I own the .22 "Hunter" pellet. From used lead (90% JSB probably) it throws pellets that weigh about 19.6-19.8grains. It takes some finesse to get it to make good pellets but they end up being quite consistent in weight once the temps are figured out. Most .22 barrels that I've tried them with shot them only "okay." The standout was a .22 Red Wolf Standard barrel and it would shoot 3/4" groups @ 55 yards. The other barrels were 1.5" groups at 55 yards. Past that for distance and it only goes downhill.
I was recently sent some of the heavier "Hunter Magnums." What I was sent weighed 23grains and look very much like a .22 Monster RD from JSB, but with a slight meplat.
The 23 grain Magnum Hunters seemed to do better than most of my attempts with the 19.6grain Hunters.
Here are some groups at 53 and 100 yards. The 100 yards were stringing vertically, and seemed to coincide with slightly tighter fitting individuals.
I measured BCs and the actual BC is nowhere near as optimistic as the technical drawing estimates. I don't remember exactly right now but it was something like 0.042. Not any better than the .22/18.13 made by JSB.
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So, my conclusion of both weights of NOE pellets is that they make "okay" hunting or plinking pellets, but don't expect stellar accuracy from them. I kept my 19.6grain Hunter mold, and have enough lead from collected pellets to shoot for the rest of my life (and probably my son's), regardless of what the future holds. I figure if it gets to the point that a guy can't buy lead pellets, I'll be happy to have something to make my own, even if they're not as accurate as what we can buy now.
