I’m looking at getting a FX Impact or Panthera. In my research it seems there are a few .25s and .30s for sale but I struggle to find .22s. In the world of competitive air guns and from a hunting perspective, is there a caliber I should aim towards? I like the .22s for increased number but f shots on a tank for iguana hunting here in FL. I’m just curious what pros and cons of the other calibers are. Would a .25 be best of both worlds, or the worst of both worlds? Thanks in advance!
FX Newbie Caliber Question
- Thread starter WittyWook
- Start date
I chose .25 because I wanted just that bit of extra energy on squirrels at low (quiet) velocities. Then I bought another rifle for target use at 50 & 100yds because .25 looked like there were more slug options.
If there was a benchrest competition within 2hrs of me, I'd have bought a .30.
If there was a benchrest competition within 2hrs of me, I'd have bought a .30.
Upvote 0
I have a high power 22 impact that doesn't go out very much anymore because of how much the dreamline tactical compact 25 at 43 fpe is. 100 yards with pellets isn't an issue and the 25s will slap those lizards.
Whatever gun you prefer, if you hunt 25 has always been solid for me in a couple guns.
Upvote 0
A 25 cal is a more versatile hunting rifle, you can run small pellets for small game and a higher shot count, or you can take bigger game with 50-60 gr slugs.
Upvote 0
.25 is more forgiving when hunting for sure & bucks the wind better. Probably what I'd use for competition too (if I did that).
Upvote 0
Appreciate everyone's input. I was thinking about the 22 as being better due to the increase you get in optimal number of shots. When we go out we might take a solid 60 shots over a hunt. I think you can still make that happen in a .25 though. Anyone have suggestions on ammo?
Upvote 0
Ammo is whatever your gun prefers. I hunt exclusively with simple domed pellets, I do not think "hunting" pellets are necessary or even helpful. But if your gun likes them and they penetrate far enough I would use them.
Unless you want to be able to kill larger animals than iguanas I would get the 22. Less air, usually cheaper ammo, less noise. I see people taking them with Prods, that is less than 20 fpe. Also little Brococks with short barrels. Range is apparently not long. I'm not saying that low powered 22s are ideal but if you shoot a lot around people they might be. In wide open spaces I would probably use 30 fpe or so in a 22.
Which pellet depends on what your gun likes. I was pleasantly surprised to learn my Bullshark in 22 likes Crosmans. It also likes H&N 18 and 21 grain and several weights of JSBs, however. It is not very picky. But other guns I own seem to only really like a single pellet. Most of my guns seem to prefer H&N or JSB (with more liking H&N) but I don't test other brands a lot. If you can find a sampler you can save some money but I don't think there is a good way to find out what shoots best in a gun than to try a bunch of pellets.
Unless you want to be able to kill larger animals than iguanas I would get the 22. Less air, usually cheaper ammo, less noise. I see people taking them with Prods, that is less than 20 fpe. Also little Brococks with short barrels. Range is apparently not long. I'm not saying that low powered 22s are ideal but if you shoot a lot around people they might be. In wide open spaces I would probably use 30 fpe or so in a 22.
Which pellet depends on what your gun likes. I was pleasantly surprised to learn my Bullshark in 22 likes Crosmans. It also likes H&N 18 and 21 grain and several weights of JSBs, however. It is not very picky. But other guns I own seem to only really like a single pellet. Most of my guns seem to prefer H&N or JSB (with more liking H&N) but I don't test other brands a lot. If you can find a sampler you can save some money but I don't think there is a good way to find out what shoots best in a gun than to try a bunch of pellets.
Upvote 0
I agree that the .25 puts more energy on target but I've found that the .22 caliber to be more that adequate if you make a proper shot. Either way, a poor hit is not good and I don't think that a .25 will do much better than a .22 in that situation.
For long range shooting I'd lean towards the .25, for iguanas at moderate ranges the .22 for shot count. Presuming you would be shooting iguanas in a populated area you would likely be tuning to lower power so the .25 would have no real advantage.
You mentioned competition and hunting which have pretty much opposite requirements. I have both an Impact and Panthera (.22/700mm). The Impact is suitable for both applications where I see the Panthera more as a bench gun. You will have to decide what is more important to you... or buy both
Lots of fine PCPs on the market, it's best to take your time and look around. I've had good performance from my FX airguns and plan on picking up an FX Leopard for longer range bench shooting (100 to 128 yards) when they are available locally.
I'm in the same caliber selection situation as you - I'm thinking .22/700mm for economic reasons but might just go for a .25/700mm because of the range. Decisions, decisions eh?
Good luck with your choice!
Cheers!
For long range shooting I'd lean towards the .25, for iguanas at moderate ranges the .22 for shot count. Presuming you would be shooting iguanas in a populated area you would likely be tuning to lower power so the .25 would have no real advantage.
