AEA Challenger PRO LB (Long Barrel) New Model Destroys Penetration Test - Backyard AirGuns - EP21

This is the New AEA Challenger Pro 35 Cal LB just released from The Pellet Shop. At 200 FPE and using a 145g ballistic slug watch as this combination sets a new record for penetration. Watch all Backyard AirGuns KZbin videos @backyardairguns.
#backyardairguns #aeachallengerpro #airguns #AEA #sabertactical #donnyfl #fximpactm3 #nightforce #thepelletshop #Benjamin #Rifle #Senaca

[@Bigbopperairguns]

I'm currently putting a 25 Cal challenger pro through it's paces. I currently just got 112 foot-pounds of energy with some 36.2 grain that i made to achieve this foot-pounds of energy at a wapping 1180 FPS

[@backyardairguns]

I watched and liked that video last night. It makes me want to get the Challenger Pro in 25 cal; that's the only barrel I don't have.

[@Bigbopperairguns]

​​@@backyardairguns I just beat my old power test and just got 120 FPE with a 46 grain and 1460 FPS with a 16.8 grain. Plus, I'm waiting on all new upgrades coming in this week, so I will be doing more tests for accuracy and power, Stay tuned!

[@Bigbopperairguns]

The 25 caliber has a lot more variety in ammo. Than the 30 caliber And now there's a barrel kit. You can get to swap out from 22 to 30 caliber😊. Can't wait to get that! By thr way, Your videos, are very professionally made, Keep up the good work, Look forward to what you do next..

[@backyardairguns]

I just picked up a 25 Cal AEA Challenger Pro - I'm adding my mods and upgrades to it and will do a power and accuracy video. I'm getting 108 fpe using the Seneca 43.2 g hunting pellets. What BAR do you have your Reg set at?

[@donaldsmith881]

Absolutely amazing and awesome love what you do with pcp. Please keep the videos coming brother

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks, will do!

[@Randy-qq8lr]

I been loking at the Terminator 2. Pretty cool considering semi auto. BUT this side level intrigues me. Wish this rifle could be semi-auto but also wonder if the side level (somewhat) resembling a bolt action, accounts for any of the high accuracy of this air rifle?

[@backyardairguns]

I'm not sure that that side lever makes it more accurate. I think the 30 inch barrel and larger plenum make it more accurate. I will be doing a review on the same rifle in 30 cal in a couple of weeks.

[@sat20387]

so we're talking 8.5 inches of wood if they were butted up against each other. I be curious to see if you got 2x6 wood and see what it does

[@backyardairguns]

I'm actually testing a rifle today at the range that I know will punch through 4 2x6 cedar boards. Video should be out next week.

[@aventura365.]

Excellent video!!! Can you tell me how is the accuracy with those rifle brand slugs? The challenger lb like them? Thanks and New subscriber from Uruguay

[@backyardairguns]

Hi 365. The coated Rifle Slugs I use in this video are accurate in my 30-yard backyard, but I'm not sure what they would do at long range. I do know they are really good at penetration because of the coating; they do not deform or mushroom. Thanks for watching and subscribing. I noticed your channel and subscribed!

[@aventura365.]

@@backyardairguns thanks a lot for your response, and subscription!!!!! Very appreciated

[@marlonpape8870]

dear sir can i buy one whitt the setup that you have thank you marlon

[@backyardairguns]

Yes, I make and sell the custom Arca/Picitinay rails for the AEA Challenger Pro. They are $150. Email me at [e-mail] if interested.

[@sat20387]

I shot my .35 and it went through 6 out of 8 times through a 55 gal drum and dented the other side

[@backyardairguns]

Impressive

[@kmikaz2.029]

1 abo more Mr !! Thx for all the work (please y m looking for a pcp gun under 2000euro / dollars to schoot (in a club )at 25 and 50 mètres what s in your opinion the 3 best riffle after your expérience (support from france )

[@backyardairguns]

I'm glad to have support from France. :-) The best budget PCP rifles for me is Air Venturi Avenger Bullpup - About $330; it is very accurate and brings good power for the price. The most powerful rifles for the money are AEA rifles. I have many videos on AEA rifles and they are usually under $1,000. The most advanced rifles at the highend for me is FX Impact M3 rifle. I have two in 22 and 30 cal and they are in the $2,000 range. Thanks again for watching.

