Best 22 Pellets for Accuracy UK

Finding the best .22 pellets for accuracy in the UK is like finding the key to unlock your air rifle’s true potential. There’s nothing quite like lining up your shot, feeling the trigger, and seeing that pellet hit the bullseye or drop your target precisely where you aimed. If you’re a serious shooter—whether for target practice, pest control, or small game hunting—you know how crucial it is to pick the right pellet.

What Affects Pellet Accuracy?

When choosing the best .22 pellet for accuracy, you have to consider a few essential factors:

Weight: Heavier pellets tend to maintain stability and deliver more energy on target, but they also travel slower. Lighter pellets can be faster but may be more affected by wind.
Shape: Domed (round-nosed) pellets are the go-to for accuracy. Their aerodynamic shape provides a flat trajectory and consistent performance over varying distances.
Quality: Look for pellets with consistent weight, minimal defects, and smooth surfaces.
Compatibility: Every air rifle has its own preference. A pellet that performs like a dream in one gun might scatter wildly in another.

Best .22 Pellets for Accuracy in the UK

Here are the top .22 pellets known for their accuracy and consistent performance, whether you’re punching paper targets, controlling pests, or going for small game.

1. JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo .22 Pellets

JSB is renowned for its quality control and consistency, and the JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo is a standout in the .22 pellet category. If your goal is pinpoint accuracy, these pellets are a fantastic choice.

Weight: 15.89 grains
Shape: Domed
Best For: Target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting.
Key Features: Highly uniform, smooth skirts, and excellent long-range stability.
Price Range: £12-£16 for 500 pellets

2. Air Arms Diabolo Field .22 Pellets

The Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets, produced by JSB for Air Arms, are incredibly popular among UK airgunners for their high accuracy and consistent performance. These pellets are perfect for both target shooting and hunting.

Weight: 15.9 grains
Shape: Domed
Best For: All-round use, from paper targets to small game.
Key Features: High-quality control, uniform head sizes, and consistent weight.
Price Range: £13-£17 for 500 pellets

3. H&N Field Target Trophy .22 Pellets

The H&N Field Target Trophy pellets are known for their superb build quality and consistency. These pellets are perfect for shooters looking for a versatile option that excels in both target shooting and hunting.

Weight: 14.66 grains
Shape: Domed
Best For: Field target shooting, plinking, and hunting.
Key Features: Excellent aerodynamics, available in different head sizes (5.50mm, 5.51mm, 5.52mm) to match your barrel.
Price Range: £11-£15 for 500 pellets

4. RWS Superdome .22 Pellets

The RWS Superdome is a classic choice for airgunners, providing a balance between quality, affordability, and accuracy. These pellets are versatile and work well across different types of air rifles.

Weight: 14.5 grains
Shape: Domed with a ribbed design
Best For: General target practice, plinking, and light hunting.
Key Features: High accuracy, unique ribbed design for better barrel fit, and good penetration.
Price Range: £8-£12 for 500 pellets

5. H&N Baracuda Match .22 Pellets

If you’re after long-range accuracy, the H&N Baracuda Match pellets might be your answer. These heavyweight pellets are designed for stability, even at extended distances, and provide hard-hitting power.

Weight: 21.14 grains
Shape: Domed
Best For: Long-range shooting, pest control, and hunting larger small game.
Key Features: Heavyweight for stability in the wind, multiple head sizes available, and uniform weight distribution.
Price Range: £12-£16 for 500 pellets

6. JSB Hades .22 Pellets

The JSB Hades pellets combine the accuracy of the JSB Diabolo series with a hollow-point design, making them ideal for pest control and hunting. These pellets offer a great balance of expansion and penetration.

Weight: 15.89 grains
Shape: Hollow Point (Diabolo)
Best For: Hunting and pest control.
Key Features: Exceptional accuracy with added stopping power due to hollow-point design.
Price Range: £13-£18 for 500 pellets

Tips for Choosing the Best .22 Pellet for Your Needs

Test, Test, Test: Different air rifles will perform differently with various pellets. Try several types to see which gives you the tightest groupings.
Consider Your Purpose: If you’re shooting targets, opt for lighter pellets for a flatter trajectory. For hunting, heavier pellets often deliver more energy and better terminal performance.
Check Head Sizes: Some pellets, like the H&N Field Target Trophy, come in multiple head sizes (e.g., 5.50mm, 5.51mm, 5.52mm). A slightly larger head size may create a better seal with the barrel, improving accuracy.
Maintain Your Barrel: A dirty barrel can reduce pellet accuracy. Clean it regularly to remove lead fouling, but also avoid over-cleaning, which can damage the rifling.
Adjust Scope and Shooting Technique: Make sure your rifle is zeroed correctly for the distance and pellet type you’re using. Proper trigger control, breathing, and stance are equally crucial for maximizing accuracy.

Conclusion

Choosing the best .22 pellet for accuracy in the UK boils down to understanding your air rifle, your shooting style, and the specific needs of your shooting scenario. Whether you go with the tried-and-true JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo, the versatile H&N Field Target Trophy, or the powerful H&N Baracuda Match, you can’t go wrong with these top choices.