When it comes to air gun ammo, understanding the basics is essential for making informed choices. Various types of ammo are available, each with its characteristics and uses.
It's important to understand your air gun to choose the right ammo. Different air guns use different ammo. The most common types of pellets are pointed, domed, and wadcutter. Knowing the requirements of your air gun will help you make an informed decision. You also want to consider what your purpose is.
Each shooting purpose needs ammo with different characteristics. So, each ammo type complements the shooting purposes it was designed for. The shape and material influence its trajectory, penetration, and impact, affecting its suitability for specific activities.
Wadcutter or domed pellets each offer distinct advantages for target shooting.
Domed pellets and round balls offer versatility and are cost-effective ammo options for plinking and recreational shooting.
Domed, pointed pellets, hollow points, arrows, shotshells, and slugs have advantages for hunting various game types in different conditions.
Ammo types have their own characteristics, which include the materials they are made of. When choosing your ammo, consider the material that works best for your needs.
Due to its dense and malleable nature, air gun pellets and slugs are predominantly made from lead. This material allows for excellent accuracy and energy transfer, making it a preferred choice for both target shooting and hunting. The heaviness of lead ensures a stable flight trajectory and maximizes impact on the target. However, some environmental concerns regarding lead have led to the exploration of alternative materials such as zinc, copper, and other frangible metals. These alternatives are ecologically friendly but come with a higher price tag and may not deliver the same level of performance.
BBs are commonly crafted from steel and coated in zinc or copper to prevent rust. They are hard and less prone to deformation, ensuring a consistent flight path and offering a satisfying experience for plinking enthusiasts. The downside to steel BBs is the potential for ricochet, requiring extra precautions during use. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining popularity for being eco-friendly, though they typically lack the sturdiness and precision of their steel counterparts.
Bolts and arrows are typically made of carbon fiber or aluminum. Carbon fiber arrows are prized for their lightness and speed, offering shooters an edge in accuracy and distance. They are especially popular among hunters needing to deliver a swift clean shot. However, the lightweight nature can sometimes result in less penetration. Aluminum arrows, being heavier, are favored for their durability and increased penetration, making them a top pick for target shooting and hunting large game.
The weight of the ammo is another factor to consider when selecting ammo for your air gun. The weight of the projectile directly impacts its performance and accuracy.
When you get the velocity and weight of your projectile right for your air gun and activity, the result is exceptional performance. When you need precision on paper, go for high-velocity lightweight ammo. Use heavier-weight ammo to get the job done when you need stopping power.
There are some common things that many outdoor enthusiasts need to correct when choosing ammo for their air guns. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure that you get the most out of your shooting experience and maximize the performance of your air gun.
Air gun ammo doesn't expire in the traditional sense, but it can degrade if stored improperly. Keeping them clean and dry in a cool place in their original packaging is essential to prevent oxidation, especially for lead.
Wind can influence the ammo's trajectory, especially for lighter air gun ammo or those less aerodynamic shapes. If you don't account for the wind, your ammo will be blown off target, especially at longer distances. Humidity can affect how the ammo expands and travels through the barrel.
Pellet size corresponds to the barrel caliber of your air gun. Common sizes are .177, .22, .25, etc. Every air gun has markings on the receiver about which type of ammo and what caliber is required for that air gun. Check your receiver and use the recommended ammo listed there.
Buy With Confidence
Get FREE shipping on qualifying orders! Any order $150+ with a shipping address in the contiguous US will receive the option for free ground shipping on items sold & shipped by Pyramyd AIR during checkout. Certain restrictions apply.
Free shipping may not be combined with a coupon unless stated otherwise.
View Shipping Info
We work hard to get all orders placed by 12 pm EST out the door within 24 hours on weekdays
because we know how excited you are to receive your order.
Weekends and holiday shipping times will vary.
During busy holidays, we step our efforts to ship all orders as fast as possible,
but you may experience an additional 1-2 day delay before your order ships.
This may also happen if you change your order during processing.
View Shipping Times
It's important to know that due to state and local laws, there are certain restrictions for various products.
It's up to you to research and comply with the laws in your state, county, and city.
If you live in a state or city where air guns are treated as firearms you may be able to take advantage of our FFL special program.
U.S. federal law requires that all airsoft guns are sold with a 1/4-inch blaze orange muzzle
or an orange flash hider to avoid the guns being mistaken for firearms.
View Shipping Restrictions
Get the most out of your equipment when you work with the expert technicians at Pyramyd AIR. With over 25 years of combined experience, we offer a range of comprehensive in-house services tailored to kickstart your next adventure.
If you're picking up a new air gun, our team can test and tune the equipment before it leaves the warehouse. We can even set up an optic or other equipment so you can get out shooting without the hassle. For bowhunters, our certified master bow technicians provide services such as assembly, optics zeroing, and full equipment setup, which can maximize the potential of your purchase.
By leveraging our expertise and precision, we ensure that your equipment is finely tuned to meet your specific needs and get you ready for your outdoor pursuits. So look out for our services when shopping for something new, and let our experts help you get the most from your outdoor adventures.
View Service Info
Shop and purchase with confidence knowing that all of our air guns (except airsoft) are protected
by a minimum 1-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted on the product page.
A warranty is provided by each manufacturer to ensure that your product is free of defect in both materials and workmanship.
View Warranty Details
Didn't get what you wanted or have a problem? We understand that sometimes things aren't right and our team is serious about resolving these issues quickly. We can often help you fix small to medium issues over the phone or email.
If you need to return an item please read our return policy.
Learn About Returns
Get FREE shipping on qualifying orders! Any order $150+ with a shipping address in the contiguous US will receive the option for free ground shipping on items sold & shipped by Pyramyd AIR during checkout. Certain restrictions apply.
Free shipping may not be combined with a coupon unless stated otherwise.
View Shipping Info
Want More?
Join Our Email List for News and Deals!
Join the Pyramyd AIR mailing list: Our e-mails are filled with new products, deals, sneak peeks, tips and tricks, contests and more - sign up today!
Text JOIN to 91256 and get $10 OFF Your Next $50+ Order!
* By providing your number above, you agree to receive recurring autodialed marketing text msgs (e.g. cart reminders) to the mobile number used at opt-in from Pyramyd AIR on 91256. Reply with birthday MM/DD/YYYY to verify legal age of 21+ in order to receive texts. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency may vary. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. See Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.