Choosing the best .22 air rifle pellets for hunting is crucial for effective pest control and small game hunting. The right pellet can make a significant difference in accuracy, power, and terminal performance, ensuring quick and humane kills. I’ve seen firsthand how selecting the right pellet can transform a frustrating hunt into a successful one. With so many options out there, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between accuracy, penetration, and stopping power.
What to Look for in .22 Pellets for Hunting
When hunting with a .22 air rifle, consider these factors for selecting the right pellet:
- Weight: Heavier pellets (14 to 21 grains) retain energy better, penetrate deeper, and resist wind drift, which is essential for clean, ethical kills.
- Shape: Hollow point and pointed pellets are ideal for hunting as they provide better expansion and penetration, respectively. Domed pellets offer a balance of accuracy and power.
- Material and Build Quality: High-quality lead pellets are typically more consistent in weight and shape, leading to better accuracy.
- Rifle Compatibility: Not every pellet performs the same in every rifle. It’s crucial to test different types in your specific rifle to see what works best.
Best .22 Pellets for Hunting in the UK
Here are some of the best .22 air rifle pellets for hunting available in the UK, based on performance, stopping power, accuracy, and user feedback.
1. JSB Hades .22 Pellets
The JSB Hades pellets are specifically designed for hunting, combining the accuracy of the JSB Exact series with a hollow-point design for maximum expansion upon impact. These pellets deliver devastating knockdown power and are known for their consistency and build quality.
- Weight: 15.89 grains
- Shape: Hollow Point
- Best For: Small game hunting, such as rabbits, squirrels, and pigeons.
- Key Features: Exceptional expansion, consistent weight and size, and high accuracy.
- Price: Around £13-£18 for 500 pellets
2. H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme .22 Pellets
The H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme pellets are another top choice for hunters due to their unique cross-hollowpoint design. This design enhances energy transfer and ensures maximum impact, making it one of the best for stopping power.
- Weight: 18.52 grains
- Shape: Hollow Point with cross-shaped head
- Best For: Medium to large pest control and small game hunting.
- Key Features: Excellent expansion, deep penetration, and consistent build quality.
- Price: Around £12-£15 for 200 pellets
3. RWS Super-H-Point .22 Pellets
RWS Super-H-Point pellets are a great option if you want a lightweight pellet with a hollow point design that delivers rapid expansion upon impact. These pellets are known for their accuracy and are a good choice for closer-range hunting.
- Weight: 14.2 grains
- Shape: Hollow Point
- Best For: Close-range pest control and hunting small game like rats, rabbits, and birds.
- Key Features: Lightweight for flat trajectory, good expansion, and consistent quality.
- Price: Around £7-£10 for 500 pellets
4. H&N Field Target Trophy .22 Pellets
While the H&N Field Target Trophy pellets are primarily known for their use in field target shooting, they are also highly effective for hunting due to their precision and balance. The domed shape ensures stability and accuracy over longer distances, providing good penetration.
- Weight: 14.66 grains
- Shape: Domed
- Best For: Hunting small to medium game at longer distances.
- Key Features: High accuracy, consistent build quality, and available in various head sizes for fine-tuning.
- Price: Around £11-£15 for 500 pellets
5. Air Arms Diablo Hunter .22 Pellets
The Air Arms Diablo Hunter pellets are known for their high quality and consistent performance. Manufactured by JSB, these domed pellets offer a great balance of accuracy, penetration, and energy transfer, making them an excellent choice for hunters.
- Weight: 16 grains
- Shape: Domed
- Best For: All-round hunting use, especially effective for rabbits and pigeons.
- Key Features: High-quality production, consistent weight, and great aerodynamics.
- Price: Around £12-£16 for 500 pellets
6. H&N Silver Point .22 Pellets
For those who prefer a pointed pellet for maximum penetration, the H&N Silver Point offers an excellent choice. These heavy pellets are perfect for hunting larger small game where deep penetration is necessary.
- Weight: 17.13 grains
- Shape: Pointed
- Best For: Long-range shooting and hunting larger small game like wood pigeons and magpies.
- Key Features: High penetration, reliable weight distribution, and good accuracy.
- Price: Around £12-£15 for 500 pellets
Tips for Choosing the Best .22 Pellet for Hunting
- Know Your Quarry: Understand the type of game or pests you are targeting. Lighter pellets might work well for smaller game, while heavier, more penetrating pellets are needed for larger game.
- Test Multiple Pellets: Test different types of pellets in your rifle. What works best in one air rifle might not be the best in another due to differences in barrel rifling and power levels.
- Check for Consistency: High-quality pellets should be uniform in shape and weight. Variability in these factors can cause inconsistent groupings.
- Consider the Range: If you’re shooting at longer ranges, consider heavier pellets with a domed or pointed shape that can maintain their trajectory better and resist wind drift.
- Balance Between Expansion and Penetration: Hollow-point pellets offer expansion and energy transfer, which is great for quick kills on small game, while domed and pointed pellets provide deeper penetration for larger game or tougher hides.
Conclusion
Choosing the best .22 pellet for hunting in the UK comes down to understanding the game you’re after and the characteristics of your air rifle. The JSB Hades and H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme are standout choices for their excellent expansion and terminal performance. For those targeting larger game at greater distances, H&N Silver Point and Air Arms Diablo Hunter pellets provide reliable accuracy and penetration.
Remember: It’s not just about picking a popular brand or type; it’s about finding the pellet that suits your rifle and your style of hunting best. Invest the time to experiment, and you’ll be rewarded with better accuracy, cleaner kills, and more satisfying hunts