A Short Guide to Air Gun Ammunition: Types, Calibers, Materials, and Brands

Air guns and air rifles have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Whether you're a backyard plinker, a precision shooter, or a small-game hunter, the ammo you choose plays a huge role in accuracy, performance, and even safety. In this guide, we'll break down the different types of air gun ammunition, common calibers, manufacturing materials, and the major players in the industry.

Types of Air Gun Ammunition

Most air guns and air rifles use pellets or BBs, but there's more variety under the hood than you might expect.

Pellets

Pellets are the most common ammo for air rifles. They come in different head shapes, each designed for a specific purpose:

• Wadcutter: Flat-head pellets used for paper targets due to their clean, round holes.

• Domed (Round Nose): Great for general shooting and hunting. These fly well at long ranges.

• Pointed: Designed to penetrate, often used for small game.

• Hollow Point: Expands on impact, ideal for pest control.

• Slugs: Heavier, bullet-shaped pellets for high-powered PCP rifles. Better ballistic performance over long distances.

BBs

Steel or copper-plated BBs are typically used in lower-powered air guns and pistols. They're affordable and fun for plinking but less accurate and more prone to ricochet than pellets.

Speciaty Ammo

• Exploding Targets often pair with high-velocity pellets o for a dramatic effect. These are popular for training or recreational shooting.

• Flare Targets respond to impact with a bright flash, giving visual and audible confirmation from a distance.

• Tracer Pellets or glow-in-the-dark rounds are also available for low-light conditions or novelty shooting.

Common Calibers

Air gun calibers vary depending on purpose and power:

• .177 (4.5mm) – The most common caliber, used in target shooting and competitions. Fast and flat trajectory.

• .22 (5.5mm) – Offers more knockdown power, commonly used for hunting and pest control.

• .25 (6.35mm) – Heavier punch and slower velocity, good for larger pests and small game.

• .30 and above – Big bore air rifles use these calibers for serious hunting.

Choosing the right caliber depends on your purpose — if you’re aiming at air rifle targets at 10 meters, go with .177. For taking down a raccoon, .25 or .30 will serve you better.

Materials Used in Manufacturing

Pellets are typically made from:

• Lead: Still the standard. It’s dense, malleable, and provides consistent performance.

• Lead-Free Alloys: Often used in places with environmental restrictions. These are lighter and travel faster but may sacrifice stability.

• Copper-Coated Pellets: Reduce barrel fouling and offer smoother shooting.

BBs are usually:

• Steel Core with Zinc or Copper Plating: Harder and shinier, but they can wear down barrels over time if not designed for steel BBs.

High-end ammo might also feature polymer tips or aerodynamic shaping for improved flight characteristics.

Top Ammo Brands to Know

A few manufacturers stand out for their consistent quality and innovation:

• JSB Match Diabolo – Known for precision and uniformity, a favorite among competitive shooters.

• H&N Sport – Offers a wide range of pellet types and calibers, including specialized hunting rounds.

• RWS (Diana) – German engineering at its best, trusted by professionals worldwide.

• Crosman – Budget-friendly and widely available, with a broad line of BBs and pellets.

• Predator Polymag – Popular hybrid hunting pellets that combine polymer tips with lead bodies.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're plinking cans, zeroing in on air rifle targets, or making your mark with exploding targets or flare targets, your choice of ammunition matters. The right pellet in the right caliber can turn an average air gun into a precision tool. Understand your options, experiment with different types, and always match the ammo to your rifle’s capabilities.

Need help picking the right ammo for your setup? Reach out — we’re happy to recommend the best fit for your shooting style.

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