I’m testing the chassis system HM 1000X.
This report covers:
- Reg adjustment
- Trigger
- Magazine
- Fill
- JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy
- Discharge
- H&N Slug HP
- JSB Ultra Shock
- Norma Golden Trophy FT
- Shot count
- Summary
Today we start looking at the velocity and power of the RAW HM 1000X PCP. This look will take more than one report because the power can be adjusted by the user. The adjustability is not major and it is for reasons other than changing the way your rifle performs. It’s more for tuning for a particular pellet and for increasing velocity after a long time when the hammer spring starts to take a small set.
Reg adjustment
The regulator, on the other hand, can be adjusted for larger velocity changes. Next time I will get into that.
Trigger
I’ll start today’s report with the trigger. This one is set too light for my tastes. It’s two-stage and breaks as crisp as any 10-meter trigger. The problem is, it’s almost as light as a 10-meter trigger. Stage one is 7.8 ounces. Stage two is 9.2 ounces. I plan to adjust it next time and hopefully get stage two up to twice what it is now. And it can be adjusted for a single stage if you prefer.
Magazine
The 12-shot magazine is a typical rotary mag, in that the first pellet is loaded after the clear window on top is rotated as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow. A pellet in that hole anchors the rotary part as the clear window is rotated and the rest of the pellets are loaded.
The magazine functioned flawlessly throughout the test. There are no instructions for how to load the magazine in the user’s manual, so you have to know how to load it going in. I guess when you pay two grand for an air rifle you either do know a lot up front or you have done a lot of research.
The rotary magazine loads in the conventional manner.
Fill
The rifle is filled to 230 bar through a conventional male Foster fitting. I know that’s a little higher than we usually go, but this is a regulated 50 foot-pound air rifle, so we should see a lot of shots from that much air.
Okay, let’s now look at some velocities.
JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy
First up were 10 JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy pellets. They averaged 1,039 f.p.s. for a muzzle energy of 43.47 foot-pounds. The low was 1035 and the high was 1043, so a difference of just 8 f.p.s. That’s what a regulator can do!
Discharge
I said in Part One that I would be surprised if this HM 1000X was not at least 100 decibels. Well, it’s a good deal more than that. It registered 111.6 dB on my sound meter. I was shooting in the garage where sound is reflected by the concrete floor, but the RAW I’m testing is still as loud as a .22 long rifle.
At the end of the first string of 10 shots the onboard gauge registered 200 bar, so those 10 shots used 30 bar of air.
H&N Slug HP
Next to be tested were ten 0.218-inch 23-grain H&N hollowpoint slugs. I know some of you want me to test these in this HM 1000X and I plan to. They averaged 952 f.p.s., which generates 46.3 foot-pounds of energy. The low was 950 and the high was 954 f.p.s., so just 4 f.p.s. difference.
At the end of this string the rifle is at 180 bar.
JSB Ultra Shock
Next to be tested was the JSB Ultra Shock hollowpoint. Ten of them averaged 929 f.p.s. with a spread from 925 to 932 f.p.s. That’s a difference of 7 f.p.s. At the average velocity this 25.39-grain pellet generates 48.67 foot-pounds of energy.
At the end of this string the rifle is at 160 bar.
So far we have fired 30 powerful shots from this rifle and it’s still on the reg. I tell you that because of the next string, where I believe the rifle dropped off the reg.
Norma Golden Trophy FT
The Norma Golden Trophy FT is a new domed pellet I’m adding to the RAW’s test. It weighs 17.6 grains, so it should be the fastet of the four pellets we have tested so far. And the first shot was faster than anything yet recorded. This time I’ll show the string before discussing the particulars.
Shot………Vel.
1………….1049
2………….1046
3………….1047
4………….1048
5………….1048
6………….1045
7………….1049
8………….1044
9………….1040
10…………1037
The average for this string was 1045 f.p.s. which generates 42.69 foot pounds of energy. But look at shots 6 through 10. I believe we are seeing the rifle fall off the regulator right there. If I am right, the spread of 12 f.p.s. isn’t correct. It’s probably more like 4-6 f.p.s.
There were 150 bar left in the rifle at the end of this string.
This is where a chronograph really earns its keep. The next string of the same Golden Trophy FT pellet will tell all.
Shot………Vel.
1………….1036
2………….1032
3………….1026
4………….1018
5………….1019
6………….1014
7………….1004
8………….1000
9..………….995
10.…………994
Is there any doubt that the rifle is now off the reg? I won’t even bother giving an average for this string because it isn’t a string that should be used.
The previous string, however, can be used. Yes, the rifle comes off the reg at the end but the extreme spread is still very tight.
The onboard gauge is reading around 125-130 bar at this point.
Shot count
What all of today’s testing means is that this HW 1000X gets 40 good shots at this power setting. As advertised and commented upon by owners, the RAW regulator does a fantastic job.
The RAW onboard gauge does not have a green zone, so it’s up to the owner to determine the pressure at which to stop. Given the level of investment required to own a rifle like this it’s a safe bet an owner will also have a chronograph.
