If you want your high tech, badass, five-star review airgun to feel like a paperweight then don’t think about pellet choice. There are few more effective ways to guarantee you have a bad airgun experience than using pellets that don’t play nice with your airgun. Even the most state-of-the-art, high-powered, top quality air rifle wouldn’t be of much use without its most important counterpart; the airgun pellet.
Just as you can choose from a broad selection when it comes to air rifles, you have even more pellets to choose from, and boy can that selection be confusing.
Importance of Choosing the Right Pellet Gun Ammo for Your Air Rifle
Choosing the right air rifle pellet for you will play a great role in the overall result of your shot – your choice of airgun pellet may just determine if you go home with the game you are hunting, or come home empty-handed.
In choosing from the wide array of airgun pellet types, one important question you have to answer is “What do you intend to use your air rifle for?” Are you planning to fire some air gun shots for target shooting practices as you want to join (and win) competitions? Will you be using your airgun for hunting game? Or you simply want to have some fun with casual backyard plinking over the weekend?
This is important because knowing your purpose for using your air rifle will help you find out what attributes of the pellet are most important to you: are you looking for a silent, fast airgun pellet so you can use your air rifle without disturbing your next door neighbors, do you need a heavy, more powerful pellet so you can take down a bigger game like a coyote, or you’re just looking for the best air pellets for accuracy for target shooting practice?
The Diabolo Pellet
The diabolo pellet shape is probably the most widely used pellet design today. A diabolo pellet has a narrower waist as compared to its head and its skirt. Diabolo pellets are sometimes referred to as wasp waist or waisted pellets.
The head of a diabolo pellet can be solid, while the skirt or the flared end of this pellet is usually hollow.
The specialized shape and design of the diabolo pellet contributes significantly to achieving two of its best-known qualities: stability and accuracy.
The Basics of Airgun Pellets
Before we move on to the different types of air rifle pellets, there are some essential details to know about them:
What are air rifle pellets made of?
Air rifle pellets are made from several different materials, but the most common materials used in pellets are lead, lead-based alloy, steel, tin, and plastic. Lead and lead-based alloys are among the leading choices; however, there are some air gunners who are opting for the lead-free alternatives because lead can be toxic.
What are the most popular calibers of air rifle pellets?
There are four major calibers of air gun pellets typically used by air rifle hobbyists anywhere in the world, and these are the calibers that are usually allowed by law to be used for hunting, plinking, or target shooting: .177, .20, .22, and .25 calibers.
The weights and sizes of each of these pellets go up as the caliber does.
The weight of an airgun pellet will have a direct effect on its velocity. An air rifle pellet with a heavier weight will definitely be slower than a lighter pellet, BUT, this heavier airgun pellet has the capacity to maintain its velocity much longer than a lighter pellet will.
While we are talking about the four most popular airgun pellets in this article, there are more calibers, and we have an entire article that covers each in depth here. However; if you just want some quick info while we talk about different kinds of pellets keep on reading.
.177 Air Rifle Pellets
Favored by many airgunners because of its flat trajectory and optimum accuracy, the .177 pellet is most commonly used for target shooting, shooting competitions, and hunting for small animals. This caliber is the standard caliber used by major shooting competitions and the caliber approved by the International Shooting Sport Federation or ISSF for official 10-meter shooting matches because of its unparalleled flat trajectory. The .177 air rifle pellets are generally inexpensive.
.20 Air Rifle Pellets
Originally crafted to go with the Sheridan multi-pump pneumatic airgun in the late 1940s, the .20 air rifle pellets are still being used by some airgunners in Europe and US today. Heavier and bigger than a .177 caliber air rifle pellet, this is a bit more powerful, too. The .20 pellet can be used for hunting small varmint and game. Even though some airgunners use the .20 pellets, this caliber is not as widely used as the .177 and the .22.
.22 Air Rifle Pellets
If hunting is your main reason in searching for the ideal air rifle pellets, .22 caliber might just be for you. Heavier than the .177, the .22 caliber airgun pellets are powerful enough to take down the usual game or hunting animals. In general, .22 pellets are more powerful than .177 pellets by as much as 20%, but this caliber is also more expensive. .22 air rifle pellets are perfect for hunting and backyard plinking – some casual shooting competitions also accept this caliber to be used.
.25 Air Rifle Pellets
The heaviest and biggest among these four calibers, the .25 air rifle pellets are chosen by some air gunning buffs. While this caliber is the heaviest and the biggest, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best choice. You have to think carefully if the .25 pellets will be suitable for your air gun because of this pellet’s weight. For instance, there’s a great chance that a .25 caliber air rifle pellet won’t work well with your spring-powered air rifle because springers are designed to handle lighter pellets. Therefore, if you want to get the best results for your springer, the .25 air rifle pellet might not be the best choice. Just like the .20 caliber pellets, the .25 isn’t as popular as the .177 and the .22.
Seven Airgun Pellet Types
it’s not enough there are seven different calibers of airgun pellets, but there are also different classifications when it comes to the form, shape, and composition of an air rifle pellet. There are seven major types of airgun pellets commonly used for air rifles:
Wadcutter Pellets
Wadcutter air rifle pellets are sometimes called flatheads because of their appearance – yes, this type of airgun pellet indeed has a flat head. They are created this way to leave an open, round hole on targets.
