Best Air Rifle Ammo for pest control is essential for ensuring accuracy, power, and humane results when managing unwanted pests. The right ammunition can make the difference between a clean, effective shot and a missed opportunity, especially when dealing with targets that require precision and stopping power. Factors such as caliber, pellet shape, weight, and quality manufacturing all play a crucial role in determining performance. By understanding how these elements work together, shooters can select pellets that deliver consistent accuracy, maximum energy transfer, and reliable results in a variety of pest control situations.
Best Air Rifle Ammo for Pest Control
1.JSB 546289-200 Straton Jumbo Monster Air Gun Pellets .22 Cal, 25.39 Grains, 200ct
The JSB 546289-200 Straton Jumbo Monster Air Gun Pellets .22 Cal, 25.39 Grains, 200ct Designed with a high ballistic coefficient, it offers less drag in flight and superior energy transfer upon impact. This translates to devastating terminal performance—ideal for ensuring humane, one-shot dispatches of pests.
The pellet’s intermediate weight and round nose profile enhance flight stability, delivering unmatched accuracy across a variety of ranges. Whether you’re lining up on a squirrel at 25 yards or testing the limits of your rifle at 100 yards, this pellet remains steady and predictable. It’s not just a short-range powerhouse; its long-range capabilities make it a versatile choice for hunters targeting medium-sized game such as hares, foxes, and pest birds.
What truly sets this pellet apart is its precise craftsmanship. Each pellet is carefully manufactured, perfectly balanced, and hand-picked for quality control, ensuring consistency shot after shot. The special shape, optimal center-of-gravity distribution, and flawless alignment make it a top choice not only for pest control but also for Field Target competitions and extreme-distance shooting—up to 200 meters. With its proven track record (used by at least 90% of participants in the 2011 Field Target World Championship), this pellet has earned its place among the most respected ammunition on the market.
Specifications
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Type: Hollow point, round nose
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Weight: Heavy/intermediate (varies by caliber)
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Ballistic Coefficient: Extremely high for reduced drag and improved long-range performance
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Application: Pest control, hunting medium-sized game, Field Target competition, extreme-distance shooting
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Range Effectiveness: 0–200 meters
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Quality Control: Hand-picked, precision manufactured
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Accuracy Test Standard: 5-shot group within 12 mm at 45 m
Key Features
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Heavy-Hitting Performance: Hollow point design and high BC ensure maximum knockdown power.
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Incredible Accuracy: Round nose shape stabilizes flight for tight groupings.
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Hunting Ready: Perfect for medium-sized game and pest animals.
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Long-Range Capable: Maintains accuracy and energy delivery well beyond typical air rifle distances.
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World-Class Quality: Hand-picked and extensively tested to guarantee performance.
Pros
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Exceptional stopping power with humane results
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Consistent, competition-grade accuracy
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Excellent for both close and long-range shooting
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Versatile for hunting, pest control, and sport shooting
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Trusted by elite shooters worldwide
Cons
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Heavy weight may require more powerful air rifles for best results
2.PREDATOR INTERNATIONAL Polymag Short Airgun Pellets, 177 Cal, 8 Grains, 200 ct/400 ct (1010-01)
The PREDATOR INTERNATIONAL Polymag Short Airgun Pellets, 177 Cal, 8 Grains, 200 ct/400 ct (1010-01) is built to do exactly that. Its specialized hollow point design, paired with an exceptionally high ballistic coefficient, means less air resistance during flight and maximum energy transfer upon impact. The result is devastating knockdown power, making it a top choice for humane, one-shot kills on common pests.
Accuracy is another strong suit. As an intermediate-weight, round nose pellet, it provides stable flight and consistent trajectories. Whether you’re aiming at a squirrel in the treetops or a hare at the edge of a field, you can rely on tight groupings and predictable performance. The aerodynamic shape ensures it holds its energy longer, making it equally effective at both short and extended ranges.
Its heavy weight and precise engineering make it particularly suited for hunting medium-sized game, such as foxes, pigeons, rabbits, and other nuisance animals. This pellet is not only versatile but also highly dependable, thanks to meticulous manufacturing and hand-picked quality control. Every pellet is carefully balanced for perfect alignment, ensuring your rifle’s accuracy potential is fully realized.
