.177cal and .22cal for hunting

I like the .22cal simply for more versatility. I say this, but I've never owned a .22, as my smallest airguns have been .25cal PCP slinging 33gr slugs at 850fps with devastating results. I'd vote for:

  1. Whichever ammo is the most accurate in your gun.
  2. Something on the heavier side, so the rounds aren't as affected by the wind.
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    I also always lean towards slugs, if for no other reason than the better ballistic coefficient giving you higher velocity down range. If you are shooting a springer/gas piston airgun, slugs may not be an option.

    Here is a horrible quality video of me shooting a larger starling. It's half the size of a crow, but it was literally ripped in half at around 35 yards with a 26gr slug going 925fps. Listen to the sound of that slug hitting the starling, as it's much louder than the gun's report!

    https://youtu.be/DBhSRov-kiE

 
Shot placement is the key with the 177, I shoot the 10gr JSB pellets also the Hades are also 10 gr in 177 . I get a good pop with sparrows,and Euro Doves here in Texas, Both my Uragan and Vulcan are my 177 guns shooting at 940 FPS , And yes I do agree with everyone that the 22 will make small varmints DEADER . So the question, If your a good shot 177 or 22 does not matter under 50 yards,, In the old days I would say fire suit on ready to be blasted,, lol.

Mike


 
it depends on your back yard in terms of safety or how close are your neighbors. When it comes to backyard my approach is as low as I can get away with. Even crows don't need more than 5-6FPE on impact to take them out especially with 177 which to me seems to penetrate better than 22. For backyard my suggestion would 100% be 177, for 50 yards or less I wouldn't shoot more than 12 FPE or Hades at 700FPS. Still deadly and very accurate even with a little wind.



My impact is also setup for slugs and I go as much power as I can since it only get shot at the range now and days. 
 
I should have mentioned that my .25cal Impact has been set up for slugs. I'm looking to buy another gun for closer in work that is a little more backyard friendly.

Oh, now you tell me!

Then get a .177! The delta is very close between the .22 and .25cal guns, so I change my advice and vote for the .177 and an accurate pellet for the gun that you choose to shoot it in.
 
13gr monster do the job or 12gr howler slug or 10gr jsb. I'd say find a platform that is accurate and keep it maintained and check every pellet for defects. 
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my .177 in this platform is accurate out to 100yards easy. Wind plays into effect!! But like the .177 more and more because it require me to take shots correctly and be completely aware of my elements both wind and tree branches. Let me clarify take shots correctly I mean I can't take shots like I could with my .22 or .25!! .177 cal will over all make a better shooter and more humble about your skills as a shooter!!
 
it depends on your back yard in terms of safety or how close are your neighbors. When it comes to backyard my approach is as low as I can get away with. Even crows don't need more than 5-6FPE on impact to take them out especially with 177 which to me seems to penetrate better than 22. For backyard my suggestion would 100% be 177, for 50 yards or less I wouldn't shoot more than 12 FPE or Hades at 700FPS. Still deadly and very accurate even with a little wind.



My impact is also setup for slugs and I go as much power as I can since it only get shot at the range now and days. 



I agree with qball. I didn't like shooting my 30 fpe .22 in my backyard (50yds) so I bought a 17 fpe .177. I love the gun, but now I find myself wanting a sub 12 fpe. I have a 7 fpe CO2 and springer for hosps and starlings out to 25 yards.