The .177 is probably the better choice for accuracy in many cases such as the backyard, outdoor range or indoor shooting range. Show
Argument for the .22-Cal.You’re probably very familiar with this caliber after shooting the equivalent rimfire rifle before. Many hunters probably already consider it the best airgun caliber for squirrel hunting. The bore is ever so slightly larger than the .177 caliber, but basically the same looking. Because the pellets are marginally larger, the .22 airgun generally shoots pellets at a slower velocity than the .177, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Swarm Maxxim .22-cal air rifle by Gamo® is a game-changer for squirrel hunting. Its 10x quick-shot technology means you can shoot 10 pellets before you have to reload. That’s obviously a huge advantage for fast follow-up shots at nimble bushy tails.
Why Pellet Choice MattersYou might think that if there are only two airgun calibers discussed above, there wouldn’t be a lot of choices when it comes to airgun pellets. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are tons of options, styles, designs, and brands available on the market, and it can get a little confusing trying to figure out which one is the best for your purposes. For squirrel hunting, you obviously want to prioritize accuracy. If you can’t consistently put your pellet on a small target, you probably shouldn’t be hunting with it, or you will be facing a higher percentage of unrecoverable squirrels. Pellet WeightThere can be a lot of experimentation for this one. In general, though, shooting a heavier pellet means it will retain more knock-down power compared to a lighter one. Also, heavier pellets will move at slower velocities than lighter ones. Pellets for .177 caliber airguns usually range from 5-10 grains for most target or hunting applications, while pellets for .22 caliber airguns may range from 10-20 grains. Like ultra-fast compound bows, faster shooting modern airguns are appealing to most people. But they can produce pellets with an inconsistent trajectory, particularly if you’re using a pellet that’s on the light side. Using a heavier pellet will slow it down a bit, which can actually improve your accuracy by helping it to stay steadier in flight. This allows you to use a faster .177 caliber airgun for squirrel hunting while also maintaining accuracy. That’s a great combination when discussing the best airgun caliber for squirrel hunting.
Pellet ShapeWhen you browse the shelves at a sporting goods store or look online, you will be amazed at how many choices there really are when it comes to pellet choices. They come in all kinds of shapes, each with different purposes or best uses.
Pellet MaterialYou also have choices when it comes to the type of materials for airgun pellets. The vast majority of them come in lead or lead alloy options. Lead has always been the old standby for most bullets and pellets because it is dense, heavy, and easy to make. But these days, you can also find pellets constructed from alternative materials, such as steel, tin, bismuth, or even hard plastic. Gamo® has a great pellet material called Performance Ballistic Alloy, which is much harder than lead and increases penetration greatly. It delivers up to 25% more energy downrange. You definitely have some choices if you’re hoping to go lead-free. Gamo® not only offers some top-notch airguns for hunters and target shooters, but plenty of awesome pellet options too. Consider buying a variety of pellets to play around with and see which one works best for you and your airgun. The .22 caliber combo pack or .177 caliber combo pack are both great options. Assorted 22 caliber ammo, 950 pellets! Master Point (250), Magnum (250), Hunter (250) and TS-22 (200). Best Airgun Caliber for Squirrel Hunting?With all of that being said, take this advice with a grain of salt. There are a lot of variables when it comes to your specific airgun model, the pellets you choose, the wild game species you hunt, your shooting style, and even the weather conditions. Changing any one of these items can change the performance and accuracy in the field. So spend some time shooting different combinations of pellets under different conditions, and see which one can get you closest to the consistency you’re looking for. If a winner had to be chosen, the .22 Caliber would be the winner in our books, especially in the application we use the most…hunting. The .22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the .177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a .22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate!
Tags: .177 caliber airgun for squirrel hunting, .177 or .22 caliber better for squirrels, .22 airgun, .22 caliber airgun, airgun calibers, airgun pellets, benefits of an airgun, calibers for squirrel hunting, hunt squirrels with shotguns, hunting small game animals, modern airguns, most effective caliber for squirrels, squirrel hunting, type of materials for airgun pellets What's the best air rifle for shooting squirrels?The Best Air Rifles for Squirrel Hunting in 2022. Benjamin 392S Variable Pump.. Hammerli 850 AirMagnum.. Gamo Wildcat Whisper.. RWS Diana 48 Sidelever Action Spring Piston Air Rifle.. AirForce Talon SS.. Stoeger XM1 Air Rifle.. Benjamin Marauder Semi-Automatic.. Hatsan FlashPup SYN QE.. What is the most powerful CO2 rifle?Almost certainly, the new Umarex AirJavelin is the most powerful CO2 airgun ever put into volume production!
Is .177 or .22 better for squirrel hunting?The . 22 Caliber wins as a clean sweep for the best squirrel hunting caliber, even if the . 177 might be a little more accurate or quieter at times, the Gamo technology behind a . 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate!
What is the best pellet for squirrel hunting?Recommendations. The Crosman Premier Super Points are great for close-range small game hunting and pest control. They expand when they get in contact with the target, making them a great choice for hunting squirrels, groundhogs, or birds. Serious airgunners can expect consistent, precise shots with these pellets.
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