Hi Ron,

Yes, your results will vary from brand to brand, and what shoots well in an
Anschutz may not work so well in the Izhmash, and vise versa. Also, temperature
conditions make a difference and many people use Polar Biathlon when it is
really cold out. Generally speaking, you will need to try a bunch of different
stuff, see what your rifle likes (by seeing how tight or loose your groups are
with each). I know a guy with an Izhmash who talked about how much he liked
his Fiocci ammo. At a race, temps fairly cool, but not what I'd call cold (20F)
his groups during the zero period were as big as the standing target..... not
good. I offered him some of my Ely Club Xtra. He loaded a magazine with that
and shot a quarter sized group.... pretty clear difference. I don't think he
uses the Fiocci any more! Bottom line, all rifles are different, and you just
have to test and see what works for you. Of course, you have to be capable of
shooting tight groups to begin with if you are to see any differences. You can
try using a rest to help in that regard.

Supposedly the more expensive ammos (Ely TenX) are made to more exacting
tolerances and would have fewer "flyers" (shots well outside of your normal
group, due to oddities in the ammo and not necessarily due to your aiming
ability). Some folks use the higher priced stuff for matches and races and
something not so expensive for training.

What part of the country are you in? Does it get bitter cold there? If so,
Polar will be something you want to have on hand.

Jay Bender
in Washington State

----- Original Message -----
From: ronbott
To: biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:36 AM
Subject: Biathlon North America which ammo?


OK, so as I wait arrival of my new Izhmash Bi 7-4 rifle, I'm trying to get an
understanding
about which ammunition to use. I see several brands have a "biathlon" ammo. Is
this
special for cold weather conditions or just marketing hype? I have read that
rifles may have
different results with different brands of ammo. Will results vary from brand
to brand
(Izhmash vs. Anschutz) or from rifle to rifle, even of the same make and
model?





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