Summary
Now we have a baseline on this RAW. Next time I will adjust the trigger and the power to see what that gives us. If there is enough of a change I may even do a third velocity test. This one will go long so stick around!
BB,
Looking good so far. Looking forwards to more.
Chris
BB,
I think these that AirForce are putting out are set higher than what Matt used to make. His were usually adjusted to one particular pellet, giving it superb accuracy. His regulator also helped.
My .357 is tuned to the JSB 81 grain pellet.
/product/jsb-match-diabolo-exact-35-cal-81-02-grains-domed-100ct?p=1087
Right now it is set to about 80 FPE with these pellets. Using the hammer spring adjustment, I can take it up to about 100 FPE.
As for the regulator, when I hear all of these reports about people being tickled because this or that regulator gives them a 15, 20 or 25 FPS spread and they are tickled, I go “Really?” I guess I am spoiled. I have sproingers that will hold that. Mine will hold around 5 FPS or less for about 14-16 shots before coming off the reg.
This air rifle is a superb pellet testing platform. You can wring everything out that a pellet or cast bullet (slug) has to give. Golly gee whiz they are expensive, but wow! You can actually get bored shooting at targets with this thing.
RR,
Please, bore me! I like to be bored. 😉
BB
BB,
Just wait until you have a chance to stretch it’s legs.
Anyone here going to the Findlay, OH airgun show Saturday?
https://www.flagcitytoysthatshoot.com
Will be there with bells on! Okay, just shirt and pants, but I’ll be there. Don’t know where my table will be yet. Looking forward to it.
BB, the guys I shoot with that have .22 cal RAW’s use the JSB Redesigned Monster 25.39gr pellets and swear by their accuracy. This higher weight pellet has a lower muzzle velocity that gets them farther from the speed of sound and the transonic region where pellet accuracy tends to drop off. I’d like to see you shoot those. BTW, my RAW HM1000X shooting .25cal 34gr JSB pellets at 915fps gets almost 60 shots before coming off the reg at 150 bar.
Cloud9,
I don’t think I have any, but I’ll see if I can scare some up.
BB
B.B.,
The JSB Redesigned 25.39 pellets are the most accurate that I have tested in my RAW.
Don
Cloud 9,
Thank you for the opening on expected Shot Count with both regulator and non-regulator PCPs.
See my comments to BB on Shot Count below.
shootski
BB,
Do some offhand shooting with this, or is a bench rest gun? Come on RAW, the logo on the side falls short on this beauty. It’s too much like the safty warnings they put on guns. Plus it doesn’t roll off the tongue like R1, or R10 does, its too long imho. Maybe it’s just the typography. Sans serif please.
I wish I had one tho.
R
R,
You just have no idea. This thing lives in the +50 yard range. I will be surprised if BB gets a calm day at the range, he dies not shoot 1 MOA at 100 yards.
Mine is .357, which is legal to shoot deer with here in Virginia. I would have to crank the power up some, but a head shot at 50 yards is almost plinking.
RR, I like the safty location, its like my Marauders. Accuracy is the thing that stands out the most to me, sounds like. I mean it’s a heck of a whack even at eighty 80yds. I’m certain you can get most if not all of your mag on a 1″ emt cover plate covering an electrical box at that range. Mine just dents in. The HM1000X would demolish it I think.
R
It probably would not like mine.
B.B.,
This is turning out as good as we had expected for the brand and history. Amazingly low spread while on the reg. If the accuracy follows norm, this test will be a pleasure to follow.
The only issue that baffles me is the relatively high level of the discharge sound, particularly considering the size of the moderating device. I heard similar comments from users, so it is not your specific rifle. It is on the same order of magnitude of what can be expected from a suppressed .22LR rifle. Is it possible that a shroud could be more effective?
Henry
Henry,
This RAW is way louder than a suppressed .22 rimfire. Maybe I need to test one of them for you guys? I own a legal silencer. 🙂
BB
BB
That might be a good report on it’s own. Comparing the sound levels of various airguns, both PCP and springer, to that of a silenced and unsilenced 22 long rifle. Comparisons like this are interesting to me, tho I may be an exception.
I do appreciate your putting the numbers in each of your tests, but a compilation with discussion would give more perspective. This isn’t something that couldn’t be done over a period of time as long as you happen to be thinking about it . I have no idea of the process you and other writers us when picking and researching topics. And I apologize if I am overstepping.
Ed
B.B.,
Is the Moderator opening sized close to caliber or is it oversized to reduce potential clipping?
shootski
Shootski,
Yes,… +1 caliber seems to be the desired option if one has the choice/option. As I recall,.. little to no difference in sound was documented.
Chris
Chris USA,
I have seen that Rule of Thumb to oversize to the next caliber can.
One would think that with modern barrels most often made from honed DOM tubing or hammer forged over a mandrel that you could order a Moderator for your specific caliber and have the manufacturer know the amount to oversize the internals and endcap port not to be clipped. But maybe not….
shootski
shootski,
It’s quite a bit oversized.
BB
B.B.,
Thank you for that information. I’m also glad you will be taking up the HUSH, HUSH Topic.
