6 Best Air Rifle Pellets for Hunting

Best Air Rifle Pellets for Hunting is essential for ensuring accuracy, humane kills, and optimal performance in the field. With a wide variety of pellet types, calibers, and materials available, selecting the right one can significantly impact your success and effectiveness as a hunter.Factors such as the type of game, shooting distance, and the specific characteristics of your air rifle all play a critical role in determining which pellets will deliver the best results. Whether you’re targeting small pests or larger game, understanding how these variables influence pellet performance will help you make an informed and effective choice.

Best Air Rifle Pellets for Hunting

1.JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 Cal, 18.13 gr.- 250 Ct.

 

 

When it comes to hunting with an air rifle, precision and power are everything—and JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy pellets deliver both with authority. Manufactured by JSB, a brand renowned for its premium-quality airgun ammunition, these .22 caliber, 18.13 grain domed pellets are considered by many airgun hunters and target shooters alike to be among the very best on the market.

These pellets are crafted from lead and finished in a classic black color, designed to maintain high performance across a variety of airgun platforms. Thanks to their slightly lightened design, the Exact Jumbo Heavy offers a significant speed boost without compromising accuracy or downrange energy. This makes them especially well-suited for medium-powered air rifles and PCP systems where pellet stability and terminal ballistics are crucial for a humane harvest.

Key Features

• Caliber: .22 (5.5mm)

• Weight: 18.13 grains

• Nose Style: Domed

• Pellet Count: 250 per tin

• Material: Lead

• Use Case: Hunting, target shooting

• Brand: JSB (Josef Schulz Bohumin)

• Condition: New

• Sport Type: Airsoft / Air gun

• Style: Classic

• Performance Note: Slightly lightened for improved velocity in restricted-power rifles.

Pros

• Exceptional accuracy – Consistent groupings even at 50+ yards.

• Excellent ballistic coefficient – Retains energy and velocity well.

• Domed design – Ideal for stability in flight and long-range hunting.

• Great for small to medium game – Reliable knockdown power on squirrels, rabbits, and similar targets.

• High manufacturing consistency – Minimal variation between pellets.

• Works well in both springers and PCPs – Versatile performance across platforms.

• Reliable expansion and penetration – Especially with higher-powered rifles.

Cons

• Lead material – Not ideal for hunters in areas with lead restrictions.

Premium price point – Slightly more expensive than generic brands.

2.Air Venturi H&N Baracuda Match Domed Airgun Pellets .22 Caliber / 21.14 Grains (200 Count), Silver

 

 

 

When precision and power matter, especially for long-range hunting or pest control, the Air Venturi H&N Baracuda Match pellets deliver a level of performance that’s hard to beat. Engineered for use with high-powered PCP and spring-piston air rifles, these .22 caliber, 21.14 grain domed pellets offer excellent energy retention and laser-like accuracy, making them one of the top choices for serious airgun hunters.

With their round nose (domed) design and consistent 5.51 mm head size, Baracuda Match pellets provide exceptional stability and minimal drag, which translates to tight shot groups at ranges up to 55 yards (50 meters). These pellets are perfect for dispatching small to medium game like raccoons, rabbits, foxes, ducks, and even pheasants, thanks to their deep penetration and hard-hitting terminal performance.

Unlike lighter pellets that lose energy quickly at distance, the 21.14-grain weight of the Baracuda Match ensures it retains enough velocity and energy for clean, humane kills, especially when fired from a PCP rifle. And thanks to the high-quality lead alloy and specialized lubrication, these pellets minimize barrel fouling — a big plus for long shooting sessions in the field.

Key Features

• Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)

• Weight: 21.14 grains

• Pellet Shape: Round Nose (Domed)

• Head Size: 5.51 mm

• Quantity: 200 pellets

• Material: Lead (Silver Finish)

• Minimum Muzzle Energy: 18.5 ft-lbs (Recommended)

• Effective Range: Up to 55 yards (50 meters)

• Ideal For: Hunting, pest control, target shooting

Pros

• High-impact penetration – Ideal for medium game and pest control.

• Incredible long-range accuracy – Stable flight path with tight groupings.