Whether you’re dealing with close-range pest removal or stretching your shots out to greater distances, this pellet offers the perfect blend of power, precision, and consistency—earning its place among the best air rifle ammo options for serious pest control work.
Specifications
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Type: Hollow point, round nose
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Weight: Heavy / intermediate (varies by caliber)
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Ballistic Coefficient: Extremely high for improved flight and energy retention
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Application: Pest control, medium game hunting
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Effective Range: Short to long range
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Quality Control: Hand-picked, precision manufacturing
Pros
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High knockdown power for humane pest control
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Consistently accurate at varying distances
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Versatile for both hunting and pest removal
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Retains energy well at long range
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Quality-controlled for reliability
Cons
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Heavier weight may require more powerful air rifles
3.Crosman LUM77 Premier Domed Field 10.5g Target Pellets in a Tin, SILVER (500 Count)
The Crosman LUM77 Premier Domed Field 10.5g Target Pellets in a Tin, SILVER (500 Count)delivers exactly that. Designed for shooters who demand consistent accuracy and decisive impact, it strikes the perfect balance between weight and aerodynamics. The heavier build compared to standard .177 pellets allows for superior energy retention downrange, ensuring your shots remain effective even at longer distances.
Each pellet is engineered for tight tolerances, resulting in consistent size, shape, and weight. This meticulous production process means improved flight stability, reduced deviation, and better groupings on target. Whether you’re engaging pests like squirrels, pigeons, or starlings, you can trust these pellets to hit hard and fly true.
The 10.5 grain weight also makes this pellet ideal for higher-powered air rifles. Heavier pellets tend to resist wind drift better and carry more momentum upon impact—key advantages when hunting or conducting pest control outdoors. Combined with a generous quantity of 500 count per tin, this ammo offers both performance and value for the serious airgunner.
Specifications
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Caliber: .177
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Weight: 10.5 grain
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Quantity: 500 pellets per tin
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Type: Heavyweight pellet for high power and long-range stability
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Best Use: Pest control, small game hunting, target shooting
Pros
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Excellent stopping power for a .177 pellet
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Maintains accuracy over longer distances
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Better wind resistance than lighter pellets
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Large quantity offers great value
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Works well in high-powered air rifles
Cons
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May be too heavy for low-powered springers or CO₂ rifles
4.H&N Sport Hornet Pointed Airgun Pellets
The H&N Sport Hornet Pointed Airgun Pelletslead hunting pellet delivers. Built as a medium-weight, precision-engineered hunting round, it combines lethal effectiveness with superb flight stability. Designed for medium-range shooting, it’s perfect for situations where accuracy and terminal performance must go hand in hand.
The Hornet’s aerodynamic profile and snug barrel fit create an optimal seal, ensuring consistent muzzle velocity and tight groupings. Whether you’re targeting small pests or medium-size game, these pellets excel in delivering high impact and reliable penetration, followed by controlled expansion to ensure a humane takedown.
This makes them an outstanding choice for hunters dealing with raccoons, foxes, prairie pests, ducks, hares, pheasants, and even geese. The lead construction ensures excellent energy transfer, while the medium weight keeps performance balanced for both spring-piston and PCP air rifles. With 225 pellets per pack, you’ll have plenty of ammo for extended pest control or hunting sessions—all while enjoying the same excellent shooting experience, every time.
Specifications
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Caliber: 0.177 inches
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Quantity: 225 pellets
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Style: Single Pack
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Item Type: Hornet Airgun Pellets
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Material: Lead
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Color: Gray
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Dimensions: 2.64 × 1.26 inches
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Performance: Medium-weight, high impact, penetration + controlled expansion
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Best Use: Medium-range hunting & pest control
Key Features
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Devastating Mid-Range Performance: High impact energy with deep penetration
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Controlled Expansion: Designed to maximize lethality without over-penetration
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Perfect for Hunting Medium Game: Ideal for raccoon, fox, prairie pests, hare, pheasant, goose, and duck
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Precision Manufacturing: Consistent size, shape, and weight for accuracy
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Great Barrel Seal: Aerodynamic design ensures consistent flight and tight groupings
Pros
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High knockdown power for medium-size game
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Accurate and consistent shot placement
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Works well in various hunting air rifles
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Aerodynamic shape improves trajectory and range
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Precision manufacturing reduces pellet-to-pellet variation
Cons
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Smaller quantity (225) compared to bulk target pellets
5. H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme .22 caliber hollowpoint pellet
the H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme .22 caliber hollowpoint pellet is a proven choice. Engineered with a unique deep, cross-shaped hollow tip, it’s designed to deliver tremendous shock on impact, ensuring rapid energy transfer and maximum stopping power. This is not just another hunting pellet—it’s a precision tool built for serious pest control and medium-game hunting.
