For hunting 50 yards and under, what do you consider to be the optimum pellet weight/velocity in .177cal and .22cal for crow and magpie sized game?
.177cal and .22cal for hunting
- Thread starter Corvid_hunter
- Start date
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:
- Whichever ammo is the most accurate in your gun.
- Something on the heavier side, so the rounds aren't as affected by the wind.
[/LIST=1]
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
Upvote 0
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
Mike
Upvote 0
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.
Upvote 0
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.
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.
Upvote 0
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.
Upvote 0
standard weight at high velocity for the most versatility ... as an example, a prod at 675 is pretty good at close range on small stuff but its limited .. a .177 at 1100 is better in every dept .. so is a .22 at 900+ 'but' .. high velocity power and noise can be a liabilty around the home and in certain situations ...
Upvote 0
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. 
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!!
Upvote 0
I like the daystate platform or the wildcat mk3 compact or marvick compact in .177 or .22!! If .22cal than you have a lot of options! This is my opinion and not advice of any kind! Strictly based on my experience and trial and error!
Upvote 0
Upvote 0
The more I use my .177 Bantam the more I am convinced on the benefits of my .25 rifles. (Accuracy at long range, with wind factor and adequate hunting power)
Upvote 0