TEST RESULTS: ROSSI’S R95 TRIPLE BLACK RIFLE

Since Rossi recommends not using reloads for this rifle, I stuck to factory rounds from five companies, in grain sizes ranging from 140 to 170. On the range, I wasn’t surprised by the decrease in measured velocity over the ammunitions’ advertised velocities; due to the shorter barrel, the average drop was approximately 250 fps. While that’s unquestionably a significant loss, I didn’t consider it a show-stopper because I never envisioned this rifle as a long-range shooter.

In the end, the rifle-and-scope combo delivered 1.472-inch overall average accuracy, with a couple of surprise sub-MOA groups. The best of the lot at 0.698 inches was Winchester Power Point 170-grain ammo, an excellent choice for deer or black bear. The Triple Black not only shot well, but with its short barrel and nimbleness, it’s a perfect fit for tight spaces.

Note:  All groups are three shots at 100 yards with velocities obtained utilizing a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph and averaged.

COMPLETE TEST RESULTS

Factory Ammunition

Brand	Bullet	Velocity (fps)	Group Size (inches)
Remington Express Core-Lokt SP	170-grain	1949	2.040
Federal Premium Nosler Partition	170-grain	1956	1.320
Remington Express Core-Lokt HP	170-grain	1989	1.540
Hornady Lever Revolution	160-grain	2130	1.580
Remington Core-Lokt SP	150-grain	2089	.950
Barnes Pioneer Lever Gun	150-grain TSX FN	2090	1.185
Winchester Ballistic Silver Tip	150-grain	2164	2.230
Winchester Power Point	170-grain	1939	.698