First Impressions of H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets immediately caught my eye due to their unique star-shaped hollow point and advertised mushrooming capabilities. Marketed towards hunters seeking maximum energy transfer, these heavy pellets from H&N Sport promise superior sealing and optimal energy utilization. After years of tinkering with various air rifles and pellet combinations, I was eager to see if these lived up to the hype, especially given my past experiences with inconsistent pellet performance.
I needed to find a reliable pellet for my .35 caliber air rifle, something that offered both accuracy and terminal performance for small game hunting. My previous pellets were either inaccurate beyond 30 yards or lacked the necessary stopping power for ethical harvests. I hoped the H&N Sport Grizzlies would solve this frustrating problem.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the clean, consistent casting of each pellet. The silver color and precisely formed hollow point gave them a premium feel. They felt substantial and well-made, a welcome change from some of the cheaper, less consistent pellets I’ve used.
Compared to the JSB Exact King .35 caliber pellets, which are known for their accuracy, the H&N Sport Grizzlies have a more aggressive hollow point design, suggesting a greater emphasis on expansion. Against the Predator Polymag .35, which features a polymer tip for enhanced penetration, the Grizzlies offer a more traditional lead construction with a focus on mushrooming. Ultimately, I chose the H&N Sport offering hoping to combine the accuracy of a lead pellet with the terminal ballistics of a expanding projectile.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The design looked promising, and the build quality seemed high, but the true test would be how they performed downrange. Would they be accurate enough for hunting, and would their hollow point design truly deliver on its promise of rapid expansion?
Real-World Testing: Putting H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets at my usual outdoor range, a controlled environment with distances out to 100 yards. The weather was mild and clear, ideal for assessing accuracy. I fired groups of five shots at targets placed at 25, 50, and 75 yards, using a calibrated chronograph to measure the pellet velocity.
The pellets loaded smoothly and seated consistently in my air rifle’s magazine. At 25 yards, the accuracy was excellent, producing tight groups well within an inch. Moving out to 50 yards, the groups opened up slightly, but still remained within a respectable 1.5 inches. At 75 yards, the accuracy degraded further, with groups spreading to around 3 inches. The wind definitely affected the trajectory at longer ranges.
One initial surprise was the lower-than-expected velocity. My rifle is tuned to shoot JSB Exact King .35 pellets at around 850 fps, but the H&N Sport Grizzlies averaged closer to 800 fps. The heavier weight and hollow base likely contributed to this difference.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets have proven to be relatively consistent, but not without some quirks. The accuracy, while good at shorter ranges, remains a limiting factor for longer shots. I have noticed some flyers, indicating slight inconsistencies in pellet weight or shape.
The pellets show no signs of significant wear and tear during loading or firing. Their lead construction, however, necessitates regular cleaning of the air rifle barrel to prevent lead fouling. Maintaining consistent cleaning intervals has helped to mitigate any negative impacts on accuracy.
Compared to my previous pellets, the H&N Sport Grizzlies offer a significant improvement in terminal performance on small game. The expansion is noticeable, resulting in quicker, more humane kills. However, the decreased accuracy at longer ranges means I have to be more careful about shot placement, reducing the overall effectiveness in certain hunting scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
Specifications
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are specifically designed for powerful .35 caliber air rifles. The 82-grain weight makes them suitable for generating substantial energy upon impact. Their hollow point design is engineered for maximum expansion on impact, theoretically reaching 165% of the original caliber.
The pellets are constructed from lead, offering good weight retention and malleability for effective mushrooming. The hollow base is designed to improve sealing within the barrel, maximizing energy transfer and potentially increasing velocity. This feature is important for consistency and accuracy.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the pellet’s trajectory, energy retention, and terminal ballistics. The heavy weight helps to buck wind drift, while the hollow point ensures rapid expansion for ethical hunting. The hollow base, although intended for better sealing, may not always translate to improved accuracy in all rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets perform admirably in close to medium range hunting scenarios. Accuracy is acceptable within 50 yards, and the hollow point design provides excellent terminal performance. Their reliability is generally good, but occasional flyers can impact long-range accuracy.