• Aerodynamic domed shape – Reduces wind drift and energy loss.

• Minimized barrel fouling – Thanks to special lead alloy and lube coating.

• Trusted performance – Proven results in PCP and spring-piston rifles.

• Heavy pellet – Retains velocity and energy over long distances.

• Great for larger air-powered platforms – Designed to match the power of modern air rifles.

Cons

• Not ideal for low-power air guns – Heavy weight requires higher muzzle energy to perform optimally.

3.Predator Polymag 1011-01 Short Air Gun Pellets .22 Cal, 16 Grains, Short, 8G, 200ct

 

 

If you’re looking for a hunting pellet that delivers the perfect combination of accuracy, velocity, and devastating terminal impact, the Predator Polymag 1011-01 Short Pellets are a serious contender. Designed specifically for high-impact small-game hunting, these .22 caliber pellets stand out thanks to their polymer-tipped hollow point design, giving them both superior aerodynamics and explosive knockdown power.

At 16 grains, these pellets are lighter than some of the heavyweights in the .22 category, but don’t let that fool you—they hit hard, thanks to their high ballistic coefficient and exceptional energy transfer. The polymer tip improves penetration while the hollow point expands on impact, creating devastating wound channels ideal for humanely taking small to medium game like squirrels, rabbits, and even raccoons at close to medium ranges.

Designed with alloy wadcutter geometry, these pellets are not just lethal—they’re also remarkably accurate. Their short design ensures smooth chambering and compatibility with a wider range of air rifles, including magazine-fed PCPs that sometimes struggle with longer projectiles. Every pellet is precision crafted and hand-sorted, ensuring consistency from shot to shot.

Key Features

• Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)

• Weight: 16 grains

• Pellet Type: Hollow Point with Polymer Tip

• Design: Short, round nose with alloy wadcutter shape

• Material: Lead with polymer tip (may include aluminum alloy variant)

• Ballistic Profile: High ballistic coefficient for long-range performance

• Count: 200 pellets per tin

• Department: Unisex-adult

• Intended Use: Hunting, pest control, youth shooting sports

• Compatibility: Ideal for magazine-fed air rifles and PCPs

Pros

• Devastating terminal impact – Hollow point with polymer tip delivers expansion and energy transfer.

• High accuracy – Intermediate weight and aerodynamic shape provide stable flight.

• Great for hunting – Effective on pests and small to medium game at extended ranges.

• Short design – Compatible with rotary magazines and tight chambers.

• Hand-selected for quality – High consistency and minimal defects.

• Youth-friendly – Performs well even in lighter or mid-power air guns.

• Lead-free option available – Competitive with top-tier alloy pellets.

Cons

Slightly more expensive – Premium pellet at a higher price point.

4.H&N Terminator Airgun Pellets 0.22 Cal, 16.36 Grains, Hollowpoint, 200 Count, Gray, .22 Cal (PY-P-1103)

 

 

If you’re an airgun hunter looking for a pellet that combines accuracy, expansion, and stopping power, the H&N Terminator .22 Cal Hollowpoint is a standout choice. Designed for medium-range hunting, these 16.36-grain pellets offer the ideal balance between velocity and terminal effectiveness, making them lethal on pests and small to medium game.

Crafted by Haendler & Natermann (H&N)—a trusted name in precision pellet manufacturing—Terminator pellets are engineered for controlled expansion upon impact. Each pellet features a smooth body with a tapered tip and a hollow point cavity, providing excellent penetration followed by rapid deformation. This combination creates maximum shock effect, increasing your chances of quick, humane kills.

With a recommended minimum muzzle energy of 12 ft-lbs, these pellets perform exceptionally well in both spring-piston and PCP rifles. They’re especially effective within medium ranges (out to about 40–50 yards), where their accuracy and energy delivery make them ideal for taking down rabbits, squirrels, and other small game.

Key Features

• Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)

• Weight: 16.36 grains

• Pellet Type: Hollow Point with tapered tip

• Material: Lead (gray finish)

• Count: 200 pellets per tin

• Muzzle Energy Requirement: Minimum 12 ft-lbs

• Recommended Use: Hunting, pest control

• Design Features: Controlled deformation, smooth body, high expansion and penetration

• Packaging: Screw-on lid for spill protection

Pros

• Devastating on impact – Designed for maximum shock effect and quick kills.