[@kmikaz2.029]

@@backyardairguns thx buddy really appreciate ! !!!

[@scottmatchell6247]

What compressor do you recommend?

[@backyardairguns]

Great question.... I have a high-end compressor because I need to fill 9L tanks for when I'm at the range all day making KZbin videos. 😉 I bought the GX E-5K2 PCP compressor off Amazon one year ago today. It was about $2,200. It's now on Amazon for $1,800 with a $150 coupon, so $1,650. The specs on it are off the chain like can run for 16 hours continously, fills air rifles in like 1 or 2 minutes, and is very quite (70 bd). It's a commercial grade compressor at a great price. I plan to do a full review on it later this year.

[@michaelpurdy5908]

This is my favorite penetration test I’ve ever seen! Really shows the power! I have the hp max in 9mm and this gives me a pretty good idea of how powerful it is. I mean it’s shot through a frying pan so I know it’s strong 😂. I like my Aea a lot and I was looking at the challenger but I think my next one is gonna be the s45 unless they come out with something better in the next few months.

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Michael. This new penetration test I built is un-biased and really shows the true power of rifles and ammunition; and its fun to shoot into. I have a new video coming out in a week or two in these AEA Challenger Elite 357. That rifle blows away what the Glock 9mm did on the same test.

[@wu2u]

How many shots per fill?

[@backyardairguns]

About 15 or two clips.

[@tonycarr1253]

Jeeese: Mike You’re Absolutely Right … the New Challenger Pro L/B .357 Is A Pure Beast 🐿

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Tony!

[@Wungshi]

How much that cost?

[@backyardairguns]

$895 in 30 or 35 Cal

[@Bigbopperairguns]

You're right about those Benjamin ballistic bullets. They are absolutely my favorite that I've tried. They're made with some ridiculously hard. Steel, unlike a lot of these soft pellets that were currently used to, they won't penetrate as well. As the Benjamin.

[@usmc6157]

Good deal… like these 1/4” plywood tests. I shoot the new Benjamin M357 (factory now other than a power spring upgrade) with the Benjamin 145gr Nosler Extremes and they def get the job done. I’d be real curious as to the penetration it would show.

[@backyardairguns]

The Benjamin M357 sounds like a beast of a rifle. I highly recommend Benjamin 145g slugs. Go Marines!

[@johnkaminski646]

nicely done...

[@cornellgarland5018]

how many yards?

[@backyardairguns]

Ten Yards

[@Leadheadsam]

Thanks Mike ! This penetration test was crazy, seeing a pcp get so close to Glock 17 in penetration test is so satisfying, great video man 🍻🍻🦾

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Badger. I have the Reg set to 175 Bar when I filmed this. I might later turn that up to 195 or 200 Bar and reshoot.

[@Leadheadsam]

195 psi Specially with 145gr Benjamin will penetrate same as 9 mm or 26 boards , I think can’t wait to see

[@tonycarr1253]

Go ahead Mike, and Give It A Bump To 200bar !!! And Show The Rattler Owner’s Just How Much They Over Paid 🐿

[@plastudios1328]

Excellent test, my friend! I enjoyed all of that video (LOL). I'm considering the AEA Pro .30 cal. Crazy power from these models. Great idea...I may have to try that challenged with my other air rifles!

[@backyardairguns]

This video was fun to make. I have a video coming out soon on the AEA Challenger Elite in 357 cal that beats the Glock 9mm in penetration. Say tuned. 😀

[@ketzelpedraza2308]

It's a real monster. I'm from Mexico, and I want an AEA challenger rifle like this. What's the price with the upgrades in the USA?

[@backyardairguns]

Hi Ketzel, Use the link below to The Pellet Shop where you can get the rifle for $895. They also sell the Saber Tactical and DonnyFl upgrades I have on the rifle. www.thepelletshop.com/products/special-series-challenger-pro-lb-air-rifle?variant=44178651021551

[@motorgearhead]

What was the velocity, weight and projectile design of the 9mm fired from the Glock? Wondering if HP round would deform and not make it as far?

