Hunting Caliber

[Fisherman Mike]

No Not in my experience. Wind effect would probably be less on the .22 as it has a higher mass.

 

I have used the Crossman premier at .177 for shooting crows, flappers, jackdaws and Pigeon and it does the job well enough but I have never found a better pellet than the accu pell in either calibre.

 

I suscribed to the old adage .22 for fur .177 for feather and have had no reason to change my views.

 

Cheers

 

FM.

[sharp_shooter]

Anyone else got an opinion to help out, it seems only one person has given any help so far!

[1 of 5]

Don't pick a pellet for hunting. Pick the one that groups best in your gun. If you hit the spot the quarry won't give a stuff what it was that hit it. The only time I'd specifically choose a pellet for a job is on very close range ratting where overpenetration is a potential problem requireing a flathead or hollowpoint, and accuracy is not a major issue due to the short distances.

[The Shootist]

Please answer

Neither...

 

.20 cal with 11 to 12 grain pellets...

 

Perfect 12 ftlb hunting tool.

 

Tony

[Scotsman]

Right, assuming you are talking about sub 12 lb.ft power, here you go:

 

.177 flies flatter therefore less sensitive to range estimation errors

.177 is less affected by wind (not what you would think!)

.22 packs more retained power at all ranges (e.g. 11 ft.lb at muzzle equates to 8.3 lb.ft versus 6.6 lb.ft @ 40 yards)

.22 makes a bigger hole, damages more tissue and imparts more energy into your quarry.

 

Personally, I use .22 but with years of practice I can estimate +/- 2 yards out to 40 yards. Since you are asking the question, you obviously have little experience and therefore .177 is the better choice to you.

 

As for the pellets, Air Arms Field in 4.52 (1.77) or 5.52 (.22) perform best in Air Arms barrels. They also have some of the best BC values of any pellet (better downrange velocity).