Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or simply enjoying the immense capabilities of air-powered big bore beasts, achieving consistent accuracy and reliable airgun performance is always the goal. And for Alco Bullets, a precision bullet with a precise fit is everything. Recently, we talked to Randy from South Carolina who was shooting our Alco .457 Flat Nose big bore bullet. He had been having trouble getting good fit on the bullets he was shooting. He said, “The Flat Nose fit perfectly in my Rattler Airgun magazine. Great fit and shot groups. More people need to know about this.” It is a common problem for people with magazine fed airguns to find a bullet that fits snugly in the mag chamber.
And while much attention is rightly paid to the rifle itself, the pellet or slug, and even the scope, one crucial component often overlooked is the magazine – specifically, the precise fit of the bullet within it. In big bore airguns, an incorrect bullet fit in the magazine isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a recipe for diminished accuracy, potential damage, and ultimately, a frustrating shooting experience.
Big Bore Consistency
The core principle here is consistency. Every time a projectile is loaded into the breech, it needs to be presented in precisely the same manner. This consistency starts in the magazine. Big bore airgun magazines are designed to hold and feed heavy, slugs and pellets. The design of the gun makes the magazine an extension of the barrel and is in effect the chamber of the gun.
Consider the journey of a big bore projectile from magazine to barrel. As the bolt or lever cycles, the magazine presents the next round. If the bullet is too loose in its designated slot, it can shift, tilt, or even fall out of alignment during the cycling process. This slight misalignment, even a fraction of a millimeter, can cause the projectile to enter the breech at an angle. The result? The slug or pellet might not seat perfectly true in the lands of the barrel. This “improper seating” is a primary culprit for decreased accuracy, as the projectile effectively starts its journey off-center, leading to inconsistent flight paths. A simple way to check for looseness is to load the magazine with your preferred projectiles and gently shake it. If you hear a distinct rattling sound, it’s a strong indicator that your bullets are too loose within the magazine slots. This rattling signifies unwanted movement, which directly translates to inconsistent feeding and potential accuracy issue.
Beyond accuracy, safety and the longevity of your equipment are also at stake. A bullet that doesn’t fit correctly can cause undue wear and tear on the magazine itself, leading to premature failure of springs, followers, or the magazine body.
Snug, Not Tight
So, what constitutes “correct” bullet fit? It’s a snug, but not tight, fit. The bullet should drop into its slot with minimal resistance and remain securely in place even if the magazine is gently shaken. There should be no discernable wiggle or play, but also no need to force the projectile in. This ideal fit ensures that the bullet is held consistently in alignment, ready for a smooth and true presentation into the barrel.
For big bore airgunners, the takeaway is clear: don’t underestimate the humble magazine. When selecting slugs or pellets, always consider their compatibility with your magazine. For example, many .457 caliber big bore airguns benefit immensely from specific bullet designs that prioritize consistent magazine fit. The Alco Bullet big bore .457 Flat Nose bullet is a prime example of a projectile often engineered with precise dimensions to ensure optimal fit in compatible magazines. Their consistent manufacturing tolerances and specific nose profile can significantly contribute to reliable feeding and improved accuracy in many big bore platforms.
If you notice any issues with feeding, accuracy, or bullet deformation, the magazine fit should be among the first things you investigate. For additional information, you are welcome to call Alco Bullets.