If you’re planning to hunt with an airgun, you need effective pellets to bring your game down in a humane way. A common misconception is that you need a very high caliber gun to hunt. This is not necessarily the case. With an accurate shot, .177 air guns are just as useful when hunting as .22s and .25s, especially for smaller game and pests. With so many options on the market, which is truly the best of the .177 pellet pool? We’ve done the research for you, so you can equip your airgun with the pellet Airgun Depot finds reliable, high quality, and hard-hitting.
For the general airgun hunter population, there is much debate on who manufactures the best .177 pellets. Factors like weight, accuracy, shape, and stability are valued differently depending on the hunter you’re speaking to. Luckily, there are a few who many agree are the best for .177 caliber airguns.
H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
The Baracuda Hunter Extreme pellets are touted as “the perfect hunting pellet.” With a hollowpoint design, these are fantastic for accuracy and move at a velocity of 502 FPS (at 50 yards). Known for their extreme mushrooming effect on impact, these will deliver a powerful blow to take down pests, small game, and birds. These are a top choice among airgunners looking for a top-tier pellet option to have ready in their supply.
Specs
• Manufacturer: H&N
• Caliber: 0.177
• Ammo Weight: 9.57 grains
• Pellet Shape: Hollowpoint
• Pellet Quantity: 400 count
H&N Baracuda Match
The H&N Baracuda Match pellets offer superior accuracy and consistency. Unlike the H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme, these are a bit heavier and have a different head. These are designed with a dome shape, which enhances the ballistics of the pellet. This shape makes these pellets excellent for hunting smaller game, as they’re very aerodynamic and offer nice downrange energy retention. They are available in multiple head sizes so you can find the one that your gun shoots the most accurately.
Specs
• Manufacturer: H&N
• Caliber: 0.177
• Ammo Weight: 10.65 grains
• Pellet Shape: Domed/round nose
• Pellet Quantity: 500 count
Predator Polymag
These pellets are at the top of our .177 list for numerous reasons. Offering phenomenal expansion, the Predator Polymag hunting pellets are built with an aggressive hollow point that will take down your prey quickly. The hollow head is paired with a sharp polymer tip that delivers for penetration and humane kills. Their aerodynamic shape and relatively high ballistic coefficient provide the flat trajectory and retained velocity airgun hunters need. Keep in mind that for narrow magazines, you’ll need the shorts. These continue to be our best-selling hunting pellets.
Specs
• Manufacturer: Predator International
• Caliber: 0.177
• Ammo Weight: 8 grains
• Pellet Shape: Pointed
• Pellet Quantity: 200 count
JSB Diabolo Exact Heavy
Manufactured in Bohumin, Czech Republic, the JSB Diabolo Exact Heavy .177 pellets are one of the best options for airguns. They come in second on our list for the top .177 pellets because they’re incredibly accurate and can efficiently retain energy downrange. In fact, many airgunners consider these THE most accurate. The round nose of these hunting pellets delivers flight stabilization as well. Use these guys in air rifles and pistols for both long-range shooting and hunting.
Specs
• Manufacturer: JSB
• Caliber: 0.177
• Ammo Weight: 10.34 grains
• Pellet Shape: Domed/round nose
• Pellet Quantity: 500 count
Now that we’ve covered several options for .177 caliber air gun pellets, what about .22 and .25? Here are our top picks for each type.
JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy (.22 Cal)
The Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy is a powerful airgun pellet. These offer great flight stabilization and accuracy for high caliber airguns. Many airgunners have commented on their ability to work against the wind, which is a definite plus. They’re heavy, stable, and accurate – what more can you ask for? Use them for hunting small game, pest control, and competition shooting.
Specs
• Manufacturer: JSB
• Caliber: 0.22
• Ammo Weight: 18.13 grains
• Pellet Shape: Domed/round nose
• Pellet Quantity: 250 or 500 count
JSB Diabolo Exact King (.25 Cal)
If you’ve never fired these in your air rifle, you will be blown away! JSB performs quality control by hand on these, so you know they’re the best of the best for .25 caliber airguns. These are midweight pellets that offer top tier accuracy and flight stabilization. If you’re looking for a pellet that can perform with hunting small game, target shooting, and pest control, these should be at the top of your list. These are perfect for any .25 caliber airgun, so if you have one, keep these pellets in the supply.
Specs
• Manufacturer: JSB
• Caliber: 0.25
• Ammo Weight: 25.39 grains
• Pellet Shape: Domed/round nose
• Pellet Quantity: 150 or 350 count
When searching for good hunting pellets and what’s the best .177 pellet for hunting, JSB, H&N, and Predator are sure to be top picks no matter where you go. If you’re relatively new to airgun hunting, try each of these out to see how you like them. What one hunter loves is what another cautions against, so it’s always best to test for yourself. We carry these brands and more here at Airgun Depot.
