First Impressions of H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets promise accuracy and affordability for the plinking enthusiast. H&N Sport is a well-regarded name in the airgun pellet world, so the “Excite” line, particularly this Econ II variant, caught my eye as a potential option for cost-effective practice. The redesign, featuring a new head promising improved performance compared to the original Econ, made me particularly interested in seeing how it stacks up.
My air rifle shooting has always been about affordable practice, keeping my skills sharp without breaking the bank on ammunition. I needed a reliable pellet that was accurate enough for backyard target practice but wouldn’t empty my wallet after a single shooting session. The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets seemed to be the ideal fit, and the promise of a universal use pellet at an extremely favorable price piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the tin, the first thing I noticed was the classic H&N Sport packaging. The pellets themselves appeared clean and uniformly formed, lacking any significant deformities at first glance. Compared to other budget pellets I’ve used, like some bulk-packed lead balls, these H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets seemed much more consistent.
I considered other budget options like Crosman Premier Hollow Points. Ultimately, I chose these because of H&N Sport‘s reputation and the claimed improved head design. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; they looked promising, but the real test would be on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets in my backyard shooting range. The range consists of paper targets set at 10, 20, and 30 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze that I had to account for when shooting at the longer distances.
The pellets loaded easily into my break-barrel air rifle. I immediately noticed consistent feeding, with no issues seating the pellets in the breach. Even in the slight breeze, they seemed to maintain a relatively stable trajectory, although judging that at longer distances took some practice.
The initial groups at 10 yards were surprisingly tight for a budget pellet. However, at 20 and 30 yards, the groups opened up considerably, requiring me to adjust my aim slightly to compensate for the wind and pellet drop.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, I’ve put thousands of H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets downrange. The pellets have proven to be quite reliable for backyard target practice. There has been minimal deviation in pellet quality from the tin.
I’ve noticed only a minimal amount of lead fouling in my air rifle’s barrel after extended use. Cleaning the barrel after every 500 shots keeps the accuracy consistent. Compared to some cheaper pellets I’ve used in the past, these H&N Sport pellets require less frequent cleaning, and I have not noticed any significant degradation in accuracy over time.
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets have outperformed my expectations for an affordable plinking pellet. While they don’t offer the pinpoint accuracy of match-grade ammunition, they are more than adequate for recreational shooting and pest control at closer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
Specifications
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are designed for universal use. They come in the .177 caliber, the most common caliber for air rifles and pistols. The pellet weight is 7.4 grains, making them a lightweight option suitable for lower-powered airguns.
These pellets are made of lead, providing good weight for their size and ensuring adequate energy transfer to the target. They are packaged in tins of 500, offering a good quantity for the price. The “smooth foot” design is meant to improve sealing within the barrel, contributing to consistent velocity.
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets meet all basic requirements for hobby shooting. The silver color helps with visibility, especially when searching for them on the ground after shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets perform admirably for their intended purpose, which is plinking and hobby shooting. Their accuracy is acceptable at shorter ranges, making them suitable for backyard target practice. The lightweight design makes them compatible with a wide range of air rifles and CO2 pistols.
The smooth loading and consistent seating contribute to the overall user experience. These pellets offer good value for the price, providing a cost-effective option for those who enjoy recreational shooting. They excel as a low-cost option where absolute pinpoint accuracy is not critical.
While not as accurate as higher-end pellets designed for competition, the H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are perfectly adequate for casual use.
Design & Ergonomics
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets have a simple, functional design. The smooth skirt is intended to provide a good seal in the barrel. The overall build quality is consistent, with minimal imperfections observed across the pellets I’ve used.
The pellets are easy to handle and load into various air rifles and pistols. Their lightweight nature makes them suitable for younger shooters or those with less powerful airguns. The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets offer user-friendliness right out of the tin.
Durability & Maintenance
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are a consumable item, but their quality impacts the lifespan of your airgun. The consistent manufacturing minimizes lead fouling. Regular cleaning of the air rifle’s barrel is still recommended to maintain optimal performance.
With proper maintenance of your air rifle, these pellets should not contribute to premature wear and tear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets themselves don’t offer customization options, being a standard .177 caliber pellet. However, they are compatible with any .177 caliber air rifle or CO2 pistol. You can fine-tune your air rifle’s performance by experimenting with different pellet weights and designs.
While not an accessory, the use of a pellet pen can aid in consistent loading. This can improve accuracy and overall shooting experience. These pellets work well with standard .177 caliber loading aids.
Pros and Cons of H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
Pros
- Extremely affordable: Making them ideal for high-volume shooting without breaking the bank.
- Consistent quality*: Ensures reliable feeding and consistent performance.
- Good accuracy for plinking*: More than adequate for casual target practice and backyard fun.
- Suitable for low-powered airguns*: Lightweight design makes them versatile.
- Minimizes lead fouling*: Contributes to easier maintenance of your air rifle.
Cons
- Not suitable for long-range precision shooting*: Accuracy diminishes significantly at distances beyond 25 yards.
- Lead composition*: Requires responsible handling and disposal.
Who Should Buy H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets?
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are perfect for recreational shooters, plinkers, and those new to air rifle shooting. They are also an excellent option for pest control at close ranges.
Those seeking match-grade accuracy for competitive shooting or long-range target practice should skip this product. They should invest in higher-end pellets designed for precision. A good pellet trap is a must-have accessory for safe and responsible shooting in a backyard setting.
Conclusion on H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
The H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets offer exceptional value for the price. They are a reliable and consistent option for casual shooting and plinking. The accuracy is more than adequate for backyard fun, and the low cost makes them accessible to everyone.
The price is absolutely justified, especially considering the consistent quality and performance. I would personally recommend these pellets to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable option for recreational shooting. Get yourself a tin of H&N Sport Excite Econ II .177 Caliber 7.4 Grain Air Rifle Pellets and get out there and start plinking!