Decent big bore PCP? - 04/04/24
I took a chance on a used Hatsan Pile Driver in .50 caliber. Previous owner had buggered it up, of course I wasn't told of this, just found out it wasn't operating when I got it home. Not the smartest buy I've ever made. but it seems to have worked out. Contacted Hatsan Service and sent it in - no warranty, of course - they repaired it for a very reasonable fee, gave me lots of good advice. It fills to 300 BAR, or 4500 PSI, I got an Air Venturi Ro Vair compressor - which I bought new, but also had a learning curve to follow with it. Found out the hard way that you are NOT supposed to shoot it until it is empty of air. I did, and it was a journey getting it refilled. Hatsan suggests doing the "first" fill from a tank, but the little compressor FINALLY got the job done!
I have "pellets" weighing 210 gr from 2 makers, also some at 420gr from Air Venturi (Seneca), and also some 520 gr HP's.
This is a SERIOUS rifle!
Although a single shot (bolt action) the tank holds enough air for 4-5 shots. The Pile Driver has an elevated scope rail, and I'm using a Burris Eliminator 3x9 scope on a UTG mount which is doing a good job so far.
For the last several years, my go-to gun for feral hogs has been a Contender .44 mag, shooting 330 gr flat nosed hard cast lead bullets at around 1000 F. This load does a good job at close ranges - nothing over 75 yards so far - and I would expect the 50 air rifle shooting 420 gr at 1000 PFS to do as well - or better!
My current "Big Game" hunting is on my smallish private property, and I expect the Pile Driver to be a very useful tool to use in this situation.
Mike Holmes
I have "pellets" weighing 210 gr from 2 makers, also some at 420gr from Air Venturi (Seneca), and also some 520 gr HP's.
This is a SERIOUS rifle!
Although a single shot (bolt action) the tank holds enough air for 4-5 shots. The Pile Driver has an elevated scope rail, and I'm using a Burris Eliminator 3x9 scope on a UTG mount which is doing a good job so far.
For the last several years, my go-to gun for feral hogs has been a Contender .44 mag, shooting 330 gr flat nosed hard cast lead bullets at around 1000 F. This load does a good job at close ranges - nothing over 75 yards so far - and I would expect the 50 air rifle shooting 420 gr at 1000 PFS to do as well - or better!
My current "Big Game" hunting is on my smallish private property, and I expect the Pile Driver to be a very useful tool to use in this situation.
Mike Holmes