Best Heavy Pellets for Long Range Shooting are essential for shooters who demand accuracy, stability, and power beyond short distances. Unlike lighter options that lose velocity and stability over time, heavy pellets maintain momentum, resist wind drift, and deliver reliable energy on target. Whether used for precision target shooting or hunting, their superior ballistic properties make them the preferred choice for maximizing performance at extended ranges. By understanding key factors such as weight, shape, and airgun compatibility, shooters can unlock the full potential of their rifles and achieve consistent results even at challenging distances.
Best Heavy Pellets for Long Range Shooting
1.Crosman Domed Premier Pellets
The Crosman Domed Premier Pellets in .22 caliber are a long-standing favorite among airgun enthusiasts, known for their balance of affordability, availability, and performance. At 14.3 grains, these domed pellets fall into the medium-to-heavy weight class, making them well-suited for both long-range target shooting and small game hunting. Their classic domed shape ensures excellent aerodynamics, helping maintain stability and accuracy at extended ranges.
One of the best aspects of these pellets is their compatibility. Designed to work seamlessly with Crosman PCP rifles as well as powerful break barrel airguns, they deliver consistent results across a wide range of platforms. Whether you’re plinking targets at the range or taking on pests in the field, these pellets provide solid penetration and accuracy without breaking the bank.
The value factor is also a major plus. With 500 pellets per tin, you get more shooting for your money compared to many premium European brands. While some shooters note occasional variances in head size or skirt uniformity, the vast majority of tins produce pellets that are more than capable of tight groupings at 30–50 yards. For those looking to balance cost, performance, and versatility, the Crosman Premier Domed Pellets are a solid pick.
Key Specifications
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Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)
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Pellet Type: Domed (round nose)
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Weight: 14.3 grain (medium-heavy)
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Count: 500 pellets per tin
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Recommended Use: PCP rifles & break barrel airguns
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Best For: Long-range shooting, small game hunting, target practice
Pros
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Reliable accuracy for long-range shooting
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Domed shape improves stability and penetration
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Works well in both PCP and spring-piston rifles
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Great value with 500 pellets per tin
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Trusted brand with wide availability
Cons
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Not as heavy as ultra-premium long-range pellets (JSB/H&N)
2.H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
The H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme is one of the most effective heavy hunting pellets for long-range shooting, built for shooters who demand both precision and stopping power. At 19.09 grains, these pellets sit at the heavier end of the .22-caliber spectrum, making them particularly well-suited to high-powered PCP air rifles. Their weight ensures deep penetration and stable flight, while their exceptional build quality provides consistent performance shot after shot.
What makes these pellets stand out is their deep, cross-shaped hollow tip, which delivers tremendous shock effect on impact. Unlike standard domed or pointed pellets, the hollow tip expands upon contact, transferring maximum energy into the target. This design makes them devastating for small game hunting, ensuring humane, one-shot dispatches even at longer distances.
Despite their hunting-oriented design, the aerodynamics remain excellent. The Baracuda Hunter Extreme features a sleek, carefully engineered body that provides superior accuracy at extended ranges. Hunters often report tight groupings at 40–50 yards, even in slightly windy conditions, which is a testament to their ballistic efficiency. Combined with H&N’s reputation for precise manufacturing, these pellets are among the best for serious hunters who also value long-range precision.
Key Specifications
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Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)
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Pellet Type: Hollow Point (cross-shaped design)
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Weight: 19.09 grains (heavy)
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Count: 200 pellets per tin
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Recommended Use: High-powered PCP rifles and strong spring-piston rifles
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Best For: Long-range hunting, pest control, precision shooting
Pros
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Heavy 19.09-grain weight for superior downrange energy
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Cross-shaped hollow point delivers massive shock and rapid energy transfer
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Excellent aerodynamic design for long-range accuracy
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High manufacturing consistency from H&N
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Ideal for small game hunting and pest control at distance
Cons
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More expensive than lighter, mass-market pellets
3.H&N Baracuda Match
The H&N Baracuda Match is a precision-engineered pellet designed for shooters who demand accuracy, consistency, and reliable performance at long ranges. With a weight of 10.65 grains, these pellets are considered heavy for the .177 caliber, giving them excellent stability and energy retention in flight. Their match-grade quality ensures tight groupings, making them a versatile choice for both target shooters and hunters.
These pellets are highly effective in air rifles and pistols with a minimum muzzle energy of 5.5 ft-lbs, though they shine brightest in medium- to high-powered rifles where their weight and aerodynamics can truly be appreciated. The carefully crafted domed design gives them superior ballistic properties, minimizing wind drift and enhancing long-range precision. Whether you’re practicing on paper targets or taking aim at small game, the Baracuda Match delivers impressive accuracy shot after shot.
