When it comes to hunting with a .22 air rifle in the UK, choosing the right pellet is essential for achieving a clean, humane kill. The best .22 pellets for hunting are those that provide a balance of accuracy, penetration, and stopping power. Whether you’re targeting rabbits, squirrels, or other small game, the right pellet can make all the difference in terms of performance and effectiveness.
What to Look for in .22 Pellets for Hunting
When selecting .22 pellets for hunting, consider these key factors:
- Weight: Heavier pellets (14 to 21 grains) generally retain more energy, provide better penetration, and are less affected by wind. This is important for effective shots, especially at longer distances.
- Shape: Hollow point and domed pellets are the most popular choices for hunting. Hollow points offer expansion on impact, which helps transfer energy and causes more damage. Domed pellets provide a balance of penetration and accuracy, making them effective for longer-range shots.
- Consistency and Quality: High-quality lead pellets are preferred for their consistency in weight and shape, leading to better accuracy and performance.
- Rifle Compatibility: Not every pellet performs the same in every rifle. It’s crucial to test different types to see which ones work best with your specific air rifle.
Best .22 Pellets for Hunting in the UK
Here are some of the best .22 pellets for hunting in the UK, known for their accuracy, stopping power, and consistent performance:
1. JSB Hades .22 Pellets
The JSB Hades pellets are designed specifically for hunting, combining the accuracy of the JSB Exact series with a hollow-point design that ensures maximum expansion upon impact. These pellets are highly regarded for their consistency and knockdown power.
- Weight: 15.89 grains
- Shape: Hollow Point
- Best For: Hunting small game like rabbits, squirrels, and pigeons at medium ranges.
- Key Features: Excellent expansion, high energy transfer, consistent build quality, highly accurate.
- 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 hunting. They feature a unique cross-hollowpoint design, enhancing energy transfer and expansion, making them ideal for quick, humane kills on small game.
- Weight: 18.52 grains
- Shape: Hollow Point with cross-shaped head
- Best For: Medium to long-range hunting; great for rabbits, wood pigeons, and other small game.
- Key Features: Exceptional expansion, deep penetration, reliable accuracy, and high-quality construction.
- Price: Around £12-£15 for 200 pellets.
3. Air Arms Diabolo Field .22 Pellets
Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets are known for their precision and consistent performance. Manufactured by JSB for Air Arms, these domed pellets offer a good balance between accuracy, penetration, and energy transfer.
- Weight: 16 grains
- Shape: Domed
- Best For: All-round hunting, effective for a variety of small game at varying distances.
- Key Features: High-quality, consistent weight and size, great aerodynamic stability.
- Price: Around £12-£16 for 500 pellets.
4. RWS Super-H-Point .22 Pellets
RWS Super-H-Point pellets are lightweight hollow-point pellets known for their rapid expansion on impact, making them highly effective at close to medium ranges. These pellets provide reliable accuracy and knockdown power.
- Weight: 14.2 grains
- Shape: Hollow Point
- Best For: Close-range hunting of small game like rats, rabbits, and squirrels.
- Key Features: Quick expansion, flat trajectory, affordable pricing.
- Price: Around £7-£10 for 500 pellets.
5. H&N Field Target Trophy .22 Pellets
While H&N Field Target Trophy pellets are often associated with target shooting, they are highly effective for hunting due to their accuracy and consistent performance. Their domed shape is perfect for precision shots and provides good penetration.
- Weight: 14.66 grains
- Shape: Domed
- Best For: Longer-range hunting where accuracy is crucial, ideal for rabbits and other small game.
- Key Features: Exceptional build quality, available in various head sizes (5.50mm, 5.51mm, 5.52mm) to fine-tune performance.
- Price: Around £11-£15 for 500 pellets.
6. H&N Silver Point .22 Pellets
The H&N Silver Point pellets are designed for deep penetration, making them an excellent choice for hunters targeting larger small game or shooting at longer distances. These pointed pellets offer excellent accuracy and penetration.
- 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, consistent weight, and good stability.
- Price: Around £12-£15 for 500 pellets.
Tips for Choosing the Right .22 Pellet for Hunting
- Test Multiple Pellets: Different air rifles perform better with different pellets. Test several types to determine which ones provide the best accuracy and groupings for your specific setup.
- Consider the Hunting Environment: If you are hunting in windy conditions or at longer distances, opt for heavier pellets that provide better stability and penetration.
- Prioritize Accuracy: The most critical factor for humane hunting is accuracy. Even the most powerful pellet is ineffective if it doesn’t hit the target precisely.
- Balance Between Expansion and Penetration: Choose hollow-point pellets for rapid expansion and domed or pointed pellets for deeper penetration, depending on the size of the game and distance.
- Maintain Your Rifle and Practice Regularly: A clean barrel and regular practice will ensure consistent performance and better shot placement when it matters most.
Conclusion
Selecting the best .22 pellet for hunting in the UK is about finding a balance between accuracy, penetration, and stopping power. JSB Hades and H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme are standout choices for their expansion and terminal performance, ensuring quick and humane kills. For those who need deeper penetration or long-range accuracy, Air Arms Diabolo Field and H&N Silver Point pellets are excellent alternatives.
Test different pellets to find the one that works best with your rifle and suits your hunting style, ensuring effective and ethical hunting every time.