Best Air Rifle Pellets for Pigeons

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Hunting or pest control with an air rifle requires careful consideration of the type of pellet used, especially when targeting birds like pigeons. The right pellet will provide the accuracy, penetration, and stopping power needed to ensure a humane kill. Here’s a guide to the best air rifle pellets for hunting pigeons, focusing on .22 and .177 calibers, which are commonly used for this purpose.

What to Look for in Pellets for Hunting Pigeons

When selecting pellets for pigeon hunting, consider the following:

  • Caliber: Both .22 and .177 calibers are effective, but .22 offers more stopping power due to its heavier weight, while .177 provides higher velocity and flatter trajectories.
  • Weight: Heavier pellets (14-21 grains for .22 and 8-10 grains for .177) are preferable for their ability to retain energy and provide deeper penetration.
  • Shape: Domed pellets are excellent for long-range accuracy, while hollow point pellets offer expansion upon impact, ensuring effective energy transfer and a quick, humane kill.
  • Accuracy: Precision is crucial for hitting vital areas like the head or chest. Consistent weight and shape are important for accuracy.
  • Penetration: The pellet should penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs, ensuring an ethical kill.

Best .22 Pellets for Hunting Pigeons

1. JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo .22 Pellets

JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo pellets are renowned for their accuracy and consistency. These domed pellets are perfect for longer-range shooting, offering excellent stability and energy retention.

  • Weight: 15.89 grains
  • Shape: Domed
  • Best For: Medium to long-range hunting; ideal for accurate shots on pigeons.
  • Key Features: High-quality manufacturing, consistent weight, excellent aerodynamics.
  • Price: Around £13-£16 for 500 pellets.
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2. H&N Baracuda Hunter .22 Pellets

The H&N Baracuda Hunter pellets are designed specifically for hunting. These heavier hollow-point pellets deliver powerful expansion and deep penetration, making them highly effective for quick, humane kills.

  • Weight: 18.52 grains
  • Shape: Hollow Point
  • Best For: Medium-range hunting with an emphasis on stopping power and expansion.
  • Key Features: Exceptional expansion, high energy transfer, consistent performance.
  • Price: Around £12-£15 for 200 pellets.

3. Air Arms Diabolo Field .22 Pellets

The Air Arms Diabolo Field pellets are known for their consistent accuracy and are a great all-around choice for hunting pigeons. These domed pellets provide a good balance of penetration and energy transfer.

  • Weight: 16 grains
  • Shape: Domed
  • Best For: All-round hunting, effective at various distances.
  • Key Features: High-quality build, great aerodynamic stability, reliable accuracy.
  • Price: Around £12-£16 for 500 pellets.

Best .177 Pellets for Hunting Pigeons

1. JSB Exact Diabolo .177 Pellets

The JSB Exact Diabolo pellets in .177 caliber are known for their high accuracy and consistency, making them an excellent choice for long-range shots on pigeons. Their domed shape ensures they maintain energy and accuracy over longer distances.

  • Weight: 8.44 grains
  • Shape: Domed
  • Best For: Precision shooting at longer ranges; ideal for headshots.
  • Key Features: Extremely consistent weight and shape, smooth flight path.
  • Price: Around £10-£14 for 500 pellets.

2. H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme .177 Pellets

For those who prefer a .177 pellet with more stopping power, the H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme pellets are a great option. The cross-hollowpoint design ensures maximum expansion upon impact.

  • Weight: 9.57 grains
  • Shape: Hollow Point with cross-shaped head
  • Best For: Close to medium-range hunting, providing quick, humane kills.
  • Key Features: Superior expansion, high energy transfer, reliable accuracy.
  • Price: Around £12-£15 for 400 pellets.
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3. RWS Superdome .177 Pellets

RWS Superdome pellets are a versatile choice known for their accuracy and reliable performance. These domed pellets offer good penetration and are effective for hunting pigeons at various ranges.

  • Weight: 8.3 grains
  • Shape: Domed
  • Best For: All-purpose hunting, effective at both close and long ranges.
  • Key Features: Good penetration, consistent performance, affordable pricing.
  • Price: Around £7-£10 for 500 pellets.

Tips for Hunting Pigeons with an Air Rifle

  1. Aim for Vital Areas: For a humane kill, aim for the head or chest area. Pigeons have small vital zones, so precision is key.
  2. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will improve your accuracy, especially at varying distances. Familiarize yourself with the trajectory of your chosen pellets.
  3. Consider the Range: If you’re shooting at longer distances, heavier domed pellets like the JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo in .22 or JSB Exact Diabolo in .177 are ideal due to their stability and energy retention.
  4. Check for Consistency: Choose pellets with minimal weight and size variation to ensure tight groupings and reliable performance.
  5. Maintain Your Rifle: Keep your air rifle clean and well-maintained. A clean barrel improves pellet accuracy and consistency.

Conclusion

Selecting the best pellets for hunting pigeons with an air rifle comes down to finding a balance between accuracy, penetration, and stopping power. JSB Exact Diabolo in both .22 and .177 calibers are excellent choices for their precision and consistency. For hunters who need more stopping power, H&N Baracuda Hunter and H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme offer superior expansion and energy transfer.

Always test different pellets in your rifle to determine which performs best, ensuring effective and ethical hunting every time.

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