6 argument as in my experience 5.5mm pellets like Hobbys and FTT perform very accurately and consistently in these old 'British Bores'; more so than 5.6mm equivalents. There are exceptions such as a BSA Improved Model D I have that will only group with .22 Marksman pellets - yes it's true!

John M

[laverdabru]

I must admit I don't buy into the 5.5/5.6 argument as in my experience 5.5mm pellets like Hobbys and FTT perform very accurately and consistently in these old 'British Bores'; more so than 5.6mm equivalents. There are exceptions such as a BSA Improved Model D I have that will only group with .22 Marksman pellets - yes it's true!

John M

I'm now getting increasingly cynical about the 5.6mm argument as well - find the RWS 5.5mm Superdomes work very well in most of my oldies. Guess the initial blast of air seals them to the bore?
Tried the 5.6mm Marksman & was impressed at first, but don't know if I'll bother again. Did a couple of side by side tests with them & Superdomes with Mk3's/AirSporters, & the RWS were better.

ATB

Bru

[evert]

I must admit I don't buy into the 5.5/5.6 argument as in my experience 5.5mm pellets like Hobbys and FTT perform very accurately and consistently in these old 'British Bores'; more so than 5.6mm equivalents. There are exceptions such as a BSA Improved Model D I have that will only group with .22 Marksman pellets - yes it's true!

John M

Yes, the larger FTTs perform well in some 5,6mm barrels, and Superdomes perform well in most 5,6mm barrels. Gamo Match wadcutter and Hunter roundnose are often good too.
But the old 5,6mm Wasp is usually better, and I have never seen 5,5mm JSB's do well in old 5,6mm barrels, so I still believe the myth.

[Neil.]

Isn't .177 4.5mm? I'm no expert...

[Geezer]

Isn't .177 4.5mm? I'm no expert...

Glad it wasn’t just me thinking that.

I do, though, think the 5.6 vs 5.5 thing is either not an actual thing, or much less big of a thing than some think. Back in the 80s, it was common to find that German or Japanese “5.5” pellets would shoot as well or slightly better than the gold standard Eley Wasp through “5.6” barrels.

[Josie & John]

Isn't .177 4.5mm? I'm no expert...

I think we've wondered off topic slightly Neil

John