Best lead-free airgun ammo provides shooters with the perfect combination of accuracy, power, and environmental safety. Designed from advanced alloys such as copper or tin, these pellets eliminate the risks associated with lead while still delivering high performance in both hunting and target shooting. With improved ballistic efficiency, reliable penetration, and consistent trajectories, lead-free options have become a top choice for shooters who want precision without compromise. Whether you’re aiming for field targets, practicing at the range, or pursuing small game, this type of ammunition ensures dependable results with every shot.
Best Lead-free Airgun Ammo
1.Gamo PBA Bullet, .22 Cal, 14.4 Grains, Pointed, Lead-Free, 100ct
The Gamo PBA Bullet, .22 Cal, 14.4 Grains, Pointed, Lead-Free, 100ctit comes to achieving precision, velocity, and eco-friendly shooting performance, this lead-free airgun ammo stands out as one of the top choices available. Designed with advanced Performance Ballistic Alloy (PBA) and reinforced with copper, these pellets deliver an unmatched balance of accuracy, speed, and clean energy transfer. Whether for target practice or hunting, their non-lead composition ensures safety for the environment without compromising on power.
A key feature of this ammo is the use of copper, which retains 100% of its weight after expansion. This means greater energy transfer into the target, better penetration, and less ballistic drag in flight. Unlike traditional lead pellets, these do not deform excessively, helping maintain velocity and tighter grouping at various ranges. The domed tip further contributes to aerodynamics, ensuring a flatter trajectory and improved consistency shot after shot.
The long skirt design of the pellet plays a critical role in stabilizing the projectile within the barrel. This not only enhances accuracy but also provides a noticeable improvement in trajectory compared to lighter, flatter-nosed alternatives. The result is reliable performance that hunters and competitive shooters alike can count on. Packaged in a convenient 100-pellet tin, these .22 caliber pellets are built for shooters who demand quality and precision in every round.
Specifications
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Caliber: .22
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Pellet Count: 100 per tin
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Material: Performance Ballistic Alloy (PBA) and Copper (Lead-Free)
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Tip Type: Domed tip
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Key Features:
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Copper retains 100% weight after expansion
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Flatter trajectory with long skirt design
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Reduced ballistic drag
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Enhanced energy retention
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Pros:
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Eco-friendly, 100% lead-free design
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Copper construction ensures maximum weight retention and penetration
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Domed tip provides accuracy and stability over long distances
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Flatter trajectory with tighter grouping patterns
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Suitable for hunting and target shooting
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Convenient 100-pellet tin for easy storage
Cons:
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Smaller pellet count compared to bulk lead alternatives
2.Crosman CPD22 Copper Magnum .22-Caliber 14.4-Grain Domed Pellets (150-Count)
The Crosman CPD22 Copper Magnum .22-Caliber 14.4-Grain Domed Pellets (150-Count)is one of the best options available. Built with a copper-coated alloy construction, these .22-caliber domed pellets are engineered to deliver consistency across both competition and recreational shooting. With a heavy weight of 14.4 grains, they provide excellent energy retention and improved stability, making them highly effective for field targets and precision practice.
One of the standout features is their ability to engage rifling more efficiently. This design helps maximize spin stabilization, ensuring tighter groupings and improved downrange accuracy. Whether you’re taking aim at targets for competition or honing your skills during casual plinking, these pellets deliver the reliability you need. The domed head shape further enhances aerodynamics, creating a flatter trajectory and better impact performance at extended ranges.
Packaged in a convenient 150-count tin, these pellets offer excellent value while ensuring you have plenty of rounds for extended shooting sessions. Recommended specifically for Crosman pellet air rifles and pistols, they’re an ideal match for shooters who want ammunition designed to perform seamlessly with their equipment. With Crosman’s legacy of airpower innovation, these lead-free pellets carry forward a tradition of performance you can trust.
Specifications
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Caliber: .22
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Pellet Count: 150 per tin
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Material: Copper-coated, lead-free alloy
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Pellet Shape: Domed, heavyweight
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Weight: 14.4 grains
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Key Features:
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Copper coating for durability and cleaner shooting
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Enhanced rifling engagement for better accuracy
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Domed head for flatter trajectory and stability
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Designed for Crosman pellet air rifles and pistols
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Pros:
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Heavyweight design improves stability and energy transfer
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Copper coating enhances durability and reduces barrel fouling
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Superior rifling engagement for consistent downrange accuracy
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Works well for both recreational and competitive shooting
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Convenient 150-count tin for ample supply
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Optimized for Crosman rifles and pistols
Cons:
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Slightly heavier pellets may reduce velocity in lower-powered airguns
3.H&N Baracuda Green Lead-Free Domed Pellets
The H&N Baracuda Green Lead-Free Domed Pelletsis an outstanding choice. Crafted for precision and reliability, these pellets excel in both hunting applications and target practice. With their lightweight design and aerodynamic shape, they provide excellent velocity, flatter trajectories, and consistent accuracy—making them a versatile option for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Each tin comes with 300 pellets, giving you plenty of ammunition for extended practice sessions or multiple hunting trips. Weighing just 6.48 grains in .177 caliber, these pellets are engineered for air pistols and rifles with a minimum muzzle energy of 5.5 ft. lbs. This ensures they perform optimally in the right platforms, delivering the balance of speed, impact, and accuracy that shooters demand.
