About Air Gun Pellets & Ammo
Air gun pellets and ammunition have a long, innovative history that has helped shape the world of shooting sports.
The earliest air guns date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when European inventors like Bartholomäus Girandoni developed air-powered rifles for military and hunting use. These early designs eventually evolved into the precision air rifles and pistols we know today, bringing with them a new category of ammunition, the air gun pellet.
Evolution and Innovation Pellets were created to optimize the power and accuracy of modern air guns. Unlike traditional round BBs, which are primarily used for plinking or training, pellets are designed with aerodynamic shapes, such as wadcutter, domed, pointed, and hollow-point, that improve trajectory and energy retention.
Over time, innovations in materials (from lead to lead-free alloys) and manufacturing have further enhanced precision, making air gun ammo suitable for everything from competitive shooting to pest control.
Modern Uses and Impact Today, air gun pellets are a cornerstone of recreational shooting, small-game hunting, pest management, and competitive marksmanship. Their low noise, minimal recoil, and affordability have made them accessible to shooters of all skill levels.
Air Gun Ammo Types
Air gun ammunition comes in a variety of types, each designed for specific purposes such as target shooting, hunting, or pest control. Choosing the right pellet type ensures optimal accuracy, velocity, and impact performance for your air rifle or air pistol.
Below are the most common types of air gun ammo and their primary uses:
Wadcutter Pellets
- Wadcutter pellets feature a flat head design that punches clean, round holes in paper targets.
- These are the preferred choice for target shooting and competition because they provide clear scoring marks and maintain stable accuracy at short to mid-range distances.
Domed (Round Nose) Pellets
- Domed pellets are known for their rounded head, which improves aerodynamics and stability in flight.
- This design makes them ideal for long-range shooting and small game hunting, as they retain energy better than flat or pointed pellets.
Pointed Pellets
- Pointed pellets have a sharp tip engineered for maximum penetration, making them effective for pest control and varmint hunting.
- The pointed design helps maintain velocity over distance, though they may sacrifice some accuracy compared to domed types.
Hollow Point Pellets
- Hollow point pellets expand upon impact, creating greater energy transfer and larger wound channels.
- They are best suited for hunting small game where knockdown power and terminal performance are crucial.
Round Ball (BB) Ammo
- Round BBs are spherical and often made of steel or lead. They are most commonly used in BB guns and smoothbore air rifles for plinking and general recreational shooting.
- While inexpensive and fun, they offer less precision than traditional pellets.
Alloy & Lead-Free Pellets
- Designed for shooters in areas with lead restrictions, alloy or tin-based pellets provide lightweight, high-velocity performance with reduced environmental impact.
- These are excellent for training, pest control, and competitive shooting in lead-free zones.
Choosing the Right Air Gun Ammo
When selecting the best air gun ammo, consider your intended use, air gun type, and desired performance. For precision target shooting, wadcutters excel.
For hunting or pest control, hollow points and domed pellets provide superior impact. Meanwhile, alloy pellets offer a clean, eco-friendly option for consistent accuracy and speed.
Shop Popular Air Gun Pellets Brands
- Crosman is one of the most recognizable names in the air gun industry, with a legacy dating back to the early 20th century. The company produces a wide range of air gun ammunition, including Premier Domed, Hollow Point, and Destroyer pellets.
- Known for affordability and consistent performance, Crosman ammo is popular among target shooters, hunters, and plinkers alike.
- Best for: Everyday target shooting and small game hunting.
- Gamo is a Spanish manufacturer renowned for its innovative designs and precision engineering. Gamo air gun pellets, such as the Red Fire, Rocket, and Hunter series, are engineered for maximum velocity, penetration, and accuracy.
- Their lead-free and polymer-tipped options make them a favorite for both hunting and target practice.
- Best for: High-velocity shooting and pest control.
H&N Sport (Haendler & Natermann)
- H&N Sport, based in Germany, is a leader in match-grade air gun pellets. Known for their exceptional manufacturing precision, H&N pellets such as Baracuda Match, Field Target Trophy, and Terminator deliver superb consistency in weight and shape.
- Competitive shooters worldwide rely on H&N for their accuracy and balance.
- Best for: Competitive shooting and long-range precision.
JSB Match Diabolo
- JSB (Josef Schulz Bohumin) is another top-tier European manufacturer famous for producing premium air gun pellets used in world-class competitions. Their Exact, Hades, and Straton lines are known for tight tolerances, smooth finishes, and consistent performance.
- JSB pellets are favored by professionals who demand the highest accuracy.
- Best for: Field target competitions and high-precision shooting.
- Umarex offers a versatile selection of BBs and pellets for both CO₂-powered and spring-piston air guns. Their ammo, including the RWS Meisterkugeln and Superdome series, delivers excellent reliability and performance.
- Umarex is also known for producing steel BBs that are ideal for casual target practice.
- Best for: General plinking, practice, and tactical-style air guns.
- As one of the oldest and most iconic American air gun brands, Daisy produces a wide range of BBs and pellets that are ideal for recreational shooting.
- Their PrecisionMax BBs are known for smooth feeding and consistent shot placement, making Daisy ammo a staple for beginner and youth shooters.
- Best for: Beginners, youth shooters, and classic BB guns.