• Excellent expansion – Hollowpoint with tapered tip creates rapid deformation.

• Highly accurate – Consistent flight path at medium ranges.

• Good for PCPs and springers – Performs well across platforms with 12+ ft-lbs energy.

• No pellet deformation in tin – High-quality lead with minimal manufacturing defects.

• Screw-on lid – Prevents accidental spills and adds convenience in the field.

Cons

• Not ideal for long-range shooting – Best performance within 50 yards or less..

5.JSB Match Diabolo Hades .22 Cal, 15.89 Grain, Hollowpoint, 250 Count

 

 

The JSB Hades .22 Cal Hollowpoint pellets have earned a strong reputation among hunters and precision shooters alike—and for good reason. Developed by the trusted Czech manufacturer JSB, the Hades line combines the legendary accuracy of JSB Diabolo pellets with a specialized hollowpoint design that delivers maximum energy transfer and controlled expansion on impact.

Weighing in at 15.89 grains, these pellets strike an ideal balance between speed and knockdown power. Their unique hollowpoint construction is not just cosmetic—it’s engineered to fragment and expand reliably, making it particularly effective for small- to medium-sized game such as squirrels, rabbits, and pest birds. The Hades design also helps reduce over-penetration, increasing the likelihood of humane kills with minimal risk to surroundings.

Whether you’re using a PCP, CO₂, or spring-piston air rifle, these pellets deliver tight groupings and consistent accuracy out to medium and even long ranges. With 250 pellets per tin and a solid 4.6-star customer rating, the JSB Hades proves to be one of the best value-for-performance hunting pellets available.

Key Features

• Brand: JSB

• Model: Match Diabolo Hades

• Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)

• Pellet Weight: 15.89 grains

• Pellet Shape: Hollowpoint

• Cross Section Shape: Round

• Material: Lead

• Quantity: 250 pellets

• Color: Silver

• Style: Classic

• Recommended Use: Hunting, pest control, precision shooting

• Package Dimensions: 2.48 x 2.4 x 0.94 inches

• Package Weight: 0.28 kg (approx. 0.62 lbs)

Pros

• Excellent expansion on impact – Specialized hollowpoint design creates reliable fragmentation.

• Highly accurate – Built on the proven JSB Diabolo pellet profile.

• Ideal weight for hunting – Balanced for penetration and knockdown without sacrificing velocity.

• Consistent manufacturing – JSB’s quality control ensures minimal variation between pellets.

• Versatile use – Performs well in springers, gas-rams, and PCP rifles.

• Great for pest control – Reduces over-penetration risk in residential or backyard settings.

• Trusted brand – JSB is known for match-grade pellet quality.

Cons

• Not the heaviest – May lack desired penetration for larger game at long distances.

• Tin lacks foam padding – Potential for minor damage during shipping.

6.Crosman Pellets Hollow Pt .22cal 14.3grain Tin 5

 

 

For hunters seeking dependable performance at an affordable price, the Crosman Hollow Point .22 Caliber Pellets offer an impressive balance of accuracy, stopping power, and value. Manufactured by Crosman, a long-standing American brand in airgun innovation, these 14.3-grain lead pellets have earned a reputation as a go-to choice for small game hunting and backyard pest control.

These pellets feature a classic hollow point design, optimized to expand upon impact. The result is increased shock effect and better energy transfer, especially at short to medium ranges. Though lighter than premium hunting pellets like the JSB Hades or H&N Baracuda, the Crosman Hollow Points still offer consistent terminal performance when fired from rifles producing moderate to high muzzle energy.

Key Features

• Brand: Crosman

• Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)

• Pellet Weight: 14.3 grains

• Pellet Type: Hollow Point

• Material: Lead

• Ammo Count: 500 pellets per tin

• Item Weight (Package): 1.15 pounds

• Style: Classic

• Sport: Air gun / Airsoft (Note: air gun-specific use recommended)

• Manufacturer: Crosman

• Condition: New

• California Warning: Contains lead; wash hands after use.

