Pest control with air rifles is an effective and humane way to manage unwanted critters on your property. To ensure success in your pest control efforts, selecting the right .22 pellet is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the best .22 pellet for pest control.
1. Pellet Type: Hollow Points vs. Domed
When it comes to pest control, the pellet’s shape plays a significant role in performance. .22 pellets mainly come in two common designs: hollow points and domed (round-nosed).
- Hollow Points: These pellets are engineered to expand upon impact, delivering a more significant shock to the target. They are particularly effective for small game and pests because they transfer energy efficiently and create a larger wound channel. Hollow points are excellent for close-range shots.
- Domed Pellets: Domed pellets offer superior accuracy and penetration. They provide deep, controlled penetration and are suitable for targets where a clean kill is essential, such as rats and pigeons. Domed pellets are known for their precision and consistency.
The choice between hollow points and domed pellets depends on your intended targets and the level of damage you want to inflict.
Recommended .22 Pellet for Pest Control: H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
These hollow points deliver both accuracy and expansion upon impact, making them excellent for small game and pest control. Their balanced design ensures effective energy transfer and minimal pellet drop over longer distances.
2. Pellet Weight
The weight of your .22 pellet is another critical factor. .22 pellets are available in various weights, typically ranging from 12 to 30 grains or more. The weight of your pellet affects its velocity and energy transfer upon impact. Lighter pellets tend to be faster but may have less energy, while heavier pellets provide greater stopping power at the cost of velocity.
- Lighter Pellets: Suitable for small pests and close-range shooting.
- Heavier Pellets: Ideal for larger pests and longer-range shots.
Consider the size and distance of your pest control targets when selecting the appropriate pellet weight. Be aware, some heavy pellets may require than 12ft/lbs of muzzle energy to be effective and are recommended for FAC rated airguns only.
Recommended Heavyweight .22 Pellet: ZAN Projectiles Slugs
For larger pests and longer-range shots, the ZAN range of Slugs offer the ideal combination of weight and velocity. They deliver exceptional energy and penetration to take down pests efficiently.
3. Pellet Material
Most .22 pellets are made from either lead or lead-alloy. Lead pellets are popular for their consistent weight and accuracy. However, if you’re concerned about environmental impact and lead contamination, there are non-lead alternatives available, such as copper or alloy pellets.
These materials may be required in some areas due to legal regulations but tend to be much harder than lead and so over penetration can be a problem. Seriously consider your backstop when using these!
Recommended Copper .22 Pellet: H&N Baracuda Power
H&N Baracuda Power are well-crafted, copper pellets known for their consistent weight and accuracy. They are an excellent choice for ethical pest control while ensuring high-quality shots.
4. Brand and Quality
Choosing a reputable brand and high-quality pellets is vital for consistent and reliable pest control. Established manufacturers, like H&N, are known for producing top-notch pellets. It’s worth investing in quality pellets to ensure your shots are accurate and effective.
Probably one of the most popular airgun pellets is the JSB Exact in .22. As an all rounder, you can do a lot worse than starting with a tin of these.
5. Personal Testing
Ultimately, the best .22 pellet for pest control may vary from one air rifle to another. Due to differences in barrel rifling, pellet chambers, and air rifle power, it’s crucial to test several types of pellets with your specific air rifle to determine which one offers the best accuracy and performance.
To do this, set up a controlled shooting range and try different pellets while keeping a log of your results. It is your airguns barrel that will choose the pellet it likes the most and these can vary, brand to brand, model to model and even gun to gun. Put simply, the best pellet for your gun is the one that it can be the most consistently accurate with.
Happy shooting!