Air Gun Pellet Types

The power of an air gun, its kinetic energy, is measured indirectly by the energy it imports to its pellet projectile. Air guns are available in a number of calibers with the .177 caliber as the most popular type. Pellet weight is measured in grains. Pellets are available in a variety of types for field and target shooting use. One way to test pellet types is to set a bar of soap at various field ranges and shoot into the soap.

  1. Field Point Pellets

    • Field point pellets are pointed for deep penetration. Their design makes them preferred for hunting small game and for pest or varmint control. Because they are pointed, field points produce high kinetic energy.

    Flat Nosed Pellets

    • Flat nosed pellets are also known as wadcutters. Their primary purpose is for use in competition target shooting. They cut crisp, clean holes in paper targets to make scoring as accurate as it can be. The flat head can have an impact on accuracy, but at a standard 10 meter distance, air resistance poses little impact on accuracy. The effects of air resistance on flat nosed pellets are seldom noticed at distances of less than 35 meters. Beyond 35 meters, the effect on accuracy can be measurable.

    Hollow Point Pellets

    • Hollow point pellets release a shock-like impact along with the high kinetic energy of field point pellets. They find use in the field and a special use in air gun silhouette competition. An air rifle silhouette competition, in general, is one in which the air rifle cannot weight more than 16 pounds. Several classes of the sport exist that include rifles of varying calibers and weights and the match may take place indoors or out. Four different sized and shaped targets, usually steel cutouts, are arranged. The object of the match is to knock over each of the steel cutouts. Hollow point pellets provide the knock down power required to compete effectively in the match.

    Round Head Pellets

    • Round head, domed or round nose pellets are an all purpose pellet for target shooting and use in the field. They are available in a range of weights. Round nose pellets of a medium weight offer a balanced blend of flat trajectory and weight for medium powered hunting air rifles. Heavyweight round head pellets are used with powerful air rifles for close proximity hunting. The heavier pellets penetrate well and have less susceptibility to being deflected by wind.

    BB

    • BBs are the most familiar air gun pellets. These spherical projectiles are made of either lead or steel. While they lack the accuracy of more sophisticated air gun pellet designs, they are inexpensive and readily available at sporting goods stores.