Why Buy Air Gun Pellets from BBGuns4Less?

• Free UK shipping on orders over £100
• Price Match Guarantee
• Wide choice of .177 and .22 air rifle pellets
• Pellets for target shooting, plinking and pest control
• Popular airgun pellet brands and designs
• Easy returns for extra peace of mind
• Expert support when choosing air rifle ammunition

Airgun Pellets Buying Guide

Finding the best air rifle pellets for your rifle involves more than simply choosing the correct calibre. Pellet weight, head shape, construction and the characteristics of your particular air rifle can all affect performance.

Different rifles can produce noticeably different results with the same pellet, so testing several suitable types is often the best way to discover which airgun pellets provide the most consistent grouping from your rifle.

.177 Air Rifle Pellets

.177 pellets are one of the most popular choices for target shooting and general plinking. Their smaller diameter and typically lighter weight can provide a relatively flat trajectory, making .177 pellets particularly popular where precision and consistent target shooting are priorities.

If you own a .177 calibre air rifle, always select pellets specifically manufactured for the correct calibre.

.22 Air Rifle Pellets

.22 pellets are larger and generally heavier than .177 pellets. They are widely used for recreational shooting and, where lawful and appropriate, pest control.

The additional pellet weight can provide different ballistic characteristics compared with .177 ammunition. As with any airgun, the best results depend on finding a pellet that performs consistently with your particular rifle.

.177 vs .22 Airgun Pellets

Choosing between .177 and .22 pellets primarily depends on the calibre of your air rifle – ammunition must always match the calibre specified by the manufacturer.

.177 pellets are generally lighter and are extremely popular for target shooting, while .22 pellets are larger and heavier. Neither calibre is automatically better for every shooter or every air rifle.

If you are buying a new air rifle as well as pellets, consider what type of shooting you intend to do before choosing your calibre.

Types of Air Gun ammo

Domed Air Rifle Pellets

Domed pellets, sometimes called round-head pellets, are among the most versatile airgun pellet designs. Their aerodynamic shape makes them popular for general shooting and longer-distance accuracy.

Flat Head and Wadcutter Pellets

Flat head pellets or wadcutter pellets have a flat front designed to produce clean, clearly defined holes in paper targets. This makes them especially popular for target shooting at appropriate distances.

Pointed Air Rifle Pellets

Pointed pellets feature a tapered or pointed head profile. Their characteristics vary between manufacturers, so accuracy should be tested with your individual air rifle rather than relying on pellet shape alone.

Hollow Point Pellets

Hollow point air rifle pellets feature a recessed head design. They are available in different weights and calibres, and suitability depends on the rifle, intended application and applicable UK law.

What Slug Weight Should I Choose?

Air rifle bullets are available in a range of weights, usually measured in grains. Lighter and heavier pellets can behave differently even when fired from the same rifle.

Rather than assuming that the heaviest or lightest pellet will perform best, choose ammunition within the specifications recommended for your air rifle and compare grouping and consistency. Many shooters test several bullet weights and brands to determine which works best with their particular barrel.

Best Air Rifle Ammo for Target Shooting

When choosing pellets for target shooting consistency is particularly important. Look for well-manufactured pellets with uniform skirts, heads and weights. Flat-head wadcutter pellets are traditionally associated with paper target shooting, while quality domed pellets are also popular for general target shooting and longer distances.

For the best results, experiment with several suitable pellet brands and weights. Air rifle barrels can be surprisingly selective about the ammunition they shoot most accurately.

Air Rifle Pellets for Pest Control

Where pest control with an air rifle is lawful and appropriate, ammunition should be selected with accuracy, consistency and suitability for the intended application in mind. Always comply with UK firearms legislation, animal welfare requirements and any applicable land or shooting restrictions.

Reliable shot placement is essential, so shooters should establish how their chosen pellet performs through their particular air rifle before considering it for pest-control use.

How to Store Pellets

Good storage helps protect your airgun ammunition and prevents pellets from becoming damaged or contaminated.

• Keep pellets in their original tin or a suitable secure container.
• Store them somewhere cool and dry.
• Avoid crushing or deforming pellet skirts.
• Keep dirt, grit and moisture away from your pellets.
• Do not use badly damaged or deformed ammunition.
• Keep airgun ammunition securely stored away from children.

Airgun Pellet FAQs

What are the best air rifle pellets?

The best air rifle pellets depend on your rifle, calibre and intended use. Two rifles of the same calibre can sometimes perform differently with the same ammunition. Testing several reputable pellet types and weights is one of the most reliable ways to find the most accurate option for your particular air rifle.

What is the difference between .177 and .22 pellets?

The main difference is calibre. .177 pellets have a smaller diameter and are generally lighter, while .22 pellets have a larger diameter and are generally heavier. You must use the calibre specified for your air rifle.

Can I use .177 pellets in a .22 air rifle?

No. Always use ammunition of the correct calibre specified by the air rifle manufacturer. Do not attempt to use .177 pellets in a .22 calibre air rifle or vice versa.

Are heavier air rifle pellets more accurate?

Not necessarily. Pellet accuracy depends on factors including the rifle, barrel, pellet design and weight. A heavier pellet is not automatically more accurate than a lighter pellet.

What are diabolo pellets?

Diabolo pellets are the familiar airgun pellet design featuring a narrower waist and flared skirt. The design is widely used for modern air rifle ammunition and is available with several different head shapes.

Are pointed or domed air rifle pellets better?

Neither design is universally better. Domed pellets are popular for their versatility and aerodynamic shape, while pointed pellets offer distinct characteristics. The most suitable choice depends on how accurately a particular pellet performs in your air rifle and its intended application.

Can air rifle pellets go bad?

Pellets do not normally have a short shelf life, but poor storage can cause contamination, oxidation or physical damage. Pellets with badly damaged skirts or other visible deformation should not be used.

Popular Air Rifle Pellet Choices

Popular pellet choices include lightweight .177 target pellets, versatile domed pellets and heavier .22 air pellets. Rather than choosing solely by price, compare calibre, pellet weight, head shape, quantity and intended use. Trying a selection of suitable pellets can also help you identify which ammunition groups most consistently with your air rifle.