The number of folks that don’t understand the different task a firearm moderator needs to accomplish compared to an airgun moderator is an area for you to think about overing too.
shootski
B.B.,
* C overing
The edit function is gone (again!)
shootski
shootski,
IT is supposed to be looking at it.
BB
I wouldn’t dare to ask, but if you insist . . . .
And, as reader edlee suggested, comparing the sound generated by different types of guns placed in the same environment (i.e. garage) would be very interesting, particularly to those in urban locations. Using a 22 LR as a baseline – something most people can relate to – adds a nice reference point.
Henry
Henry,
Thanks!
You just decided a blog for me!
BB
B.B.,
All of what you said in:
“Shot count
What all of today’s testing means is that this HW 1000X gets 40 good shots at this power setting. As advertised and commented upon by owners, the RAW regulator does a fantastic job.
The RAW onboard gauge does not have a green zone, so it’s up to the owner to determine the pressure at which to stop. Given the level of investment required to own a rifle like this it’s a safe bet an owner will also have a chronograph.”
But because you mixed different pellets and even threw in one slug (bullet) it really isn’t a definitive shot count! That is probably the reason that there is no green arc on the cylinder pressure gauge. As noted by Cloud 9 in his Reply above he is getting “…RAW HM1000X shooting .25cal 34gr JSB pellets at 915fps gets almost 60 shots before coming off the reg at 150 bar.” because of the pellet’s Internal Ballistic performance and most likely his resultant choice of settings.
The long and the short of it is that my experience shooting many different PCP has shown that Shot Count is effected by the specific projectile down to Lot number, Lead Bn, casting die, actual Mass and probably at a minimum Absolute Pressure (Atmosphere) during the string.
So as you alluded to in your report if you want to set up an airgun like the RAW you need to pick a pellet or slug that gives you precision and then do the final tune with the Chronograph. I will take it one step on and say that the cat’s meow for that is a DOPPLER RADAR with multiple measurements of down range velocities; only one consumer product (LabRadar) currently provides that capability.
Doing less and you have a very expensive cool looking PLINKER.
shootski
Wow! Somebody at Velocity Outdoors is listening! Here are a couple of new ones.
Crosman 362 – multi-pump air rifle with the right shape stock and barrel looks replaceable
Benjamin Gunnar – stripped down side lever with collapsible stock in .22, .25 and .45
RR,
Do you mean the Crosman subsidiary “Velocity Outdoor” or the Maine retailer “Velocity Outdoors”? On their websites the former lists no products, and the latter doesn’t carry air guns.
Michael
Michael,
I think he refers to this article: https://hardairmagazine.com/news/new-crosman-362-and-drifter-multi-pump-pneumatics/ No availability dates announced yet.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Thanks. That clears it up some.
Still, the forearm in two of the photos differs significanlty from the forearm in the photo of the rifle being handled and in the photos on Pyramyd AIR. What initially had me quite interested was the much longer lever, but the other photos have it definitely shorter. Longer levers equal easier pumping; shorter levers equal shoulder replacement surgery.
And the reviews are lukewarm.
Michael
Here is a link to a YouTube video review of RAW HM 1000x Chasis rifle in .25 caliber by American Airguner (Rossi Morreale) done on 6/7/21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiO0fbBrbSc&t=901s
The rifle did not sound that loud in his review. He registered 92 db shooting a JSB 33.9g pellet at about 890 fps. That’s a huge loudness difference from reading B.B. registered. Something is amiss here.
geo
I looked at your link but Rossi never fired the rifle. He said he was looking forward to doing so, but said nothing about the sound level. Perhaps you linked to the wrong place, but I couldn’t find a newer posting by him on this rifle.
Ed
Ed,
He did fire it before he installed the scope.
Thank you Cloud 9. Apparently I wasn’t able to stomach the entire lovefest Rossi was slathering on. I tend to skip forward when videos start to become boring or, as in this case, overly rapturous about the subject in question.
In case anyone else missed it, it was at the 9 minute mark and was done using his wrist watch. Likely part of the reason for the difference. Many factors affect the “loudness” in different environments. It did not sound particularly loud in the video, I agree.
Ed
Ed,
I too find it difficult to watch Rossi. I do on occasion so I know what to watch for when someone else reviews an airgun.
From what I understand, Rossi is a pretty good shot. When I hear him singing the praises of a particular airgun as he sprays pellets all over and around a target, I have to wonder who is he kidding? If you take notice, he will never say anything bad about an Umarex.
I am so thankful for airgunners like BB. He will be honest about it. There are others I like to follow also. Not all will come right out and say that a particular airgun is a waste of good, hard cash, but they will show you the target as they are shooting it. Hey, what are you using that gray matter for except to keep your ears apart?
Looking forward to the show. Can’t say I’m searching for anything in particular, but I’ll know it when I see it. What’re you bringing?
This was for Pacoinohio
Derrick-
I’m going to load up to out am, but I have some ‘project’ guns. You know, guns I picked up thinking, ‘ I could restore that’. Well, I seem to have about exhausted my supply of round tufts, so it’s time to make space. Some old pellet traps, parts, pieces, etc.