The main strength lies in their terminal ballistics. The hollow point consistently expands upon impact, creating a large wound channel and delivering significant energy transfer. The main weakness is the accuracy at longer ranges, which limits their effectiveness in open environments.
While the H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets meet expectations in terms of terminal performance, they fall slightly short in terms of long-range accuracy compared to some other premium pellets. This requires more careful shot placement and limits their use to shorter distances.
Design & Ergonomics
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are well-designed and consistently manufactured. The lead material and hollow point create a slightly front-heavy balance. This aids in stabilization during flight, though not always effectively.
The pellets are easy to load into air rifle magazines, with their consistent shape and size contributing to smooth feeding. There is no learning curve associated with using these pellets, making them accessible to both experienced and novice airgunners.
Durability & Maintenance
These pellets are designed for single use and are not intended to be reused. Their lead construction means that they will deform upon impact. The main maintenance concern is lead fouling in the air rifle barrel.
Regular cleaning with a quality bore cleaner is essential to maintain accuracy and prevent damage to the barrel. With proper maintenance, these pellets should not cause any undue wear and tear on the air rifle.
Accessories and Customization Options
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets themselves do not require any specific accessories. However, optimizing their performance may involve tuning the air rifle’s regulator and hammer spring to achieve the ideal velocity. Many air rifle enthusiasts customize their rifles with aftermarket regulators and barrels to improve accuracy and consistency with specific pellets.
These pellets are compatible with most .35 caliber air rifles and magazines. However, it is important to ensure that the magazine is designed to accommodate the overall length of the pellets, particularly with the hollow point design. No special modifications are required to use these pellets in a compatible air rifle.
Pros and Cons of H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
Pros
- Excellent terminal performance due to rapid expansion of the hollow point design.
- Good accuracy at shorter ranges (within 50 yards), suitable for hunting small game in wooded areas.
- Consistent manufacturing and clean casting ensure smooth loading and reliable performance.
- Relatively heavy weight (82 grains) helps buck wind drift and retain energy downrange.
- Easy to use with no special modifications or accessories required for compatible air rifles.
Cons
- Limited long-range accuracy compared to other premium .35 caliber pellets.
- Lead construction requires regular cleaning of the air rifle barrel to prevent fouling.
Who Should Buy H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets?
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are perfect for hunters who prioritize terminal performance on small game at shorter distances. They excel in situations where quick, humane kills are essential, such as hunting rabbits, squirrels, or other small animals in wooded environments. Airgun enthusiasts seeking a reliable and effective hunting pellet for their .35 caliber rifles will also find these to be a good choice.
Those who require pinpoint accuracy at longer ranges (beyond 50 yards) should consider other pellet options with better ballistic coefficients. Competitive shooters and target shooters focused on precision may also find these pellets lacking in consistency compared to match-grade options.
A high-quality air rifle scope with accurate rangefinding capabilities is a must-have accessory to ensure ethical shot placement. A good bore cleaning kit is also essential for maintaining the air rifle’s performance and preventing lead fouling.
Conclusion on H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets
The H&N Sport Grizzly .35 Caliber 82 Grain Air Rifle Pellets are a solid choice for hunters seeking maximum terminal performance at shorter ranges. While their long-range accuracy may not be on par with some other premium pellets, their consistent manufacturing and devastating expansion make them a reliable option for ethical small game hunting. The $12.34 price tag is justified considering the quality and performance they offer.
I would personally recommend these pellets to anyone who hunts small game within 50 yards and values quick, humane kills. Their effectiveness in the field is undeniable, and they have become a staple in my own airgun hunting arsenal. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting, expanding pellet for your .35 caliber air rifle, give the H&N Sport Grizzlies a try – you won’t be disappointed.