You mentioned competition and hunting which have pretty much opposite requirements. I have both an Impact and Panthera (.22/700mm). The Impact is suitable for both applications where I see the Panthera more as a bench gun. You will have to decide what is more important to you... or buy both
Lots of fine PCPs on the market, it's best to take your time and look around. I've had good performance from my FX airguns and plan on picking up an FX Leopard for longer range bench shooting (100 to 128 yards) when they are available locally.
I'm in the same caliber selection situation as you - I'm thinking .22/700mm for economic reasons but might just go for a .25/700mm because of the range. Decisions, decisions eh?
Good luck with your choice!
Cheers!
Upvote 0
When hunting your target may be moving. Getting the optimal shot needed with a smaller lighter round is not always possible. Getting a good shot with a larger heavier round is easier. Go with the .25. It is the more versatile round.
And the cost differential between .22 and .25 rounds is not enough to bother yourself about. Especially if you buy a high end FX for hunting iguana rather than something like an Umarex Zelos or Reximex Throne 2.
And the cost differential between .22 and .25 rounds is not enough to bother yourself about. Especially if you buy a high end FX for hunting iguana rather than something like an Umarex Zelos or Reximex Throne 2.
Upvote 0
I agree, with a couple caveats. Expanding ammo can help dump more energy and therefore control over penetration/pass thru (why I cant shoot my .22 34gr slugs and the impact hardly anywhere they whistle off into Narnia every time @75fpe) but expanding ammo also cause more tissue damage and bleed out on a less favorable shot. That said, if theyre not accurate, terminal performance doesn't matter in the least.
Domes at the right speed do deform and expend energy too, but it took 12 jsb 18s at 900fps from 10 feet away in a skunks head and vitals to get it to shut off. I had time to mag change and use hybrid slugs at the heart and lungs that really shut it off fast. (semi auto gun, so this was in a matter of seconds)
The neighborhood stunk for a week as he had his head in a trap that didn't break his neck. It was a great birthday present. No bbq for me
Upvote 0
I have found that using bait really helps with my kill ratio. I use cat food, peanut butter or even salted peanuts. They go into a static mode while feeding and it gives me a chance for a humane shot.
Upvote 0
Me and my hunting partner too. Various baits and trap typew along with many nights sitting and waiting for a shot. Those butter cookies companies give out at Christmas with sugar on top in a blue tin work amazingly combined with peanut butter. It's the best bait I've used for our area along with cat food.
Upvote 0
You may want to read this thread before finalizing your decision.
www.airgunnation.com
Other - Why so many .25 cal. for sale?
Just curious. I watch the classified section and other airgun for sale sites. It seems to me that there are more .25 cal. for sale than say .22. Not having owned a .25 cal. air rifle I am wondering why? Is it less shots per fill, ammo cost, accuracy or ??????? Makes me think twice about buying...
www.airgunnation.com Upvote 0
for iguanas I would say 22 is a minimum and best for around people and buildings but a 25 will work better all around in energy and wind bucking
Upvote 0
I would also choose shorter gun. Easier to hold standing with out rest. Look at you hunting gun make it light. Pantheras ar awesome but they are big and heavy to shoot out soulder. Look at what cowboy hunter shoots. They do it every day so go similar style for trust me they have tested and shoot everyday.
Upvote 0
I love 25 but 22 will do and A of A has a nicely priced used M3 compact in 22. That would be very tempting.
Upvote 0
How far out are you shooting at the iguanas? We talking residential area, backyrad or neighborhood, or open like walking a golf course or canal?
I prefer .25 but my .22's gets it done just as well with proper shot placement. If the shot is a little off the .25 is more forgiving and if taking shots a little further out, they definitely buck the wind more than .22.
Just my 2 cents...
Upvote 0
Heart / lung shot with a mid power gun ,caliber of your choice and sometimes they don’t spray. Make sure not to hit the shoulder. Head shot and it will spray every time.I agree, with a couple caveats. Expanding ammo can help dump more energy and therefore control over penetration/pass thru (why I cant shoot my .22 34gr slugs and the impact hardly anywhere they whistle off into Narnia every time @75fpe) but expanding ammo also cause more tissue damage and bleed out on a less favorable shot. That said, if theyre not accurate, terminal performance doesn't matter in the least.
Domes at the right speed do deform and expend energy too, but it took 12 jsb 18s at 900fps from 10 feet away in a skunks head and vitals to get it to shut off. I had time to mag change and use hybrid slugs at the heart and lungs that really shut it off fast. (semi auto gun, so this was in a matter of seconds)
The neighborhood stunk for a week as he had his head in a trap that didn't break his neck. It was a great birthday present. No bbq for me
Upvote 0
That's a lot of 18 grain in a skunk. I put 3 21 grain in a small raccoon and thought that was too many. One between the eyes put it down but it's heart was still pumping so I put one in the neck and it bled out. I used my P35-25 on the next one for a clean one shot kill. I suppose for body shots on iguanas 5 lbs or more a 25 might be indicated.
Upvote 0