Different types of air rifle bullets, a comprehensive guide

When choosing the right air rifle pellets for your air rifle, there are several factors to consider. This guide covers the types, shapes, materials, brands and calibers of air rifle bullets, and compares the cheaper to the more expensive varieties to help you make an informed decision.

Various air rifle bullets

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on air rifle bullets. Whether you are a novice shooter or an experienced air rifle enthusiast, choosing the right bullets is essential for an optimal shooting experience. The world of air rifle bullets is diverse and offers a range of options, varying in shape, material, brand and caliber. Each type of bullet has its unique characteristics and applications, from precision shooting on the range to hunting and recreational plinking. This guide not only helps you understand the differences between the various types of bullets, but also helps you make the right choice based on your specific needs and budget. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cheap versus more expensive bullets, as well as the impact of different materials and shapes on performance. By combining this information with our recommendations, you will be well equipped to select the best air rifle bullets for your purposes. Let’s start by exploring the world of air rifle shooting and discover how to take your shooting skills to the next level.

Types and shapes

1. Pointed head balls

• Use: Ideal for long-range shooting because of their aerodynamic shape.
• Advantages: Penetrates hard targets well.
• Disadvantages: Less accurate at close range.

2. Hollow point bullets

• Use: Suitable for hunting and plinking.
• Advantages: Maximum impact and expansion when hitting the target.
• Disadvantages: Less suitable for long distance.

3. Flat head balls

• Use: Perfect for short-range shooting competitions.
• Advantages: Highly accurate and create clear strikes in shooting charts.
• Disadvantages: Loses speed quickly over long distances.

4. Spherical point bullets

• Use: All-round performance, suitable for various applications.
• Advantages: Good balance between accuracy and penetration.
• Disadvantages: No specific disadvantages, but do not perform excellently in any particular area.

Different air rifle bullet materials

1. Lead

• Advantages: Soft material that performs well in most air rifles.
• Disadvantages: Can be environmentally unfriendly.

2. Tin

• Advantages: Environmentally friendly alternative to lead.
• Disadvantages: More expensive and possibly less accurate.

3. Steel

• Advantages: Hard and durable.
• Disadvantages: Can cause damage to the barrel of the air rifle.

Aluminum

• Advantages: Lightweight and rust resistant.
• Disadvantages: Less penetrating power.

Brands and calibers

Some of the leading brands offering air rifle pellets are:

• JSB: Known for their precision and consistency.
• H&N: Offers a wide range of bullets for different applications.
• RWS: Appreciated for their quality and reliability.

The most common calibers are:

• 4.5 mm (.177): Ideal for precision shooting and competitions.
• 5.5 mm (.22): Suitable for hunting and plinking.
• 6.35 mm (.25): Provides more impact and is suitable for larger targets.
• 9 mm (.35): For maximum power and penetration, especially with large targets.

Price comparison cheap air rifle rounds vs expensive

Cheap Bullets

• Price: Often available for less than €10 per 500 pieces.
• Advantages: Affordable for beginners and casual shooters.
• Disadvantages: Less accurate, inconsistency in size and weight.

More Expensive Bullets

• Price: Can be as high as €20 or more per 500 pieces.
• Advantages: High precision, consistency and improved performance.
• Disadvantages: Higher costs may be less attractive to beginners.

In conclusion

When choosing air rifle rounds, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Choosing between different shapes, materials and calibers can have a big impact on your shooting experience. Whether you are looking for precision, power or versatility, there is a wide range of options available to meet your requirements. View our selection of air rifle bullets here.