Another thoughtful detail is the packaging. Each tin contains 400 pellets and features a screw-on lid, which prevents accidental spills — a small but highly practical feature that serious shooters will appreciate. Like all H&N products, the Baracuda Match undergoes rigorous quality control, ensuring uniform size, weight, and finish.
Key Specifications
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Caliber: .177 (4.5 mm)
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Pellet Type: Domed (round nose)
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Weight: 10.65 grains (heavy for .177)
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Count: 400 pellets per tin
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Minimum Recommended Muzzle Energy: 5.5 ft-lbs
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Best For: Long-range target shooting, hunting small game, precision practice
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Packaging: Screw-on lid to prevent spills
Pros
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Match-grade manufacturing ensures high consistency and accuracy
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Heavy weight provides excellent stability at long ranges
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Domed design offers great aerodynamic performance
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Versatile: suitable for both hunting and target shooting
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Practical screw-on tin prevents pellet loss
Cons
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Slightly more expensive than mass-market pellets
4.Exact .22 Caliber Air Gun Pellets
TheExact .22 Caliber Air Gun Pellets is designed for shooters who need a balance of power, accuracy, and energy transfer at long ranges. Engineered with a round nose profile and a hollow point cavity, this pellet combines excellent aerodynamics with devastating terminal performance, making it one of the best heavy options for long-range hunting.
At its core, this pellet offers a high ballistic coefficient, meaning it cuts through the air with minimal drag, retains velocity over distance, and delivers maximum impact energy at the target. Hunters will appreciate its ability to hit hard — the hollow point expands rapidly on impact, ensuring quick and humane takedowns of medium-sized game such as hares, squirrels, foxes, and pest birds. Its intermediate-to-heavy weight adds stability in flight, reducing the effects of wind and improving downrange penetration.
Accuracy is another standout feature. These pellets are precision-made and carefully quality-controlled, often hand-picked to ensure uniform size and weight. This manufacturing standard translates into tight groupings and reliable performance, even at extended ranges where lesser pellets tend to wobble or lose energy. Combined with their knockdown power, they become a versatile choice for hunters who demand confidence in every shot.
Key Specifications
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Pellet Type: Round Nose with Hollow Point
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Weight: Heavy (intermediate-heavy class for stability & power)
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Design Purpose: High ballistic coefficient for reduced drag and more energy delivery
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Best Use: Hunting medium-sized game and long-range target shooting
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Accuracy Level: Match-grade consistency with hand-picked quality control
Pros
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Hollow point design delivers tremendous shock and rapid energy transfer
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Heavy weight improves stability and long-range accuracy
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High ballistic coefficient reduces drag and wind drift
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Ideal for hunting medium-sized game with reliable knockdown power
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Precisely crafted and quality-controlled for consistency
Cons
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Smaller tin counts compared to lighter plinking pellets
5.JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Express
The JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Express is a refined variation of the legendary JSB Exact line, created for shooters who want a balance of speed, stability, and accuracy. At 18.13 grains, these pellets are slightly lighter than the standard Jumbo Heavy but still retain the weight necessary for long-range accuracy and hunting power. This makes them especially effective for air rifles with restricted power, where speed and trajectory matter just as much as energy delivery.
The domed nose design is a proven winner in long-range shooting. It offers excellent aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving stability in flight. Shooters can expect tighter groupings and reliable accuracy even when stretching shots past 30 or 40 yards. For those who want a pellet that delivers both precision target performance and practical hunting power, the Jumbo Express offers a sweet spot between speed and impact.
As with all JSB products, quality control is impeccable. Each pellet is carefully produced to ensure consistent size, weight, and shape. This manufacturing precision is why JSB pellets have become a favorite among competition shooters and hunters alike. Packaged in tins of 250 pellets, the Jumbo Express offers premium performance for serious shooters who value both accuracy and consistency.
Key Specifications
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Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)
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Pellet Type: Domed (round nose)
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Weight: 18.13 grains (medium-heavy)
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Count: 250 pellets per tin
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Best Use: Long-range target shooting, pest control, and hunting with rifles of restricted or mid-level power
Pros
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Slightly lighter than traditional heavy pellets, providing higher velocity
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Domed nose ensures excellent stability and accuracy at long ranges
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Works especially well in rifles with restricted or mid-power levels
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Premium manufacturing quality with excellent consistency
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Versatile for both target shooting and hunting applications
Cons
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Only 250 pellets per tin (less than some competitors)
Also read;Best Lead-free Airgun Ammo
Factor to Consider When Choosing the Best Heavy Pellets for Long-Range Shooting
1. Pellet Weight
The weight of a pellet directly impacts its stability, trajectory, and energy retention at longer ranges. Heavy pellets—typically above 10 grains in .177 and 18 grains or more in .22—travel slower but carry more momentum, making them less affected by wind drift. Lighter pellets may achieve higher velocities but often lose accuracy past 30–40 yards. Choosing the correct weight for your rifle ensures a balance of speed and hitting power at distance.
