The Best 20 Air Rifle Pellets: High-Performance Options for Marksmanship

Air rifle pellets are the ammunition used in air guns, and choosing the right ones can significantly impact your shooting experience and accuracy. Our comprehensive guide examines the key factors you should consider when selecting air rifle pellets, helping you make an informed choice based on your specific needs and preferences.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases!

Reviews

Oklahoma Joe’s 20 lb Apple Wood Pellets

Clean-burning apple wood pellets with a touch of oak deliver incredible flavor for your pellet grill, while the 100% natural hardwood means less ash and easier cleanup. Each 20-pound bag keeps pellet storage simple and convenient, with clean, uncrushed pellets that arrive ready to use. Whether you’re smoking pork, grilling chicken, or roasting vegetables, these premium pellets make every cookout taste a little bit better.

Kashmir - Scars of Pellet Gun: The Brutal Face of Suppression

After a series of deadly protests in Kashmir, the pellet gun was introduced as a “nonlethal” alternative to bullets. Mannan Bukhari’s “Kashmir - Scars of Pellet Gun” chronicles the tragic consequences of this decision, revealing how the weapon claimed lives and inflicted lasting physical and psychological harm on victims and their families.

Louisiana Grills Cherry Wood Pellets

From the smoky woods of North America comes a natural hardwood fuel that transforms ordinary meals into culinary masterpieces. These 100% food-grade wood pellets capture the essence of Pennsylvania cherry and maple, perfect for slow-cooking ribs or smoking trout. The natural lignin-binding process creates compact pellets that burn hotter and cleaner than traditional wood chips, with just a 1% ash residue for easy cleanup.

Poly Pellet Bulk (100lb Box)

These poly pellets are the unsung heroes of crafting, quietly doing the heavy lifting (literally) for weighted blankets, sensory toys, and cross-fit bags. Coming in at a hefty 100 pounds per box, they’re clean, machine-washable, and perfectly engineered for DIY projects from coasters to corn hole bags.

Nerf Pro Gelfire Refill

This rechargeable Nerf blaster fires soft gel pellets that burst on impact, eliminating cleanup. The included 15,000 rounds and 10000 rounds included in each bag expand in water, providing hours of competition-ready ammunition. The proven accuracy and durability make it a favorite for indoor and outdoor skirmishes, though users note the initial setup process requires patience and proper safety gear.

Pit Boss 40 lb Pecan Blend Hardwood Pellets

These natural hardwood pellets blend the nutty aroma of pecans with the subtle sweetness of American hardwoods, creating a versatile smoking wood that works wonders on everything from grilled pork to smoked vegetables. Each 40-pound bag produces clean, flavorful smoke without artificial additives, making it a popular choice among smokers who prefer their wood pellets straight from nature. The premium blend is ideal for weeknight meals and weekend cookouts alike, giving your favorite foods that perfect grilled or smoked flavor.

EZ Aim Air Gun Pellet Shooting Target

Erected at 2.5 feet tall and measuring 7.8 feet wide, this black steel target packs a punch at any distance. While it’s a solid setup for practice, users report the bottom can bend under heavy impact, so approach it with sturdy shots in mind. At just 3.35 ounces, it’s light enough for quick setup but substantial enough to deliver accurate feedback on your shots.

Do All Outdoors AS8177 Air Strike Pellet Trap

The Do-All Traps AS8177 Air Strike Pellet Trap brings hours of fun to backyard shooting sessions with its durable steel construction and interchangeable spinning targets. It handles everything from. 177 pellets to 400fps. 22s, though heavier rifles might push its limits. Users love it for its reliable performance with standard airguns, though some recommend reinforcing the back plate for longer-term use.

Airgun Reference Book One: Pellet Guns

This airgun reference work brings together decades of research from countless sources, including firearms literature, physics texts, and ballistics studies. The author, a former firearms expert turned airgun enthusiast, presents the most comprehensive collection of information available on pellet guns, sights, and ballistics. With 304 pages of meticulous research and definitions, this volume serves as an essential guide for serious airgun collectors and enthusiasts.

Superior Signal SP-8 Smoke Pellets

These specially encapsulated smoke pellets generate a massive 850 cubic feet of smoke in just 60 seconds, making them perfect for checking chimneys, exhaust hoods, and air flow. The convenient, single-use pellets clean up easily and help spot leaks and blockages, whether you’re testing your chimney or doing special effects photography.

American Air Rifle Book

This essential guide helps shooters of all ages choose the right American-made air rifle. Whether you’re a casual plinker or serious hunter, you’ll find detailed information on ballistics, sights, and pellets to get the most out of your rifle.

Tipton Cleaning Pellets

The Tipton Felt Cleaning Pellets offer a practical alternative to traditional cleaning patches, combining durability with ease of use for superior barrel maintenance. Each pellet is paired with a precision-matched nickel-plated jag to optimize cleaning effectiveness across different calibers. Made from compressed felt, the pellets maintain consistent contact with the rifling lands and grooves, ensuring a thorough yet controlled cleaning process.

MacLean’s Competition Pellets

These competition-grade pellets pack a serious wallop at an impressive 1000 fps, making them a top choice for airgunners seeking precision and power. The natural wood blend burns clean for minimal field cleaning, while the 5-hour burn time keeps you shooting longer between refills.

Lignetics FG10 Wood Fuel Pellets

Made from premium red fir wood, these 40-pound bags of hardwood pellets deliver clean-burning heat with just 0.5% ash content. The smokeless pellets make maintenance a breeze and won’t clog your stove’s auger. While some users have reported issues with fines and bag integrity, many praise their consistent performance and reduced ash compared to other brands.

