Page 5 of 15 - Pellets
What Are Air Gun Pellets?
Air gun pellets are precisely engineered projectiles that offer unparalleled accuracy and performance. They are different from spherical BBs because they are constructed in the specific shape of a diabolo, which has a narrow waist and a flared skirt. The diabolo shape stabilizes the pellet in flight and aids in accuracy, even over longer distances.
The material in which pellets are made is usually lead or lead-free alloy and can come in a variety of shapes. Some of the most popular calibers for air gun pellets are .177, .22, .25, .30, .357 (9mm), .45, and .50. Each caliber is designed for a specific application.
Choosing the Right Pellets
When it comes to choosing the right pellet for your air gun, the caliber and power plant are important factors, but it is also essential to consider the intended purpose and your barrel preference. A good pellet option can improve accuracy, waste fewer pellets, and really give you the stamping power of your air rifle or pistol.
Caliber Considerations
Your pellet caliber will always match your air gun.
- .177 wadcutters or pointed pellets are quick and shoot flat, making them good for target shooting and small pests.
- .22 domed or hollow points have a strong balance of power and accuracy, ideal for hunting small game.
- .25 caliber pellets have hard-hitting power, are heavier, and are best suited for hunting and high-powered PCPs.
Check Other Factors
- Springers & Gas Pistons: You can use mid-weight pellets for balanced performance.
- PCPs: You can use heavier pellets or slugs for maximum power.
Tips:
- Each barrel has its own "personality". Some air guns will have a preference for certain manufacturers and sometimes shapes of pellets. You should take your time testing through a variety of different options to find the best pellet pairing for your gun.
- If you are unsure, you can purchase a sampler pack and run some group sizes to find the best one for your gun.
Pro Tips for Picking Pellets
The best pellet isn't always the most expensive - it's the one that fits your specific use case and air gun setup. Here's a way to narrow down your choices:
Target Shooting & Plinking: For backyard fun, casual paper punching, or short-range practice. Lightweight wadcutters are perfect; they cut sharp holes in the paper, making them ideal for scoring the targets.
Pest Control & Small Game Hunting: You'll need knockdown power for critters. Hollow-point and domed pellets offer expansion and consistent accuracy at medium range for the best impact. Stick with .22 or .25 caliber for better energy transfer.
Long-Range Precision: When dialing in your groups beyond 50 yards, heavier domed pellets offer the best stability and better wind resistance to wind drift while maintaining energy at longer ranges.
Types of Pellets
Pellets come in many forms and calibers.
- Wadcutter - flat-topped for clean cuts through paper targets.
- Pointed - for deeper penetration in hunting.
- Domed - for straight flight and hard hits in hunting.
- Cylindrical - for better ballistic coefficients and energy transfer.
- Hollowpoint - for better expansion on target.
- Slug - for better ballistic coefficients, expansion, and energy transfer.
- Roundball - for straight flight and hard hits in hunting.
Popular calibers are: .177, .20, .22, .25, .30, .357, .45, and .50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which air gun pellet is the most accurate?
JSB and H&N domed pellets are generally considered the most accurate due to their stable flight characteristics, making them ideal for target shooting and hunting.
Can I use pellets in a BB gun?
Only if your air gun is specifically designed for both; most BB guns have a smoothbore barrel that is not suitable for pellets, which require rifling for stability and accuracy.
Which pellet is best for hunting small game?
.22 or .25 caliber hollow point or polymer-tipped pellets are the best option for hunting small game because they offer the ideal combination of expansion and knockdown power.
Do I need heavy pellets for a PCP rifle?
Generally, yes. PCP rifles produce higher energy, which is best harnessed by heavier pellets or slugs, especially for hunting.
What is the difference between cal vs caliber?
Cal is short for "caliber", however, all air gunners already know this. Caliber is a term used in all shooting markets and means the size of the projectile or bullet, and it is typically used to describe the size of ammunition for all guns. The term caliber sizes refers to all pellets, bullets, and other ammunition and it is a term used by all shooting enthusiasts. Pyramyd AIR has virtually all calibers to choose from including .177, .20, .22, .25, .357/9mm, .45 and.50.