Airgun Ammunition Types – Airgun Ammunition plays a pivotal role in determining the performance and accuracy of air rifles and pistols. Selecting the appropriate type of ammunition is essential for achieving optimal results, whether you’re target shooting, hunting, or engaging in competitive events.
TYPES OF AIRGUN AMMUNITION
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PELLETS: The most prevalent form of Airgun Ammo, pellets are typically made from lead or lead-free alloys. They come in various designs, each tailored for specific purposes.
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BBs: Typically made of steel and coated to prevent corrosion, BBs are spherical projectiles primarily used in smoothbore airguns. While they are economical and suitable for casual shooting, their accuracy and range are generally inferior to that of pellets. Additionally, steel BBs can ricochet upon impact with hard surfaces, posing safety concerns.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AIRGUN AMMUNITION
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PURPOSE: Determine whether your primary use is target shooting, hunting, or plinking. For instance, wadcutter pellets are excellent for paper targets, while domed or hollow point pellets are preferred for hunting.
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CALIBRE: Common airgun calibres include .177 and .22. Each calibre has advantages.
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MATERIAL: While traditional pellets are made of lead, there is a growing selection of lead-free alternatives from materials like tin or alloy blends. Lead-free pellets are environmentally friendly and may be required in areas with lead restrictions.
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AIRGUN SPECIFICATIONS: Ensure that your ammunition is compatible with your airgun’s design and power capabilities. High-powered airguns may effectively handle heavier pellets or slugs, while spring-powered Airguns might perform better with lighter pellets.
Airgun pellets come in various shapes and designs, each tailored to specific shooting purposes. Here’s an overview of the different types:
WADCUTTER PELLETS: Featuring a flat head, these pellets are primarily used for target shooting. Their design creates clean, round holes in paper targets, making scoring straightforward.
DOMED PELLETS: With a rounded head, domed pellets are versatile and commonly used for both hunting and target practice due to their stable flight characteristics.
POINTED PELLETS: Designed with a pointed tip, these pellets are intended to enhance penetration, making them suitable for small game hunting.
HOLLOW POINT PELLETS: Featuring a hollowed-out tip, hollow point pellets expand upon impact, delivering maximum energy transfer, which is beneficial for hunting small game.
HYBRID PELLETS: These combine features from different pellet types to achieve specific performance characteristics. For example, some hybrid pellets have a domed shape with a hollow point to balance aerodynamics with expansion upon impact.
AIRGUN BB: Typically made of steel and coated to prevent corrosion, BBs are spherical projectiles primarily used in smoothbore airguns and pistols. While they are economical and suitable for casual shooting, their accuracy and range are generally inferior to that of pellets.
Choosing the right pellet type depends on your specific shooting needs, whether it’s target practice, hunting, or competitive shooting.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
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BACKSTOP: Always use a suitable backstop to capture projectiles and prevent ricochets, especially when shooting BBs, which are prone to bouncing off hard surfaces.
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PROTECTIVE GEAR: Wear appropriate eye and ear protection to safeguard against potential hazards.
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LOCAL REGULATIONS: Be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations regarding airgun use and permissible ammunition types.
In conclusion, the choice of airgun ammunition significantly influences shooting performance and safety, as shown by understanding the different types of ammo and their intended uses. You can make informed decisions that align with your shooting objectives and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Just Air Guns is the largest supplier of Airguns in the UK. It offers Air Pistols and the latest Air Rifles online and in-store.
Shop Address: Just Air Guns, Trimex House, Pier Road, Feltham, TW14 0TW
Website:Â www.justairguns.co.uk
Email:Â [email protected]
Phone: 0330 999 5224
Blog Title: Airgun Ammunition Types
Blog Author: Mark Watts