Matching your airgun with the right pellet can make a huge difference to accuracy. Finding the perfect pairing will make a good airgun great and can even make a cheap airgun more accurate that you might imagine.
The fact is that different air rifles have a preference for different ammo. Tiny variations in the barrel and power delivery mean that your airgun will perform better with some types of ammo than others. Although it will serve as a good starting point, you need to do a bit more work than just asking other shooters with the same gun what they’re using, because airguns that roll off the same production line on the same day can deliver optimum accuracy with very different ammunition.
Some airguns are more pellet-fussy than others, showing a clear preference for certain types of ammunition. However, even guns that shoot well with a wide selection of pellets are likely to shoot better with some than others over longer ranges.
Below: Your airgun is likely to favour some pellet types over others
Most airguns shoot most accurately with domed (or roundhead) pellets. This design tends to shoot with more precision than elaborate pointed or hollow-point pellets, which is why it is the first choice for Field Target and Hunter Field Target shooters. If an airgun pellet design is good enough for champion competition shooters, then it should be good enough for the rest of us.
As previously mentioned, finding out what works well for other shooters with the same gun as you is a good starting point, but it pays to experiment with a few different options. Your gun may have an unusual preference for something different and you may just stumble across a pellet that delivers awesome accuracy.
If you don’t know where to start, try to source a selection of different pellets from established brands with proven pedigree. Pellets that already have a strong following are likely to be consistently made to a high standard, so at least you know you’re working with a quality product.
As already mentioned, domed airgun pellets are likely to give the best results but there is no reason not to try other designs. If you plan to carry out close-range pest control – maybe shooting rats around farm buildings – a flathead or hollow-point pellet could be a better choice. These designs usually deliver more shock energy and, as long as you’re getting sufficient accuracy to get clean head shots, could be the best choice over shorter distances.
It is also worth experimenting with different weights of ammo. While heavier airgun pellets often produce tighter groups and hit harder, you also need to bear in mind that the additional weight can make for more of a curved trajectory, which needs more holdover to keep shots on target at longer ranges.
Buying a wide selection of pellets for experimentation can get expensive. Rather than splashing out on whole tins, you can save money buy asking friends or club mates to let you try a few of theirs. Another option is to find a shop that sells sample packs containing smaller numbers of pellets.
Below top: Testing with a variety of pellets should reveal some top performers
Below bottom: Domed airgun pellets usually produce optimum accuracy but there is no reason not to try other designs
Apart from a range that enables you to shoot safely out to a sufficient distance, you also need a stable shooting platform. A bench on a club range should be perfect, although a garden bench is also suitable if you have sufficient space in the backyard.
A bench bag will provide a stable rest for your gun or you can use a bipod. If you opt for a bipod, try to use one with a swivel top because it will enable you to keep your airgun dead upright and avoid problems caused by canting.
Make sure also that you are using a dependable sight that is securely attached with a good set of mounts. The aim is to remove any variables that could hamper accuracy and negatively affect your results.
Good quality target cards are also extremely important for accuracy testing. Pellets tend to punch clean holes through heavy paper and card whereas thin paper targets have a habit of tearing, which can make them difficult to read.
A chronograph is also useful as it will enable you to measure your airgun’s muzzle velocity with different pellets. If you shoot a sub-12 airgun, this will help you to confirm that it remains within the legal limit when you change ammo.
Below top: Use a dependable sight and make sure it is properly mounted for best results
Below bottom: A bipod with a swivel feature will enable you to avoid problems with canting your rifle
Choose a calm day with minimal wind because breezy conditions can really hamper pellet testing. If you have access to a large indoor range or even a barn, you can eliminate this problem completely.
I begin by setting up a target at 15 metres for my first group. If a pellet fails to produce a tight five-shot group at this range, it can immediately be discounted from the test. Ammo that passes the 15 metre test can then be tested at further ranges, depending on your requirements. Targets placed at 30 metres should give a clear indication of which of your sample pellets give the best accuracy with your airgun. If you’re able to push out to 40 or 50 metres, you should even be able to see differences between the strongest contenders.
Don’t worry too much about pellet drop as gravity drags the projectile towards the ground as it travels downrange – unless of course you are seeking out the pellet with the flattest trajectory. The main aim is usually to find the pellet that consistently delivers the tightest groups because, in most cases, aim-off can be applied to keep pellets on target as they run out of steam.
Below: Groups on your target cards will clearly reveal downrange pellet accuracy
Some shooters like to clean their airgun’s barrel between testing each different pellet brand or design, although it’s not something I usually do. If you do decide to adopt this meticulous approach, remember that accuracy is likely to be compromised until you have fired a few pellets through the clean barrel to re-lead the rifling.
A few hours spent testing pellets should reveal a standout option that gives the best results from your airgun. It should prove to be time very well spent, as you will have established the right choice for your specific rifle rather than just following the herd and hoping for the best.
H&N Baracuda 8 airgun pellets
H&N Terminator airgun pellets
Bisley Magnum airgun pellets
Bisley Super Field airgun pellets
Richter Optik Exact 3-9x42 AO telescopic sight
SportsMatch scope mounts
Bisley Rifle Bipod (swivel)
Bisley Heavy Duty Paper Targets
First published 16th April 2025