Wadcutter pellets are typically used for target shooting practice, shooting competitions, and plinking. The flat head of this airgun pellet will leave clean, round holes on the paper targets ordinarily used for target shooting.
Flight Characteristics – One of the biggest downsides of the wadcutter pellet is that it has poor flight characteristics especially when shooting from great distances. Because of this, the wadcutter pellet is best used for close range shooting practices and plinking.
Impact Characteristics – Wadcutter airgun pellets will have a good impact on targets shot at a close range. While it is mostly used for shooting activities related to target shooting, this pellet may also be capable of taking down small- sized varmints in your backyard. You might choose this pellet for hunting if you are looking for short range high knockdown capability, and you want to make sure your pellet doesn’t penetrate through.
Domed Pellets
Domehead, rounded, and roundhead pellets are just some of the other names used to refer to domed pellets. As opposed to wadcutter with a flat head, a domed pellet has a rounded head. Its rounded head plays a significant role in enhancing its resistance to the wind. Domed airgun pellets are considered as one of the best among the diabolo pellets because of its accuracy and high knockdown force.
Having a great knockdown power even at long distances, domed airgun pellets are good for hunting. Some prefer to use dome head pellets for casual target shooting, too.
Flight characteristics – Compared to other airgun pellet types, domed pellets have great flight characteristics. This type of pellet can also maintain its velocity even at a longer range.
Impact Characteristics – Due to the shape of a domed pellet, it has a more powerful impact compared to other types of air rifle pellets. When used with an air rifle with the right power, domed pellets will have better, increased impact.
Pointed Pellets
As the name implies, pointed pellets have sharp, pointed heads. The pointed head of this diabolo airgun pellet is designed for maximum penetration capabilities. Even though pointed pellets will penetrate targets better, this airgun pellet is not suitable for high powered air rifles; for best results, it is ideal to use it with medium to light powered air rifles.
Many airgunners look to pointed pellets for their penetration for field hunting small game. Keep in mind though, these pellets have a tendency to go through the target, which reduces some of your knockdown effects. When hunting you don’t necessarily want to have the pellet transfer all the way through your target because that means some force continues on past your intended target.
Flight Characteristics – Most pointed pellets will fly better than wadcutters but will not surpass domed pellets, particularly at great distances. Pointed pellets can fairly retain its velocity and will have good accuracy at medium ranges.
Impact Characteristics – When it comes to impact, pointed pellets aren’t as forceful as domed pellets. However, their pointed features and penetration level can make up for its lesser impact.
Hollow Point Pellets
Hollow point pellets look somewhat like wadcutter pellets, only that hollow point pellets have a hollow cavity on its head. The hollow point pellet design allows for expansion once it hits the target.
Hollow point pellets are excellent for hunting and varmint control. This type of air rifle pellet can attain one-shot kills.
Flight Characteristics – Hollowpoint pellets can maintain good flight characteristics in shooting up to a maximum distance of 25 yards. Unfortunately, this type of airgun pellet might not fly excellently at greater distances.
Impact Characteristics – When shot using a compatible high powered airgun at a perfect distance and ideal velocity, a hollow point pellet will do better than any other type of airgun pellets in terms of impact.
Hybrid or Variation Pellets
Variation pellets are, yes, variations of the common types of airgun pellets. One of the most popular types of hybrid or variation pellets is the ballistic-tipped hollow point pellets. Ballistic-tipped hollow point pellets look similar to regular hollow point pellets, except that they have a sharp spike in what would just be a hollow cavity for hollow point pellets. They aim to combine the expansion properties of hollow point pellets and the penetration capabilities of pointed pellets.
Ballistic-tipped hollow point pellets are best for hunting because of its excellent penetration and expansion.
Flight Characteristics – Aside from adding penetration capabilities to a simple hollow point pellet, the tipped variation of hollow point pellets have improved flight characteristics; hence, the ballistic-tipped hollow point has a better flight at a longer distance than the normal hollow point pellet.
Impact Characteristics – Just as the regular hollow point pellet, its variation will have the superior impact when used with a high powered air rifle at a good distance from the target.
Round Lead Ball
Round lead balls are a less popular alternative to diabolo pellets. They look exactly like you think… Round… and Lead…
Round lead balls are good for shooting harder, sturdier targets such as wood, and can take down small sized rodents because they have topnotch penetration capabilities. However, round lead balls are unlikely to take down large game, especially from a far distance.
Flight Characteristics – Round balls just aren’t as accurate as pellets, but they can provide accurate groups at shorter ranges than their counterpart. If you want to use round balls you need to understand you will have to be closer to your quarry.
Impact Characteristics – To get the maximum impact out of a round lead ball pair it with an air rifle that will work well with it; having said that, round lead balls are usually not suitable for high-powered air rifles.
