Airgun Ammunition Types Explained: Choosing the Right Pellets & BBs for Your Airgun

Choosing the right airgun ammunition is one of the most important factors in achieving consistent accuracy, reliability, and performance. Whether you’re target shooting, pest control where lawful, or simply enjoying recreational shooting, selecting the correct ammunition for your air rifle or air pistol can make a significant difference.

From traditional lead pellets to modern lead-free alternatives and steel BBs, every type of airgun ammunition is designed for a specific purpose. Understanding the differences will help you get the best results while ensuring safe and responsible shooting.

Why Choosing the Right Airgun Ammunition Matters

Every airgun is designed to perform best with certain types of ammunition. Pellet weight, shape, material, and calibre all influence:

• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Energy efficiency
• Reliability
• Overall shooting performance

Testing a selection of quality pellets is often the best way to discover which ammunition your particular airgun prefers.

Types of Airgun Ammunition

There are two primary types of ammunition used in modern airguns: pellets and BBs.

Airgun Pellets

Pellets are the most widely used form of airgun ammunition. They are commonly manufactured from lead, although lead-free options made from tin or specialist alloys are becoming increasingly popular.

Pellets are designed to provide superior accuracy compared with BBs and are suitable for most air rifles and many air pistols.

Their shape and weight vary depending on their intended use.

Airgun BBs

BBs are small spherical projectiles, usually made from steel with a protective coating to resist corrosion.

They are commonly used in:

• CO₂ pistols
• BB rifles
• Replica airguns
• Smoothbore airguns

BBs are affordable and ideal for casual target shooting and plinking, but they generally do not offer the same level of precision as pellets.

Because steel BBs can ricochet from hard surfaces, they should always be used with a suitable backstop and appropriate eye protection.

Different Types of Airgun Pellets

Pellet design has a significant impact on flight characteristics and intended application.

Wadcutter Pellets

Wadcutter pellets have a completely flat front.

They are primarily designed for:

• Paper target shooting
• Indoor ranges
• Club competitions
• Precision practice

Their flat nose produces clean, perfectly round holes in paper targets, making scoring quick and accurate.

They are typically most effective at shorter distances.

Domed Pellets

Domed pellets (also called round nose pellets) are the most versatile pellet design.

Benefits include:

• Excellent aerodynamic stability
• Consistent accuracy
• Reliable long-range performance
• Suitable for many shooting disciplines

For many airgun owners, domed pellets provide the best all-round performance.

Pointed Pellets

Pointed pellets feature a tapered tip designed to improve penetration.

These pellets are often chosen by shooters looking for deep penetration, although actual accuracy varies considerably between different airguns.

As with any pellet, performance depends heavily on the individual rifle or pistol.

Hollow Point Pellets

Hollow point pellets feature a recessed cavity in the front of the pellet.

They are designed to transfer energy efficiently on impact and are commonly selected where their characteristics are appropriate and lawful.

Because of their shape, some hollow point pellets may not retain velocity as effectively as domed pellets over longer distances.

Hybrid Pellets

Hybrid pellets combine characteristics from multiple pellet designs.

Examples include:

• Domed hollow points
• Pointed hollow points
• Polymer-tipped designs

Manufacturers develop hybrid pellets to balance accuracy, aerodynamics, and energy transfer for specific shooting applications.

Lead-Free Pellets

Lead-free pellets are becoming increasingly popular for environmentally conscious shooters and in locations where lead restrictions apply.

Common materials include:

• Tin
• Zinc alloys
• Specialist lightweight alloys

Advantages include:

• Reduced environmental impact
• Cleaner handling
• Compliance with lead-free shooting requirements

Because they are often lighter than traditional lead pellets, they may perform differently depending on the airgun.

Choosing the Right Airgun Ammunition

Selecting the correct ammunition depends on several important factors.

Purpose

Your intended use should guide your choice of ammunition.

For example:

• Wadcutter pellets are ideal for paper target shooting.
• Domed pellets are popular for general-purpose accuracy.
• Hollow point and specialised hunting pellets are chosen where their use is lawful and appropriate.
• BBs are suitable for informal recreational shooting with compatible airguns.

Calibre

The two most common UK airgun calibres are:

.177 (4.5 mm)

Known for:

• Flatter trajectory
• Excellent target accuracy
• Popularity in competition shooting
• Higher velocity

.22 (5.5 mm)

Known for:

• Heavier pellets
• Greater retained energy
• Popular choice for many sporting applications

Some manufacturers also produce .20, .25 and larger calibres, although these are less common in the UK.

Pellet Weight

Pellets are available in a wide range of weights.

Lighter pellets generally produce higher velocities, while heavier pellets may provide improved stability in certain airguns.

Every rifle has its own preferences, making experimentation with quality ammunition worthwhile.

Material

Most pellets are manufactured from:

• Lead
• Tin
• Alloy blends

Lead remains the most commonly used material because it provides excellent consistency and forms well to the rifling inside the barrel.

Lead-free options continue to grow in popularity and are available from many leading manufacturers.

Compatibility with Your Airgun

Not every airgun performs equally well with every pellet.

Performance depends on factors such as:

• Barrel design
• Rifling
• Power output
• Airgun type (PCP, spring-piston or CO₂)

Testing several pellet brands and weights is often the best way to identify the most accurate option for your particular airgun.

Airgun Ammunition Safety

Responsible shooting starts with safe ammunition handling.

Always remember to:

• Use ammunition designed specifically for your airgun.
• Never mix BBs and pellets unless your airgun is designed for both.
• Always shoot into a safe, suitable backstop.
• Wear appropriate eye protection when shooting.
• Store ammunition safely and securely.
• Follow all local laws and regulations relating to airgun ownership and use.

Good safety habits protect both shooters and those around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most accurate type of airgun pellet?

Accuracy depends on the individual airgun, but domed pellets are widely regarded as offering excellent all-round performance, while wadcutters excel for short-range paper target shooting.

Are lead-free pellets as good as lead pellets?

Modern lead-free pellets can deliver excellent performance, although some rifles may require different pellet weights or brands to achieve their best accuracy.

Can I shoot BBs in a pellet rifle?

Only if the manufacturer specifically states that your airgun is designed to use both. Many rifled barrels are intended for pellets only, and using steel BBs in incompatible airguns can cause damage.

Does pellet weight affect accuracy?

Yes. Different airguns often perform best with different pellet weights, so testing several quality options is recommended.

Choosing the right airgun ammunition is just as important as selecting the right airgun.

Understanding the differences between pellets, BBs, calibres, pellet designs, and materials allows you to make informed decisions that improve consistency, accuracy, and overall shooting enjoyment.

Whatever your shooting discipline, using quality ammunition that suits your airgun—and following safe, responsible shooting practices—will help you get the very best performance every time.

Buy Airgun Pellets & Ammunition at Precision Air Guns UK

Looking for premium airgun pellets, BBs, air rifles, PCP air rifles, scopes, targets, or airgun accessories? Explore the extensive range at Precision Air Guns UK, where you’ll find trusted brands and quality shooting equipment for target shooters and airgun enthusiasts across the UK.