Airgun Ammo · Buyer's Guide
Best airgun pellets for hunting, by quarry and caliber
Researched by James · Updated September 26, 2026 · Editorial policy
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Pellet shapes and their intended uses below follow Pyramyd AIR's and Airgun Depot's published guidance, linked in Sources. Weights and product names are verified against current retail listings; energy numbers are computed with the site's standard FPE formula, not measured on a chronograph for this page. Full methodology & editorial policy →
Which pellet shape actually matters for hunting?
Two shapes cover almost all hunting use: domed and hollow point. Domed pellets have a rounded, aerodynamic nose that holds velocity well and penetrates cleanly, making them the most versatile hunting choice across ranges. Hollow points have a cavity in the nose designed to expand on impact, dumping energy fast in soft tissue at closer range. Wadcutters (flat-nosed) and pointed pellets exist too, but neither is a good general hunting pick: wadcutters are built for punching clean holes in paper, and pointed pellets trade accuracy for penetration on tough-skinned pests at short range. The full rundown of every shape is in airgun pellet types explained.
Best pellets by quarry and caliber
| Quarry | Caliber | Pellet type | Example (weight) | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rats, mice, sparrows, starlings | .177 or .22 | Domed or hollow point | Crosman Premier .22 (14.3gr) | Light, cheap, plenty of energy for a head shot up close |
| Tree & ground squirrels | .22 | Domed | JSB Exact Jumbo (15.89gr) | Consistent expansion and penetration on a small, tough target |
| Cottontail rabbits | .22 | Domed | JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy (18.13gr) | Holds energy well to typical field ranges |
| Jackrabbits & larger pests | .22 or .25 | Domed or hollow point | H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme (.22, 18.52gr) | More weight and expansion for a tougher animal |
| Pigeons & collared doves | .22 | Domed | JSB Exact Jumbo (15.89gr) or Jumbo Heavy (18.13gr) | Reliable head/upper-chest penetration at range |
| Close pest control, soft tissue | .177 or .22 | Hollow point | H&N Baracuda Hunter (.177, 10.34gr) | Faster energy dump at short range |
Weights are from current manufacturer/retail listings for the named products, not independently chronographed by this site.
Hunting pellets worth starting with
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Do heavier pellets always hit harder?
At the same velocity, yes — energy scales directly with weight. But a heavier pellet also leaves a given rifle slower, since it takes more of the same air charge to move it, so the real-world gain depends on how much velocity your specific rifle loses when you go up in weight. The only honest way to know is to chronograph the pellet you actually plan to hunt with, not the number printed on the tin. Run your numbers in the FPE calculator.
Match the pellet to the energy floor, not just the quarry
A great pellet choice still has to clear the energy your quarry needs, delivered at the animal, not just at the muzzle. Rats and small birds need roughly 6-12 FPE; rabbits and squirrels need 9-12+ FPE; raccoon-sized animals need 20-40 FPE. The complete table, plus how energy bleeds off with distance, is in the airgun FPE chart. Once a pellet clears that floor, the deciding factor becomes accuracy in your specific barrel — see how to find your rifle's most accurate pellet.
When to skip pellets for slugs
Every pellet on this page is built for hunting inside roughly 50-60 yards. Past that, a slug's higher ballistic coefficient starts to win on energy retention and wind resistance. See pellets vs slugs: when should you switch? for the full comparison, and my own slug setup for what that looks like in a tuned rifle.
FAQ
What is the best all-around hunting pellet?
A quality domed pellet in the 14-19 grain range for .22, such as JSB Exact Jumbo (15.89gr) or JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy (18.13gr). Domes balance accuracy, penetration, and consistent expansion across the widest range of small game and distances.
Are hollow point pellets better for hunting than domed?
For close, soft-tissue shots on small pests, hollow points like H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme expand faster and dump energy quicker. For general small-game hunting at varied ranges, a domed pellet is more consistent, since a hollow point can fail to expand at long range once it's slowed down.
What pellet should I use for rabbits and squirrels?
A domed .22 pellet in the 14-19 grain range, aimed at the head. It needs to deliver at least 9-12 FPE at the animal; the exact speed that takes depends on your rifle, so check it against the FPE chart.
What pellet is best for pest birds like starlings and sparrows?
A lighter .177 or .22 pellet, domed or hollow point, is plenty for small birds at typical yard ranges. They need less energy than rabbit-sized game, but a solid head shot still matters for a humane, one-shot kill.
Do heavier pellets hit harder?
Yes, at the same velocity, weight is most of the energy equation. But a heavier pellet also leaves the muzzle slower from a given rifle, so the real gain depends on how much velocity your rifle loses when you switch up in weight. Chronograph the actual pellet you plan to hunt with.
Should I use pointed pellets for hunting?
Pointed pellets are built for penetration on tough-skinned pests at short range, not for general small-game hunting, where a domed or hollow-point design usually kills more reliably with a head shot.
Are more expensive pellets worth it for hunting?
Usually, yes, up to a point. Premium tins like JSB and H&N are sorted more consistently for weight and head size, which tends to mean tighter groups. But the only way to know if a premium pellet is worth it in your rifle is to test it against a cheaper option; see how to find the most accurate pellet for your air rifle.
Is .177 or .22 the better hunting pellet caliber?
.22 is the more common hunting caliber because it carries more energy at the same velocity and transfers it better into small game. Full comparison in .177 vs .22.