Common Air Gun Ammo Features
Air gun ammunition is designed with precision and performance in mind, offering a variety of features that affect accuracy, power, and consistency.
Whether you’re a competitive shooter, hunter, or casual plinker, understanding these features will help you select the right ammo for your air gun and shooting goals.
Caliber Variety
Air gun ammo is available in several popular calibers, including .177, .20, .22, and .25, each serving different shooting applications.
- .177 caliber: Ideal for target shooting and competition due to its flat trajectory.
- .22 caliber: Offers greater knockdown power, making it perfect for pest control and small game hunting.
Pellet Material
The most common materials used in air gun pellets are lead and lead-free alloys (like tin or zinc).
- Lead pellets provide excellent accuracy and impact energy.
- Lead-free alloys are lightweight, eco-friendly, and suitable for use in regulated areas.
Pellet Shape and Design
Air gun ammo comes in several shapes, wadcutter, domed, pointed, and hollow point—each influencing the pellet’s flight path, penetration, and expansion.
- Wadcutter: Flat-nosed for clean target holes.
- Domed: Rounded head for stability and range.
- Hollow Point: Expands on impact for hunting.
Weight and Velocity
Pellet weight directly affects velocity and trajectory.
- Lighter pellets travel faster and are ideal for short-range accuracy.
- Heavier pellets maintain energy over distance, improving impact power for hunting.
Skirt Design and Air Seal
- The skirt is the flared base of the pellet that creates an airtight seal within the barrel.
- This design improves air efficiency, velocity consistency, and shot accuracy by ensuring that maximum air pressure is used to propel the pellet.
Precision Manufacturing
- High-quality air gun ammo is precision-machined and weight-sorted to ensure consistent performance shot after shot.
- This uniformity is essential for competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts seeking tight groupings.
Air Gun Pellets & Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What are air gun pellets and how do they differ from BBs?
ANSWER: Air gun pellets are small, specially shaped projectiles typically made from lead or alloy and designed for precision shooting in air rifles and air pistols. Unlike air gun BBs, which are round and usually made of steel, pellets have distinct shapes (like domed, hollow point, or wadcutter) that improve accuracy and control. Pellets are best for target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting, while BBs are more suited for casual plinking or training.
QUESTION: What types of air gun pellets are available?
ANSWER: There are several common air gun pellet types, each designed for a specific purpose:
- Wadcutter pellets - Flat heads for target shooting and clean paper punches.
- Domed pellets - Rounded heads for stability and long-range accuracy.
- Hollow point pellets - Expand on impact, ideal for hunting.
- Pointed pellets - Maximize penetration for pest control.
- Alloy or lead-free pellets - Lightweight, high-velocity rounds for eco-friendly shooting.
QUESTION: Which caliber of air gun ammo should I use?
ANSWER: The most popular air gun calibers are .177, .20, .22, and .25.
- .177 caliber offers high velocity and is perfect for competition and target shooting.
- .22 caliber provides more stopping power for small game hunting and pest control.
Always use the caliber recommended by your air gun manufacturer for optimal performance.
QUESTION: Can I use the same pellets for both air rifles and air pistols?
ANSWER: In many cases, yes, air gun pellet ammo in the correct caliber can be used in both rifles and pistols. However, air pistols usually perform best with lighter pellets for higher velocity, while air rifles can handle heavier pellets for improved accuracy and range.
QUESTION: What are the best air gun pellet brands?
ANSWER: Top manufacturers of air gun ammo include:
- Crosman- Affordable and reliable for plinking or training.
- Gamo - Innovative designs for speed and accuracy.
- JSB Match Diabolo - Competition-grade precision pellets.
- H&N Sport- Consistent quality for field target shooters.
- Umarex and Daisy - Ideal for BB shooters and recreational use.
QUESTION: How should I store my air gun ammo or BBs?
ANSWER: Store your air gun pellets in a cool, dry place to prevent oxidation or deformation. Keep them in their original containers or sealed tins to avoid contamination with dust or moisture. For air gun BBs, ensure they’re free from oil or rust before loading.
QUESTION: What are the benefits of using premium air gun pellets?
ANSWER: High-quality air gun ammo provides better consistency, accuracy, and velocity stability. Precision-manufactured pellets have uniform weight and shape, which leads to tighter groupings and improved shooting confidence, especially for target shooters and hunters.
QUESTION: Are lead-free air gun pellets effective?
ANSWER: Yes. Modern lead-free air gun ammo, made from tin, zinc, or alloy, delivers excellent performance with higher velocity and reduced environmental impact. These pellets are ideal for use in lead-restricted areas or for shooters who prefer a cleaner, eco-friendly option.
QUESTION: Can air gun pellets be reused?
ANSWER: No. Air gun pellets and BBs should never be reused once fired. They deform upon impact, losing balance and accuracy. Reusing them can damage your barrel and compromise safety. Always use new, undamaged ammo for every session.
QUESTION: What’s the difference between air gun pellet ammo and firearm ammunition?
ANSWER: Air gun ammo uses compressed air or CO₂ as a propellant instead of gunpowder, making it quieter, safer, and more cost-effective. While firearm cartridges are single-use and generate higher velocities, air gun pellets are reusable in the sense that the gun itself can be reloaded many times without explosive propellant costs.