ALLOUTDOOR by Travis Olander 08.31.23
With the right power and pellets, an air rifle can provide some seriously impressive – and lethal – performance: Up to 1,500 ft. lbs. of muzzle energy. More than enough to take down American game, and certainly enough power to act as a personal defense weapon in a pinch. But air rifle ammo, like firearm cartridges, varies wildly in its form and function. There are varying grain weights, calibers, and pellet shapes to consider. Some are made for plinking and target shooting, while others are designed to inflict lethality when hunting. Let’s take a closer look at air rifle calibers and learn which pellets are best for your new airgun.
BBs vs. Pellets: They Aren’t The Same
Calling a BB an air rifle pellet is like calling a shot shell a rifle cartridge. The two are functionally and physically different, as are the air guns that fire them.”BBs” (ball bearings) are spherical steel balls that almost universally measure .18″ in diameter. They’re mostly relegated to acting as ammo for CO2-powered toy guns. Although they’re technically air guns, BB guns are inaccurate beyond a few yards, and they’re not considered lethal — though they will certainly puncture skin or leave a welt.
Air rifle pellets are made from lead and other alloys. They’re designed to be aerodynamic for longer range accuracy. Air rifle pellets are also designed to deform upon impact, reducing the chances of a dangerous ricochet.
Air Rifle Calibers
Air rifle pellets, like firearm cartridges, come in different calibers. The smaller the caliber, the lighter and faster the round. Large air rifle calibers can often be made to travel as fast as small calibers.
But you’ll need to invest in a pricier airgun, one that comes with a large air tank capable of holding 3,500 PSI or more. These are the most common air rifle calibers:
.177 CaliberOne of the most popular air rifle calibers happens to be the smallest: The .177 pellet is the lightest and often quickest caliber you can send down the muzzle, with velocities approaching 1,650 FPS in the fastest rifles.
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.20 / .22 / .25 Caliber
.30 / .357 Caliber
.45 / .457 / .50 / .51 Caliber
.58 / .72 Caliber
More:
https://www.alloutdoor.com/2023/08/31/beginners-guide-air-rifle-calibers/