[@backyardairguns]

Your probably right about hollow point 9mm not going as gar as what I shot. I'm not sure how fast the 9mm was going but it was a 124g FMJ bullet.

[@maxitom3193]

Super cool

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Mac!

[@BLACKHAT-l9v]

This is by far the best demonstration and pallet and are PCP Channel I have found just found it today absolutely love it looking forward to more videos and I'm going to dig through all year old videos looks like you have and awesome PCP collection love the channel I thank you looking forward to many more videos

[@backyardairguns]

I'm glad you found my channel. There will be a lot more air gun videos coming soon.

[@exmcairgunner]

I have the big 9 and am regularly achieving 250+ fpe for $610 US.

[@backyardairguns]

That's crazy energy. I want one. I'm looking at the AEA Challenger Elite in 35 cal... might me my next rifle.

[@richardsaunders7569]

My 30 caliber challenger puts up 250 all day. I was gonna buy the challenger 9 mm a while back. But I haven't really felt the need shooting a 111 grain slugs in 30 caliber, putting up 250 foot-pounds is actually more than what I really need. Most things my challenger pro 30 caliber. Handles pretty well at a 150 foot-pounds.

[@backyardairguns]

Are you saying you have an AEA Challenger Pro in 30 cal that does 250 fpe?

[@richardsaunders7569]

@@backyardairguns all day long, my good man

[@richardsaunders7569]

@backyardairguns After I polished the inside of the hammer and polished and ceramic coated the guide rod I got a 10 FPE increase. Before that I was maxing out at 244 foot pounds

[@eriklindgren3848]

WOW, impressive power.

[@backyardairguns]

I plan to bump up the Reg from 175 to 200 Bar and re-test. :-)

[@travelcompass591]

🤠Hi again. I found your channel only three days ago and I find your airguns reviews very thorough. I wonder if you can help me. I came from basic military to some boar hunting experience with a CZ LUX .308 a few years back. I am moving to a wilderness area and became interested in PCPs, I decided to get the AEA HP MAX in .35 cal as a truck-gun, and I am trying to understand what is the best caliber for long range hunting with the AEA Challenger Pro LB. A senior citizen fellow posted a video perforating a golf ball twice at 200 yards with a Challenger Pro in .25 cal, so there was some energy still left in that smaller caliber. Without any experience in air rifles I prefer heavier bullets; thinking on medium to large game, but if I am going to get a bigger and heavier long barrel rifle I expect to be able to hunt at long distances “for the sharpshooter fun of it”, even if I have to go down to medium sized game. I have not found any data comparing the .30 and the .35 FPE at the impact points of 100 and 200 yards. I suppose 100 yd is plenty for hunting. I don't know if air rifles smaller calibers have more precision or if heavier calibers drop sooner at these longer distances and I am interested on finding out specifically for the AEA Challenger Pro LB you showed to pick between .30 and .35. Any help will be much appreciated 👍

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks for the positive comments on my videos. The 35 Cal will alway carry more FPE than the 30 Cal. I have no idea what the FPE at 100 and 200 yards would be. I know the 35 Cal Long Barrel will shot 200+ FPE with 145g Benjamin Ballistic Tip slugs at 175 BAR. I was able to hit 2 to 3 inch groups at 100 yards with the 35 Cal Long Barrel. There is another AEA rifle you should look at.. take a look at the AEA Challenger Elites in 357, 457, 50 and 51 Cal. I know the the 357 Cal version can shoot 260+ FPE. Those rifles are stupid powerful. I have a review coming out in a couple of weeks on the Challenger Elite in 35 Cal.

[@travelcompass591]

🤠That's great. 100 yards does it for me. I will check on the Elites and let you now about my testing when I get the rifle (s) 👍 Appreciating your help @@backyardairguns

[@garynasrallah8710]

I just got me a 35 caliber. Benjamin bulldog the new M357. It's been upgraded. I have not done a penetration test yet with mine. But I have all those pellets and slugs that you had. And I have a few more very interesting and accurate penetration test. I like that, very nice job. I may make me a little jig like that. So far, just on target the Predator polymags are by far. My most accurate just up to 25 yd. I haven't done a whole lot further testing yet.