Perfect for magnum-powered air rifles, the Baracuda Hunter Extreme offers exceptional penetration and controlled expansion. Its heavy .22 caliber build ensures stability in flight, while the hollowpoint mushrooming effect delivers a lethal blow on contact. Whether you’re targeting raccoons, rabbits, hares, foxes, prairie dogs,skunks, or rats, this pellet is designed to drop your quarry quickly and humanely.
Accuracy is another hallmark of the Baracuda Hunter Extreme. Precision manufacturing ensures every pellet is consistent in weight, shape, and size, resulting in tight groupings even at extended ranges. A screw-on lid tin keeps your pellets secure and prevents accidental spills, making them as practical to carry as they are effective to shoot.
Ballistic soap testing with a Weihrauch HW100 in .22 caliber (40 J / 29.5 ft-lbs) at 10 meters demonstrated the pellet’s ability to penetrate 8.5 cm (3.35 inches) at a velocity of 257 m/s (843 fps)—clear proof of its devastating force. For hunters and pest controllers who want reliable, hard-hitting performance, the Baracuda Hunter Extreme remains one of the most trusted names in the field.
Specifications
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Brand / Model: H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
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Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)
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Pellet Shape: Hollowpoint (cross-shaped tip)
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Use: Hunting / Pest Control
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Best For: Medium game & pests (raccoon, rabbit, hare, fox, prairie dog, skunk, rat)
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Material: Lead
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Tested Ballistics:
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Depth of penetration: 8.5 cm (3.35 in) in ballistic soap
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Velocity: 257 m/s (843 fps)
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Test rifle: Weihrauch HW100 (.22 / 40 J / 29.5 ft-lbs)
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Range: 10 m (11 yds)
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Packaging: Screw-on lid tin to prevent spills
Key Features
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Devastating Shock Effect: Cross-shaped hollow tip for rapid energy transfer
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Exceptional Penetration: Ballistic-tested for deep impact on medium game
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Unmatched Accuracy: Consistent manufacturing for precise, repeatable shots
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Perfect for Magnum Air Rifles: Heavy design for stability and knockdown power
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Secure Storage: Screw-on lid prevents pellet loss in the field
Pros
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Tremendous stopping power on small to medium game
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Highly accurate for hunting and target shooting
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Proven ballistic performance with deep penetration
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Suitable for a variety of pest species
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Secure, spill-proof pellet tin
Cons
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Best performance requires a magnum-powered air rifle
Also read;5 Best Air Rifle Ammo for Small Game
Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Air Rifle Ammo for Pest Control
1. Caliber Selection
The caliber of your pellet is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make. Common air rifle calibers for pest control are .177, .20, .22, and .25. A .177 pellet travels faster and is excellent for accuracy and flatter trajectories but may lack the heavier punch needed for larger pests. A .22 pellet, on the other hand, carries more mass, delivering higher knockdown power and better energy transfer, making it ideal for medium-sized pests like raccoons or rabbits. Larger calibers like .25 are used for maximum impact on tougher game but require a powerful rifle. Choosing the right caliber ensures you balance accuracy, penetration, and energy delivery for the type of pests you’re targeting.
2. Pellet Shape and Design
Pellets come in different shapes—domed, pointed, hollowpoint, wadcutter, and specialty designs—each influencing performance. Domed pellets are excellent for accuracy over longer ranges, making them a solid all-around choice. Hollowpoints expand upon impact, increasing shock effect and lethality, which is ideal for pest control where a humane, one-shot kill is desired. Pointed pellets offer better penetration for thicker-skinned or feathered pests but may sacrifice some expansion. Understanding your hunting needs will help you pick a design that delivers the right combination of flight stability and terminal performance.
3. Pellet Weight
Weight affects both trajectory and impact energy. Lightweight pellets travel faster but lose energy more quickly and can be affected by wind. Heavier pellets retain energy over longer distances and hit harder but require a powerful rifle to maintain adequate velocity. For pest control, heavier pellets (e.g., 10.5 gr in .177 or 18–21 gr in .22) often deliver better penetration and knockdown power, especially for medium-range shots. Matching pellet weight to your rifle’s power level is essential for optimal performance.