Pros

• Affordable and high count – Great value with 500 pellets per tin.

• Effective expansion – Hollow point delivers solid energy transfer for small game.

• Consistent performance – Reliable accuracy for general hunting and pest control.

• Widely available – Easy to find in stores and online.

• Works well in many air rifles – Especially .22 caliber springers and CO₂ guns.

Cons

• Basic packaging – No foam padding, and tins may occasionally dent during shipping.

Read also;6 Best Pellets for .177 Air Rifle

Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Air Rifle Pellets for Hunting

1. Pellet Type/Shape

Different shapes serve different hunting needs:

• Domed/Round Nose: Best for general hunting due to good accuracy and penetration.

• Hollow Point: Expands on impact, causing greater damage to small game — ideal for humane kills.

• Pointed: Designed for deep penetration but can be less accurate at long range.

• Flat Nose/Wadcutter: Best for target shooting; poor penetration for hunting.

2. Caliber

The most common air rifle pellet calibers for hunting are:

• .177: Higher velocity, flatter trajectory; best for small game but less knockdown power.

• .22: Slower but hits harder; ideal for medium-sized game.

• .25 and above: Maximum stopping power, but with reduced range and increased pellet drop.

3. Pellet Weight

• Lighter Pellets: Higher velocity, better for short distances.

• Heavier Pellets: More stable in flight, greater energy transfer — better for long-range or tougher game.

4. Accuracy and Consistency

• Try different brands/types in your specific rifle — air rifles vary in how they “like” different pellets.

• Look for high-quality, uniform pellets (e.g., JSB, H&N, Crosman Premier) to ensure consistent shot placement.

5. Game Type

Match the pellet to the animal:

• Small game (rabbits, squirrels): .177 or .22 hollow point or domed.

• Pest control (rats, birds): .177 pointed or hollow point.

• Larger pests (raccoons, possums): .22 or .25 heavy domed or hollow point.

6. Hunting Range

• Closer ranges allow for heavier or hollow-point pellets.

• For longer ranges, domed pellets offer better aerodynamics and accuracy.

7. Pellet Material

• Most are lead (better expansion and weight), but there are also non-lead (e.g., alloy) pellets for environmental or legal reasons.

• Avoid poorly made or deformed pellets, which reduce accuracy.

Frequent Asked Question for the Best Air Rifle Pellets for Hunting

1. What is the best pellet type for hunting small game like squirrels or rabbits?

The best pellet type for small game hunting is typically a hollow point or polymer-tipped pellet, such as the JSB Hades, Predator Polymag, or H&N Terminator. These pellets are designed to expand on impact, delivering maximum energy to vital organs for quick, humane kills. Their shape also minimizes over-penetration, which is especially useful when hunting in residential or sensitive areas.

2. How do I know which pellet weight is right for my air rifle?

Pellet weight should be matched to your air rifle’s power output. Lighter pellets (14–16 grains in .22 caliber) are suitable for spring-piston and CO₂ rifles with moderate power. Heavier pellets (18–22 grains or more), like the JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy or H&N Baracuda Match, are ideal for high-powered PCP rifles. Always test a few different weights to see which gives the best accuracy and performance in your specific setup.

3. Are expensive hunting pellets really worth the price?

Yes—premium pellets from brands like JSB, H&N, and Predator offer superior consistency, better flight stability, and more reliable terminal performance. While budget pellets like Crosman Hollow Points are great for casual or short-range hunting, higher-end options typically yield tighter shot groups and more humane kills, making them a smart investment for serious hunters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best pellets for hunting involves a careful consideration of various factors, including pellet type, weight, caliber compatibility, and your rifle’s power. The right choice ensures precision, energy transfer, and humane kills, making your hunting experience both effective and ethical. Whether you are targeting small pests or medium-sized game, the ideal pellet will provide the necessary accuracy for tight groupings and the impact power needed for a quick, clean shot. By understanding your air rifle’s capabilities and matching them with high-quality pellets, you can significantly improve your hunting success and enjoy a more rewarding shooting experience.