[@backyardairguns]

I'm sure that Benjamin M357 is a beast also. The two best slugs for me for penetration in 357 Cal are Rifle Coated and the Benjamin Ballistic Tip.

[@Bigbopperairguns]

I put the Benjamin 145 grain ballistic tip through 3 pressure treated brand new 2x4's , that's on my KZbin channel. It was only going about 700 fps. Not as fast as the bad ass AEA challenger pro 35 cal.

[@travelcompass591]

🤠 Hi, great video 👍. Do you know if one can get different barrels for the same AEA rifle? Your video helped me to decide buying the Challenger Pro LB, but I wish I can also have the shorter barrel to swap. Thank you

[@backyardairguns]

Barrel swaps on some AEA rifles are not common. The Pellet Shop sells a standard 24 inch 30 Cal barrel for standard AEA Challenger PRO that works with 22 and 25 rifles. The barrel kit sells for $185. This barrel kit will not work on 35 Cal rifle. I'm not sure if this 30 Cal barrel kit will work with 30 Cal Long Barrel; but I think it would work. Thanks for subscribing and watching.

[@travelcompass591]

Thats very helpful thank you@@backyardairguns

[@motorgearhead]

Will the ballistic tip expand in anything or does it just behave as a solid? I like your penetration test rig!

[@backyardairguns]

It does not expand in anything. I did shoot it into 16 gauge plate steel and it deformed, but did not mushroom out like a hollow point.

[@Bigbopperairguns]

I really enjoyed your review, outstanding! Can't wait to see what you got next.

[@backyardairguns]

AEA Challenger Elite 357 Big 9

[@travelcompass591]

HI 🤠 I’m almost done with my PCP buying research. For up to 50 yards the AEA HP MAX .35, lighter and maneuverable. For 100 yard distance with the Challenger Pro I am not sure. I am wondering if is possible to hunt medium-large sized game with .25. and .30 or .35 at 100 yards “if there is a perfect head or heart placement”. Many people have reached 200 and 300 yards with small calibers at still targets, but I have not seen a comparative penetration tests at 100 yds or more with different calibers. It would be useful to find out what would be the best medium to large game hunting caliber at the 100 yard distance, assuming perfect accuracy. Does the .35 have enough penetration at that distance or a lighter caliber would have a much less kinetic drop? Any help will be much appreciated.

[@backyardairguns]

Hi, I would not recommend .25 or .30 cal for medium and larger game hunting. The AEA Challenger Pro Long Barrel in 35 Cal in my video was shooting 3 inch groups at 100 yards out of the box. Energy is about 175+ FPE for that rifle. That rifle shoots a 145g slug through a cedar 4x4 at 10 yards. I'm not sure what penetration would be at 100 yards. One other rifle to consider is the AEA Challenger Elite in 35 Cal. That rifle shoots at 260+ FPE and will shoot at 145g slug through 8 inches of cedar wood. I will have a video of that rifle out soon. Mike

[@travelcompass591]

🤠Thank you for your tips and your helpful response 👍 @@backyardairguns

[@randyharrington2653]

Also check the laws where you plan to hunt. Here in Michigan it is unlawful to hunt deer with a air rifle smaller that .357 caliber. However, .30 caliber is leagal for Coyote hunting and works quite well. .25 is also good for yotes but shot placement is critical.

[@randyharrington2653]

I wasn't really considering a .357 for deer, figured it wasn't big enough, or enough power for consistent ethical kills. But this test has me rethinking that decision. Great vidio

[@southernlonghorn4507]

Yep…these 357 will definitely drop a deer if you do your part with some decent shot placement. Their penetration power is remarkable.

[@backyardairguns]

Hey Randy, if your going for deer hunting using a 357 cal, check out my two videos on the AEA Challenger Elite 357. It shoots 270 FPE accurate.

[@bryanwarmuth6434]

not a equal test if the weights are different

[@backyardairguns]

This is not meant to be an equal test. We know heavy slugs will penetrate further that lighter slugs. The test to see what the difference is for different ammo.

