Pick a pellet

Air gun ammo, commonly referred to as pellets, comes in various shapes, and each shape has its own purpose. While it’s possible to go target shooting with any type of pellet, it’s not feasible to hunt with just any type. Different types of game require different types of pellets. It’s also not cost effective to shoot paper targets with pellets that are created to kill big game animals.

One of the lesser-known types of pellets are wadcutters. These flat-front pellets offer exceptional accuracy up to about 25 yards. They can help air gun shooters refine their shooting skills. Producing clean and precise holes in paper targets, they leave no question as to where they hit. Unlike most pellets, they don’t tear paper, but instead “drill” an unmistakable hole through the paper.

Wadcutters are relatively inexpensive, so they are great for an afternoon of plinking. However, those designed for competition shooting are a little more expensive. They are mostly available in smaller calibers like .177, .22. and .25.

Domed pellets are among the most common. These are often available in big box stores, and are good for long-range shooting, hunting and general shooting. The dome head makes them streamlined and aerodynamic. They offer shooters consistent, accurate shots over a variety of distances.

Inexpensive, domed pellets are often used by hunters and target shooters, and do an adequate job of dispatching small game. They don’t cut paper targets as cleanly as wadcutter pellets, but they do a nice enough job to satisfy most shooters.

Pointed pellets feature a sharp tip on the head of the pellet. They are great for shooting squirrels and other similarly-sized animals.

Growing up, my granddad was a farmer and he kept a big supply of pointed pellets for the .22 caliber air gun he’d leave on a wooden chair facing the hog pen every morning. He encouraged anyone who was working the farm, along with any of us grandkids, to have a seat in the chair and face the aisle that ran down the middle of the hog pens and watch for rats. Many a rat fell victim to these pellets over the years, and it was my pellet of choice later in life when I began hunting squirrels with an air gun.

Numerous types

Pointed pellets are known to be less accurate than domed pellets, due to inconsistent flight patterns that often come about from cheaper versions that aren’t completely uniform in how centered the point is on each pellet. Still, good quality brands are more consistently produced, and do well enough to keep most small game hunters happy.

Hollow point pellets are designed for maximum stopping power. The hole in the pellet’s head causes it to expand on impact, which creates more damage to the target or game.

Often used by hunters, hollow point pellets are not all created equal. Some have a simple hole in the head, but others look more like a Phillips head screw. Others resemble a triangle, and some have a sharp point placed in the center of the hole. Even those with a simple hole can vary widely, as some holes are small and shallow, compared to others that are deeper and wider. Hexagon-shaped holes, starburst holes, and holes with a simple dot in the center are other types of hollow point pellets.

Among the most serious air gun hunters, hollow point pellets are generally the most preferred type.

Round balls are, as the name implies, simply spherical balls. They are mostly used for leisurely target shooting, although they are known for their deep penetration when hunting game animals. Round balls are also often used by those shooting vintage air guns.

Slugs are generally heavier than most other pellets, and their design gives them a combination of power and precision. They are exceptionally accurate for medium- to long-range shots, and are available in arguably the biggest range of pellet caliber sizes.

Even within each type of pellet, many variations exist. They are all available in different grains. And as is the case in most gear, the more you pay, the better quality the pellet. A quick look at the Pyramyd Air website, will  offer a good look at what’s available for whatever you’re looking for, whether that’s target shooting, squirrel hunting, hog hunting, or deer hunting.

Pyramyd Air also has a big selection of arrows that can be shot from air guns. Generally speaking, any air gun of .50 caliber can shoot arrows made specifically for big bore air guns, although some arrows are made to be shot out of only certain guns.

Arrows expand the capability of your air gun, and it’s a ball of fun to shoot them. Like regular archery arrows, air gun arrows can be used with field points or broadheads.

Hunting regulations vary widely from state to state as to what you can legally hunt with air guns shooting arrows. In many states, it’s legal to hunt deer with air gun-launched arrows, but only during rifle season. Because they lack strings, air guns do not fall into the category of archery gear. Always check your state’s regulations before hunting with any type of air gun.