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.177 or .22?


steve_b_wales
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So new gun excuse fulfilled. 

I would choose a .177 pcp multi shot with a short barrel and light weight .

And the top rail that will allow a low scope to be fitted (I'm thinking bsa ultra ) set the 1- 4 x 32  or 2- 7 x 32  scope  around 1.4 inches above barrel and using cheap rws hobby at 835 fps (10.8 fpe ) zero at 25 yds this should give you a , shoot bang on rat head ,from 10 - 30 yds  no holding off .often ratting is fast action  so a quick bolt or side lever is good .

This combo may give you the ability to add a nv scope on the back of the scope or swap out for a dedicated optic .

All my bsa s really like the air arms match .177 flat heads even at fac power .(above 1000 fps they still hold a group at 25 yds ) that  almost makes rats explode  . 

Not as cheap as hobbys but work well .

The h+n econ .177 flat heads are really good also . and very cheap . 

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On 05/01/2025 at 19:38, Fisheruk said:

Some may say that more power or a larger calibre is over kill. There’s no such thing as over kill. Dead is dead!

I once shot a rat with a .308. 
You could tell that was overkill, it was dead all over the place!

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On 05/01/2025 at 12:58, steve_b_wales said:

Purely for rat shooting at ranges no more that 20 yards, what would be the best calibre? I've got a standard ..22 and a FAC one but thinking of getting a .177.

For me, sub 12 ft/lb I prefer .177 as it shoots flatter over my preferred range. I use this more most things. Normally I would only consider .22/.25 if it was FAC.

However - for rats at no more than 20 yards I would use a .22. No pellet drop issues and I find it just has more stopping power.

Having shot rats with both .177 and .22, I find they disagree more with the larger calibre. Never had issues with over penetration or ricochets with either. Shot placement and backdrop help reduce that risk.

As for pellets, I've always liked H&N in both calibres. It is personal choice and gun dependant as always.

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