Practicality is also a highlight, with the screw-on lid that prevents accidental spills—a thoughtful feature that makes transporting and storing these pellets far more convenient. Whether you’re engaging in recreational plinking, precision target shooting, or small-game hunting, these lead-free pellets offer a clean, dependable, and eco-friendly solution for any shooter looking to get the most out of their airgun.
Specifications
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Caliber: .177
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Pellet Weight: 6.48 grains
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Pellet Count: 300 per tin
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Recommended Use: Hunting and target shooting
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Compatible With: Air pistols and rifles (minimum 5.5 ft. lbs muzzle energy)
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Key Feature: Screw-on lid to prevent accidental pellet spills
Pros:
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Lead-free design makes it safer for the environment
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Lightweight pellets provide high velocity and flatter trajectories
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Excellent balance of accuracy and power for hunting and target shooting
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Screw-on lid ensures secure storage and prevents mess
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Generous 300-count tin for extended use
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Compatible with a wide variety of .177 caliber air pistols and rifles
Cons:
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Lightweight build may be more affected by wind at longer ranges
4.H&N Field Target Trophy Green.22 Cal, 9.56 Grains, Domed, Lead Free, 200ct
The H&N Field Target Trophy Green.22 Cal, 9.56 Grains, Domed, Lead Free, 200ctis an excellent choice. Built for accuracy, consistency, and versatility, it is equally effective in target shooting competitions as it is in hunting small game. Designed with precision engineering, each pellet delivers clean trajectories and reliable downrange performance, ensuring you get the most from every shot.
These .22 caliber pellets weigh 10.03 grains, striking a balance between velocity and impact energy. They are optimized for air pistols and rifles with a minimum muzzle energy of 12 ft. lbs, making them ideal for medium-powered to high-powered airguns. This ensures excellent penetration for hunting applications while still maintaining the precision required for competitive target shooting.
Practicality also plays a role in the design. The pellets come in a secure 200-count tin with a screw-on lid to prevent accidental spills, keeping your ammunition safe and organized whether at the range or in the field. For shooters looking to combine quality craftsmanship with lead-free, eco-friendly performance, this ammo provides the consistency and results you can count on.
Specifications
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Caliber: .22
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Pellet Weight: 10.03 grains
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Pellet Count: 200 per tin
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Recommended Use: Target shooting and hunting (match-grade quality)
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Compatible With: Air pistols and rifles (minimum 12 ft. lbs muzzle energy)
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Key Feature: Screw-on lid to prevent accidental spills
Pros:
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Match-grade quality ensures consistent accuracy
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Lead-free construction is safer for the environment
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Balanced weight for excellent penetration and stable flight
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Suitable for both hunting and target shooting
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Screw-on lid prevents mess and adds convenience
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Designed for medium to high-powered airguns
Cons:
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Requires at least 12 ft. lbs muzzle energy, not suitable for lower-powered airguns
5.Polymag Air Gun Pellets .22 Caliber, GTO Lead Free, 5.5G, 200ct
The Polymag Air Gun Pellets .22 Caliber, GTO Lead Free, 5.5G, 200ctit combines an advanced hollow point design with a high ballisticcoefficient, resulting in minimal drag and superior energy transfer at impact. Whether used in the field for hunting or on the range for target shooting, these pellets provide dependable performance that sets them apart from ordinary options.
One of the key strengths of this ammo is its versatility. With an intermediate weight and round nose profile, it delivers excellent flight stabilization and fine accuracy, making it suitable for both competitive shooting and real-world applications. The alloy wadcutter design makes it a strong rival to any lead-free competition pellet currently on the market, while its forgiving performance makes it especially appealing for youth shooters who need consistency to build confidence.
At long ranges, these pellets continue to impress. Their aerodynamic build ensures a flatter trajectory and reliable knockdown power, giving hunters the accuracy and impact needed for small game. Each pellet is carefully designed, precisely manufactured, and hand-quality-checked to ensure only the highest standards reach the shooter. The result is an ammo option that delivers heavy-hitting performance with match-grade precision, ensuring your rifle or pistol performs at its best.