[@stedyone1090]

Amazing 😮 Very nice 👌 👍

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks! 🙂

[@stoecklinr]

I'm very curious where you purchased the coated Rifle slugs from.

[@backyardairguns]

Pyramyd Air

[@catherineharris4746]

Sweet ass Sweet!💥👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Catherine!

[@travelcompass591]

Hi 🤠 One more detail. Does the Benjamin Extreme that won the contest fit in the magazine? Or you had to introduce the slug in the chamber by hand? because i just found out is 18.5 mm tall. Thank you.

[@backyardairguns]

It does not fit in the mag; they must be single loaded.

[@travelcompass591]

🤠 Thank you 👍 Which would be the highest penetration slug or pellet that does fit in the magazine for the AEA Challenger Pro LB in .35? @@backyardairguns

[@travelcompass591]

Is an interesting subject to learn about. UpNorth Airgunner did a video about airgun projectiles for hunting and concluded that slugs can not compete with a solid projectile in penetration, because in his view penetration, not expansion is the priority for big game hunting with PCP. ---kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKTXinx5osqSY9U

[@backyardairguns]

I just watched the video. I agree the solid slugs will always penetrate much better than hollow points. Thanks for the link!

[@travelcompass591]

🤠 Your welcome. I am still working on my learning curve here 👍@@backyardairguns

[@kingfishphill4120]

Impressive penatration , good deer gun 🎯

[@backyardairguns]

I loaned this rifle to my neighbor to go deer hunting. It has crazy knockdown power.

[@kingfishphill4120]

@@backyardairguns 👍🎯👍

[@KevinWood44]

A penetration test is more of a test of the ammo not the rifle. Which gun shot the slug/pellet has nothing to do anything. Regardless this has to be the best rifle under $1000 I have ever seen.

[@backyardairguns]

I agree that for $895 this rifle checks a lot of boxes. I'm not sure that I agree with the rifle not having any impact on penetration. I will shoot the same test with an FX M3 in 35 cal with the same bullets and see if there is a difference. One other note.... The Benjamin Ballistic 35 Cal bullet is an absolute beast.

[@ShootTechSysteminc]

if its firearm testing i will agree with you. Because power of firearms comes from ammo. But airgun is not ,power come from guns. Same caliber airgun maybe have twice times different power. But you are right . Challenger pro is king of under $1000.

[@KevinWood44]

@@ShootTechSysteminc Yes you are right the power from firearms comes from the ammo but Im looking at it like "950 ft/sec is 950ft/sec and 1000ft/sec is 1000ft/sec" regardelss of what barrel the slug was fired from. hollowpoint vs wad cutter, different mixtures of lead, largers hollowpoint, grain weight, etc. all those factors determine how far a slug penetrate.

[@ShootTechSysteminc]

@@KevinWood44 Yes, you are right. I understand what you mean. you're saying just need comparing different guns shooting with different weights pellet and slug . Than got the velocity then that’s enough to found which one is more powerful. I completely agree I think this video also wants to show what effect with each ammo at these speed. He used. 22lr as a reference value. It’s a good idea.

[@derrickmitchell39dm]

All i can say is wow.

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Derrick. The AEA Long Barrel is a Beast!

[@jeffreykoski2746]

Wherw is the safety located on this challenger pro? I don't see it in the trigger guard?

[@backyardairguns]

The safety is on both sides rifle right above trigger. :-)

[@wu2u]

Great video.

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks!

[@operatorpyro]

Damn man crazy video but great ch I’ll sub to you sir 🔥💪🏽

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks Pyro. I subscribe to your channel also. :-)

[@operatorpyro]

@@backyardairguns oh man thank you 🙏🏼 I appreciate it much! 🔥

[@lNemesisG]

Great video 🎉😊

[@backyardairguns]

Thank you 🤗

[@samuelsherwood298]

Awesome test sir!

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks 😊

[@jjssnb3790]

Awsum video ma man🤙

[@backyardairguns]

Thanks - that's one of my favorite rifles.

[@jjssnb3790]

@@backyardairguns I bet it is it’s a frickin beast of a rifle amazing 🤙