4. Accuracy and Consistency
In pest control, accuracy is non-negotiable—missed shots can wound instead of cleanly killing. The best pellets are manufactured to tight tolerances, ensuring consistent size, weight, and shape. This consistency leads to tight shot groupings and repeatable results. Testing different pellet brands in your rifle is important because even high-quality pellets can perform differently depending on barrel design. The more consistent your ammo, the more confident you’ll be when taking precision shots at live targets.
5. Energy Transfer and Penetration
Effective pest control requires a pellet that not only hits the target but also delivers sufficient energy to humanely dispatch the animal. This comes down to penetration and expansion. For small pests like rats or pigeons, lighter hollowpoints may work best, as they expand rapidly and create more shock. For larger animals like raccoons or hares, you’ll need a heavier pellet with controlled expansion and deeper penetration to reach vital organs. The ideal pellet achieves a balance—enough penetration to do lethal damage without over-penetrating and wasting energy.
6. Range and Ballistics
The shooting distance greatly affects pellet choice. For short-range pest control (under 20 yards), most shapes and weights will work, but expansion-focused hollowpoints often excel. For medium to long range (30–50 yards), you need pellets with a high ballistic coefficient (BC), such as domed or specialty hunting pellets, that maintain velocity and resist wind drift. If you regularly shoot at longer ranges, select ammo specifically designed for stable flight and energy retention, so you’re not sacrificing accuracy or power.
7. Rifle Compatibility
Not every pellet works equally well in every air rifle. Barrel twist rate, rifling type, and powerplant (spring-piston, gas piston, or PCP) can influence pellet performance. Magnum-powered rifles may perform better with heavier pellets, while lower-powered rifles might require lighter options to maintain speed. Always test several pellet types in your rifle to find the “sweet spot” where accuracy, power, and consistency align. Pellet fit is also important—a snug seal ensures maximum air efficiency and velocity, while too loose or too tight can hurt accuracy.
8. Quality and Brand Reputation
Reputable brands like H&N, JSB, Crosman, RWS, and Predator Polymag have earned their status through decades of producing reliable, consistent pellets. Premium brands often undergo hand-picking or strict quality control processes to eliminate defective rounds, ensuring every pellet performs as intended. While cheaper pellets may be tempting for bulk plinking, pest control demands consistency and performance—investing in a trusted brand reduces the risk of misfires, fliers, or inconsistent results, especially when dealing with live targets.
Frequent Asked Question Best Air Rifle Ammo for Pest Control
1. What caliber is best for pest control with an air rifle?
The ideal caliber depends on the size of the pests you’re targeting. For small pests like rats, pigeons, or starlings, .177 caliber offers excellent accuracy and flatter trajectories. For larger pests such as squirrels, rabbits, or raccoons, .22 caliber is preferred because it delivers more knockdown power and energy transfer. If you need maximum stopping power for tougher game, .25 caliber can be effective but requires a more powerful rifle.
2. Which pellet shape is most effective for pest control?
Hollowpoint pellets are widely considered the best choice for pest control because they expand on impact, creating a greater shock effect and ensuring a more humane kill. However, for longer-range shots, domed pellets or specialized hunting designs with high ballistic coefficients maintain better accuracy and velocity. If you need deeper penetration for thicker-skinned animals, pointed pellets can be useful.
3. How do I know which pellet will work best in my rifle?
Different air rifles perform differently with the same pellet type due to variations in barrel design, rifling, and power output. The best approach is to buy small quantities of several high-quality pellet types—such as hollowpoint, domed, and pointed—from reputable brands like H&N, JSB, or Crosman. Test each type for accuracy, consistency, and performance on your intended targets. Keep track of group sizes and impact results to determine the perfect match for your rifle.
Conclusion
In conclusion best air rifle ammo for pest control ultimately comes down to matching the right caliber, weight, and pellet design to your specific hunting needs and the capabilities of your rifle. By choosing high-quality, precision-crafted pellets that balance accuracy, power, and consistency, you can ensure clean, humane shots and reliable performance in the field. Whether you’re dealing with small rodents or larger nuisance animals, the right ammo will maximize your effectiveness while maintaining ethical hunting practices.