Specifications
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Pellet Type: Hollow point, round nose with alloy wadcutter design
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Weight: Intermediate weight (optimized for accuracy and energy retention)
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Ballistic Performance: Extremely high ballistic coefficient for less drag and greater knockdown power
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Range: Effective and accurate even at long distances
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Quality Control: Precisely crafted and hand-picked for consistency
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Department: Unisex-adult (suitable for youth and adult shooters)
Pros:
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Hollow point design ensures maximum energy transfer on impact
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High ballistic coefficient reduces drag and improves trajectory
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Intermediate weight provides balance of power and precision
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Accurate at long ranges, suitable for both hunting and competition
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Alloy wadcutter design makes it competitive with top lead-free pellets
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Carefully crafted and hand-quality-checked for reliability
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Great option for youth shooters due to consistency and accuracy
Cons:
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Heavier-hitting design may require mid- to high-powered airguns for best results
Also read;5 Best RWS Superdome Pellets
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Lead-free Airgun Ammo
1. Caliber Compatibility
The first thing to consider is the caliber of your airgun. Lead-free pellets are available in common calibers like .177, .20, .22, and .25. Each caliber offers different benefits: .177 is known for higher velocity and flatter trajectories, while .22 provides better knockdown power for hunting. Using the wrong caliber can not only reduce accuracy but may also damage your airgun. Always match the pellet caliber to the manufacturer’s specifications for your rifle or pistol.
2. Pellet Weight
Pellet weight greatly influences both trajectory and energy transfer. Lightweight lead-free pellets tend to achieve higher velocities and flatter shots, making them ideal for target practice. Heavier lead-free options, on the other hand, deliver more impact energy, making them better for hunting. The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and accuracy over short distances or power and penetration at longer ranges.
3. Pellet Shape/Design
Different pellet head shapes serve different purposes. Domed or round-nose pellets are excellent for general shooting and long-range accuracy. Hollow points expand on impact, making them better for hunting small game. Wadcutter pellets have flat heads, making them ideal for target shooting where clean, visible holes are needed on paper targets. When selecting lead-free ammo, the design should match your intended use.
4. Material and Build Quality
Since lead-free ammo is often made from alloys like tin, copper, or zinc, the material choice can influence performance. Copper-coated pellets, for instance, tend to resist deformation and maintain energy better. Tin-based pellets are lighter, delivering higher speeds. Beyond material, precise manufacturing and quality control are vital to ensure consistent sizing, weight distribution, and accuracy across shots.
5. Airgun Power Requirement
Lead-free pellets can behave differently depending on your airgun’s power level. Some lightweight pellets work well with low-powered pistols, while heavier options may require air rifles with a minimum muzzle energy rating (e.g., 12 ft. lbs) to perform effectively. Always check the energy requirements recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
6. Accuracy and Ballistics
Accuracy is essential, especially in hunting or competition. Lead-free pellets often feature high ballistic coefficients, which means they cut through the air with less drag. This helps maintain speed, improve stability, and increase long-range accuracy. Testing different brands in your own airgun is key since barrel and rifling designs can influence how well a particular pellet performs.
7. Intended Use (Hunting vs. Target Shooting)
Your purpose determines the best pellet. For hunting, heavier domed or hollow-point pellets are preferable because they retain energy and deliver greater knockdown power. For target shooting, lighter wadcutters or domed pellets provide precision and flatter flight paths. Choosing the right design ensures efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction in your shooting experience.
8. Packaging and Convenience
An often-overlooked factor is how the pellets are packaged. Lead-free pellets are sometimes softer than lead, so they need secure storage to prevent deformation. A screw-on tin lid, for example, prevents accidental spills and ensures your pellets remain clean and protected. Larger pellet counts per tin also provide better value for those who shoot frequently.
Frequent Asked Question Best Lead-free Airgun Ammo
1. Are lead-free airgun pellets as accurate as traditional lead pellets?
Yes, many modern lead-free pellets are designed with precision engineering and high ballistic coefficients, making them just as accurate as lead options. However, performance can vary depending on the specific airgun and pellet type. Testing a few different brands in your own rifle or pistol is the best way to find the most accurate match.
2. Can I use lead-free pellets in any airgun?
Most airguns can fire lead-free pellets without issue, but it’s important to check your gun’s caliber and minimum muzzle energy requirements. Some heavier lead-free pellets require mid- to high-powered rifles (e.g., 12 ft. lbs or more) for best performance. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid reduced accuracy or velocity.
3. What are the benefits of using lead-free ammo over traditional lead pellets?
Lead-free pellets are safer for the environment and for shooters, as they eliminate lead exposure risks. They are often lighter, meaning higher velocities and flatter trajectories, which is beneficial for target shooting. Many lead-free designs also retain their shape and weight better on impact, providing effective penetration and energy transfer for hunting.
Conclusion
Choosing best lead-free airgun ammo ensures you get the best balance of accuracy, power, and environmental responsibility. With advancements in design, materials, and ballistic efficiency, today’s options offer impressive performance for both hunting and target shooting. By considering factors such as caliber, pellet weight, and your airgun’s power level, you can select ammunition that enhances consistency, precision, and overall shooting satisfaction—all while reducing environmental impact and promoting safer shooting practices.