High-Velocity Pellets
For air gunners who want to go for the more eco-friendly choice, you can opt for high-velocity pellets. Pellet manufacturers make high-velocity pellets from materials other than lead. These pellets are available in various shapes, but no matter what that shape is, they all have one thing in common – they are extremely fast.
Aside from their increased speed, high-velocity pellets also penetrate targets well. This makes high-velocity pellets ideal for hunting small game, within medium range.
Flight Characteristics – One of the biggest disadvantages of high-velocity pellets is their poor flight, characteristics particularly at a long range.
Impact Characteristics – There’s a wide selection of high-velocity pellets you can buy, and your choice of pellet will determine its impact. Heavier high-velocity pellets made with high quality will naturally have a better impact than low-quality ones.
Which Pellet Type is the Best?
There’s no one standard answer to the question about the pellet type that surpasses all the rest. The real question is which pellet type is good for YOU, and which one will suit your needs.
While it is no objective answer as to which pellet type is the best, there are numerous good choices that are ideal for specific purposes.
Air Rifle Pellets for Different Purposes
Plinking
Backyard or informal plinking can really be an enjoyable hobby. And in choosing the most suitable pellet to use, you have to think of the attributes you must be placing great importance on.
For a fun plinking in your backyard, it’s not necessary that you invest in a pellet with a high knockdown power – since your aim would just be to hit your target, it’s best to settle for an accurate pellet. As a matter of fact, it could be a lot safer to stay away from more powerful pellets to avoid causing damage to your own property, or worse, the neighbor’s.
Also, if the area you will use for plinking has limited space, you can choose a pellet that is good enough for short range shooting. Consider the prices, too; if you’re simply looking to have fun, or if you want to practice improving your aim as a pastime, it will be more practical to select a cheaper pellet type
Therefore, for informal plinking, a wadcutter pellet with .177 caliber might be the perfect choice. This pellet type is affordable, accurate, can take down light targets such as paper or tin cans, and good for shooting short ranges.
Target Shooting or Shooting Competitions
Same as with plinking, if joining shooting competitions or practicing target shooting is your main goal, there are matters you have to prioritize if you want to win first prize.
Official shooting competitions aren’t like plinking when it comes to selecting pellets. You use pellets that fit within the criteria laid out by the competition organizers. Shooting competitions usually use the .177 wadcutter pellet. It’s easy to see why this particular air rifle pellet is the perfect choice – the .177 caliber has a flat trajectory and first-rate accuracy, not to mention approved by the ISSF itself, additionally, wadcutter pellets produce clean shots
Using the recommended wadcutter airgun pellet even during practice will prove to be advantageous for any airgunner intending to win. I believe you practice the way you perform, and you perform the way you practice. If you are planning on being a competitor you need to practice with your gameday pellets. It’s just common sense, right? It might help you hone your skills, as well as make you more comfortable and aid in building your confidence to use wadcutter air rifle pellets.
Someday you could be high-level enough to have pellets custom made for you. That’s pretty cool, and will never be me.
Varmint Control
Getting rid of the pests in your property is a task that may call for a bit more seriousness than plinking because varmints or rodents can damage your property and can definitely be a big problem if they reproduce. Droppings from these pests can cause various illnesses. On top of that, some rodents, such as mice, can bite you. While rodents don’t commonly carry rabies, you may still get an infection from their bite.
Since typical backyard pests are usually small in size, you will need a pellet that is strong enough to take them down, but not too powerful that it can cause serious damage to your property.
Domed pellets are great for ordinary pests in your yard because of their reliable knockdown power and solid flight characteristics. A .22 caliber pellet might also do better than .177 as the .22 caliber is heavier and more powerful. On the other hand, if you want to get a one-shot kill, you might as well go for hollow point airgun pellets. Hollow point pellets are most useful for small game hunting for their ability to expand. Some airgunners specifically choose hollow point pellets to get to kill the pests in a more humane way.
Hunting
In hunting, there are many different types of game with various sizes you need to take down. And the type of air rifle pellet suitable for your needs will depend on the size of the game you are hunting. Coyotes and deer, for instance, may need pellets with higher knockdown power because of their large size compared to common household varmints.
Hollow point pellets are great for sizable game, but only if you are within 25 yards from your target. You might miss your target altogether if you try to shoot them with hollow point pellets from an extremely distant range as this bullet type does not fly well at great distances.
If you are hunting for animals smaller than a deer, a pointed airgun pellet can be your best friend because of its superb accuracy and excellent penetration. If you are a bit far from your target, pointed pellets might be the right choice, too, as this type of pellet can maintain its energy for medium range targets.
So, what’s the right choice of air rifle pellet for you?
You know you right? I can’t give you the best pellet for everything, because there isn’t one, but we did give you the power. Now you know the airgun pellet options you can choose. You know how to use each type of pellet, and you know what your needs are. From here the choice is simple, at least for what type of airgun pellet you want to use, but what about brands? Some brands will work better than others with your airgun. We have an entire article devoted to discussing the different brands available on Amazon.
If you don’t want to read that article, but you are ready to buy the right pellets for you, click this link and head over to Amazon. Yes, it’s an affiliate link, so you’ll be helping us out, so it’s a bonus all around.
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