Crosman Destroyer Pellets .177 Cal 250 Pack

These pellets pack a punch with their pointed design that mushrooms upon impact, transferring maximum energy to your target. The 250-pack offers plenty of practice potential for developing your shooting skills. Overall, they strike a great balance between penetration and expansion for reliable performance in air rifles.

Golden Fire Premium Wood Pellets

Made from 100% Douglas Fir with just 1.9% moisture content, these pellets deliver impressive heat output and burn cleaner than competitors. Users report rapid heating, efficient burn times, and minimal ash compared to similar products. While some have noticed slight quality variations between bags, the pellets remain a popular choice for those seeking premium wood pellet performance.

Pit Boss Competition BBQ Pellets

These BBQ pellets deliver marvelous smoked flavor through a mix of maple, hickory, and apple hardwoods from America’s northern woodlands. The natural pellets burn clean without added scents, making them ideal for both casual grilling and competitive smoking. While some users note inconsistent pellet sizes, the clean smoke and long burn time make these a popular choice for reaching those perfect smoked flavors in all your meats and vegetables.

Marth Wood Pellets

Made from natural hardwood in the USA, Marth’s 40lb pellets produce impressive heat with minimal ash, earning solid praise from users who’ve compared them to other brands. While the bags can be a bit unreliable (some users reported leaks), the pellets themselves are clean-burning and more efficient than propane.

74lb Pellet Variety Bundle

This 74-pound pellet variety bundle lets you mix and match natural wood flavors for perfect cooking. The USA-made pellets burn clean with minimal ash and deliver consistent heat for delicious results. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or searing steaks, these high-quality pellets give your food that memorable wood-fired taste.

Umarex NXG Pump Shotgun

This reliable multi-pump pellet pistol shoots one pellet at a time, making it easy to operate with its simple bolt-action design. At just 29.64 inches long, it’s a compact choice for both indoor and outdoor shooting.

Buyer’s Guide

Air rifle pellets, the ammunition for air guns, come in various types and materials that affect their performance and reliability. Understanding the differences between lead, plastic, and wax-tipped pellets helps shooters select the right ammunition for their needs. Factors like weight, diameter, and shape significantly influence penetration, accuracy, and pellet longevity. The barrel diameter determines the appropriate pellet caliber, while weight considerations affect both range and grouping precision.

Materials: Lead vs. Plastic vs. Wax-Tipped

Lead pellets offer the best balance of weight and price, though they require careful handling due to their soft nature. Plastic pellets provide consistent performance and are less prone to damage, while wax-tipped options combine stability with a slight decrease in weight for extended ranges. The choice depends on shooting conditions and personal preference, with lead favored for target shooting and plastic preferred for hunting or competitions.

Design Features: Weight, Diameter, and Shape

Pellet weight affects velocity and penetration, with heavier pellets maintaining their speed better over distance. The standard. 177 caliber pellets typically weigh between 2 and 4 grams, while. 22 caliber options range from 6 to 8 grams. The diameter must match your rifle’s barrel, and common shapes include round, flathead, and hollow-point styles. These design elements determine the pellet’s terminal performance and its ability to group consistently at various ranges.

Barrel Compatibility and Range

The rifle’s barrel determines the maximum effective range for pellet selection. Shorter barrels or airsoft guns may require lighter pellets for proper flight, while longer barrels accommodate heavier options for increased range and power. The barrel’s diameter impacts the shape and flight characteristics of the selected pellet, with larger barrels potentially affecting accuracy for smaller-caliber pellets.

Environmental and Storage Considerations

Humidity and temperature changes can affect pellet weight and size, so consistent storage conditions are crucial for optimal performance. Dry air can cause lead pellets to shrink, while moisture can cause both lead and plastic pellets to expand. The storage environment should maintain a stable temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and moderate humidity. Properly sealed containers protect pellets from environmental changes and dust accumulation, ensuring reliable shooting performance.

FAQ

What are air rifle pellets?

Air rifle pellets are small, round projectiles specifically designed for use in air rifles. They are typically made from lead, but there are also non-lead alternatives available, including copper and plastic varieties.

The standard size for air rifle pellets is 6mm in diameter, though some manufacturers offer sizes ranging from 4mm to 8mm. The weight of these pellets usually falls between 6.5 and 10 grains, though this can vary depending on the specific model.

How are air rifle pellets different from other ammunition?

Unlike traditional firearms, air rifles use compressed air to propel their ammunition. This means the pellets must be designed to maintain stability and accuracy when traveling at subsonic speeds, typically between 300-900 feet per second.

The primary difference is in the weight and velocity requirements. While standard ammunition is designed to penetrate and disable targets, air rifle pellets are engineered for precision and controlled energy transfer.

What factors affect the performance of air rifle pellets?

Key performance factors include diameter, weight, and material. A properly matched combination allows for optimal trajectory, precision, and reliable feeding in the rifle.

Temperature and humidity can also affect pellet performance, as moisture can reduce their hardness and density, while extreme cold can make them brittle.

How should air rifle pellets be stored?

They should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their optimum hardness and weight. The containers should be sealed to prevent moisture absorption.

Organizations like the National Rifle Association recommend monthly inspection of both air guns and ammunition containers to ensure proper storage conditions are maintained.

What are the legal considerations for using air rifle pellets?

Legality varies by country and region. In most places, lead pellets are allowed, but some jurisdictions restrict their use near waterways due to environmental concerns.

Check local regulations regarding storage and transportation. Some areas require air guns and ammunition to be transported separately or store them in specific manners.

How often should air rifle pellets be cleaned?

Air rifle pellets rarely need cleaning as they do not typically develop fouling. The standard recommendation is to inspect and clean the pellets before each use to ensure they remain clean and dry.

If you notice the pellets becoming sticky or showing signs of moisture, it’s time to replace the batch, as they may have degraded and could affect shooting accuracy and performance.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases!