Yeah, I'm kinda all over the place.
I've used a 433 MHz Tx/Rx pair in a remote control, Tx powered by LiPo. Range is at least 50 feet (length of my fencing club) using just 30 guage wire wrap wire for an antenna on both ends inside plastic enclosure. Rx is 5V powered.
Maybe the modules are just a little too cheap, and not quite in tune?