2. Pellet Shape
Pellet design influences both aerodynamics and impact performance. Domed (round nose) pellets are widely considered the most accurate for long-range shooting due to their superior ballistic properties. Hollow points deliver more expansion and shock on impact, making them ideal for hunting, while pointed pellets offer deeper penetration but may sacrifice accuracy at extreme distances. The right shape depends on whether your goal is precision target shooting or hunting.
3. Caliber Selection
Heavier pellets are available in different calibers (.177, .22, .25, and beyond), and each has its strengths. The .177 caliber is often chosen for target shooting thanks to flatter trajectories, while .22 and .25 calibers excel in hunting due to greater knockdown power and energy transfer. Matching the pellet caliber to your airgun’s design and intended use is crucial for maximizing both accuracy and effectiveness.
4. Ballistic Coefficient (BC)
A pellet’s ballistic coefficient measures its ability to cut through air resistance. Pellets with a high BC experience less drag, retain more speed, and deliver more energy at long range. Domed heavy pellets usually have the highest BC, making them the preferred choice for long-distance shooting. If you’re shooting beyond 50 yards, pellets with a high BC will consistently outperform lighter or poorly shaped alternatives.
5. Airgun Power Level
Not all rifles can handle very heavy pellets effectively. Spring-piston and break-barrel rifles may struggle to propel ultra-heavy pellets at sufficient velocity, resulting in poor performance. On the other hand, PCP rifles (pre-charged pneumatics) can take full advantage of heavy pellets, generating the power needed for stable flight and high downrange energy. Always consider your airgun’s power level before selecting pellet weight and type.
6. Accuracy and Consistency
The most important factor in pellet choice is how consistently accurate it is in your specific rifle. Even premium pellets vary in performance depending on the barrel. Brands like JSB and H&N are renowned for tight manufacturing tolerances and hand-picking processes, which result in pellets with uniform weight and shape. Testing several brands and weights in your airgun is the only way to identify which performs best for you.
7. Purpose: Hunting vs. Target Shooting
The intended use plays a major role in pellet choice. For target shooting and competitions, precision and grouping are the top priorities, making domed match-grade pellets the best option. For hunting, pellets must not only fly accurately but also transfer energy effectively. In this case, hollow point or heavy domed pellets provide the best balance of range, accuracy, and terminal performance on game.
8. Packaging and Quantity
While often overlooked, packaging and pellet count matter for long-term shooting. Premium brands frequently use screw-on tins to prevent spills and ensure pellet integrity during storage and transport. Bulk tins (400–500 pellets) are economical for practice, while smaller tins (200–250) often contain hand-sorted, match-grade pellets that guarantee superior quality. Considering both pellet count and packaging helps balance cost with performance needs.
Frequent Asked Question Best Heavy Pellets for Long-Range Shooting
1. What makes heavy pellets better for long-range shooting compared to lighter pellets?
Heavy pellets retain more momentum and have a higher ballistic coefficient, which means they are less affected by wind drift and maintain accuracy over longer distances. While lighter pellets may achieve higher muzzle velocities, they often lose stability and energy beyond 30–40 yards. Heavy pellets trade some speed for greater downrange power and consistency, making them the preferred choice for long-range shooting.
2. Can all air rifles shoot heavy pellets effectively?
Not all air rifles are optimized for heavy pellets. PCP rifles (pre-charged pneumatics) are generally the best platforms for heavy pellets, as they produce enough power to propel them at stable velocities. Spring-piston and break-barrel rifles may struggle with ultra-heavy pellets, leading to reduced accuracy and performance. It’s important to match pellet weight to your airgun’s power level for the best results.
3. Which pellet shape is best for long-range accuracy and hunting?
For long-range accuracy, domed (round nose) pellets are the gold standard because of their superior aerodynamics and stability in flight. For hunting, many shooters prefer hollow point heavy pellets, which combine the stability of a domed design with expansion and energy transfer upon impact. Pointed pellets can penetrate deeply but are generally less consistent at long ranges. Choosing the right shape depends on whether your goal is precision target shooting or hunting effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best heavy pellets for long-range shooting combine weight, aerodynamic design, and manufacturing precision to deliver consistent accuracy, energy retention, and stability over distance. While lighter pellets may achieve higher velocities, heavy options excel in resisting wind drift, maintaining tighter groupings, and transferring greater energy on impact—making them ideal for both precision target shooting and hunting. The right choice ultimately depends on matching the pellet’s weight and shape to your airgun’s power level and intended use. By considering factors such as ballistic efficiency, caliber, purpose, and consistency, shooters can confidently select pellets that maximize performance and reliability at extended ranges.