Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always been a little confused about the names on JSB pellet labels. So I checked around with some friends and they weren’t too sure either…
But it was also clear to me that obviously JSB has a system behind the words on its pellet labels. It’s just that I had not been able to comprehend it!
So, at the 2018 IWA OutdoorClassics show in Nuremberg, I spoke to Pavel Kolabec – JSB’s main man – and asked for his help to translate the meaning of the words on JSB pellet labels. That’s Pavel in our photograph above.
As you might imagine, it’s actually quite simple when you know! Pavel did explain also that these names have grown up over the many years JSB has been manufacturing pellets. This means that some of them have a more complex, historical, logic behind the name that I’ve omitted here for simplicity.
So here is the Hard Air Magazine guide to understanding JSB pellet labels. Enjoy!
Calibers
Firstly, it’s important to know that some of the words on JSB pellet labels actually describe the caliber of the pellets. These words are used in many cases instead of the numeric caliber itself.
| JSB Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EXACT | .177 caliber if there's no other descriptive words |
| Jumbo | .22 Caliber |
| King | .25 Caliber |
However, some calibers are actually identified by numbers. For example .20, .35 etc.
Weights
Some of the words are used to describe the general weight of the pellet. The precise weight is also indicated on the label in Grains and grams, of course. And note that there’s no name on JSB pellet labels for middle weight. It’s a middle weight pellet if there is no other weight name on the label.
| JSB Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RS | The lightest lead pellets, abbreviation for Rapid Speed |
| Express | Light, but heavier than RS |
| Medium weight pellets have no weight designation! | |
| Heavy | Above mid weight |
| Monster | Heavier than Heavy pellets |
| Beast | The heaviest weight pellets |
Pellet Types
Some of the words indicate the pellet type. These can cover the pellet shape, or its intended use. Like these…
| JSB Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Diabolo | Generic indicator of pellet shape |
| Exact | Domed when used with other descriptors |
| Match | Wadcutters for competitive target shooting |
| Straton | Pointed pellets |
| Ultra Shock | Hollow point, non diabolo-shaped pellets |
| SCHaK | Wadcutter training pellets |
| Target Sport | Low-priced wadcutters |
| Polymag | Polymer-tipped, two-part pointed pellets |
| Metalmag | Metal-tipped, two-part pointed pellets |
Note that EXACT is also used as an overall brand name on many JSB pellet labels.
More Pellet Types
There are also other descriptive words used for more pellet types. Really, I just broke these out to avoid making the previous table too long and complex to read!
| JSB Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Premium | Individually selected by hand and also by weight |
| PbFree | Lead-free, tin pellets |
| GTO | Lead-free, tin pellets for US market |
| Shorts | Reduced overall length |
| Redesigned | New version of an existing pellet design |
| Test | Packs of multiple different pellet sizes and weights |
Special Match Pellet Types
Given JSB’s historical background in developing and manufacturing wadcutter pellets for precision match competition, it’s not surprising that there’s also a group of names specifically dedicated to this type of airgun sport.
| JSB Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Light weight match wadcutter pellets |
| Yellow | Mid weight match wadcutter pellets |
| Blue | Heavy match wadcutter pellets |
| S100 | The old name for heavy match wadcutter pellets, still retained on some designs for historical reasons |
So that’s it. Really it’s easy and obvious to understand JSB pellet labels when you know how! I hope that this Hard Air Magazine Guide will help you in future.
Thanks Pavel!
The post The Hard Air Magazine Guide To Understanding JSB Pellet Labels appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.