.25 or .30 cal?

[extradrygin2001]

I have decided to clean out the safe once again to make a purchase of a “generalized” hunting rifle. Basically something that is handy and powerful to handle what a .22LR would accomplish.

I already have a M3 .22, and a Bulldog .35, so I am considering either a .25 or a .30

Not sure on the platform yet but I like the AAA EVOL, or maybe the Brocock Ghost.

So those with the knowledge of experience please enlighten me to your recommendations for guns and caliber.

Thank you

 

[PasadenaMike]

In my opinion, the .25 caliber does a great job fulfilling the role I used to rely on a .22 LR for—primarily ground squirrel hunting. While the .30 caliber is nice, it seems to have a more pronounced rainbow trajectory compared to the flatter shooting .25. I haven’t done formal testing, but I find myself holding over much less with the .25. It also delivers immediate and consistent results—ground squirrels usually drop instantly.

 

[jackp_MDB]

Some states have "minimum" rules on pellet/slug sizes for hunting. May determine whether you should go with the .25 or the .30?

 

[WorriedMan]

Began PCP journey with .25, now a .30 guy. Appreciate the extra power .30 brings to hunting/pesting. Mainly 50 yard, and under, action .30 just ends things faster. WM

 

[Ranchibi]

I think it would depend on the size quarry you will be using it for. I have all .22 PCP's that do everything I need but if I were needing a larger cal for hunting/large varmint pesting, I myself would go str8 to a .30. I had a .25 AF which was powerful, but I can only imagine a .30!

 

[powermonger]

I have both 25 and 30. a Panthera with 1000cc and a dynamic25 with 700cc both are hot rodded.ive always loved pulling max power out of all my airguns since I started backinto them wheni met Tim At Mac 1 in 1981. Still love the field target. But my 30 can shoot 30 griffins 108s at 950 when pushed to the max and 135 grainers to 930s 90 grainers ar at 1000 fps. My 25 is pushing the 65 griffins at 925 and seams to top out there with the 700mm barrel. So the 800 will be next for it. The 30 has the 800. Next is to work on the valve and see if I can get a little more out of it? But the seam to be maxed out without going to a bigger valve allo more air and thoses machines don’t have. Really don’t hunt anymore due to the age. But still shoot out back. Powermonger

 

[Gerry52]

I say .25. My .30 FX Boss is my favorite gun but if, for some reason, I could only have one I'd probably keep the Royale .25. My reasoning is simple. It's quieter than my .30, there are more & cheaper ammo options for .25, better shot count per fill & it has plenty of terminal power with well placed (& sometimes not so well placed) shots. That's my 2 cents.

 

[phoenix_cow]

.25 is cheaper, uses less air to get the same fsp (more shots). I say only go .30 if you plan on yote or pig hunting. You can still do that with .25, but you need to be more careful of shot placement.

 

[shambozzie]

Both are nice hunting calibers. For downrange thumper and accuracy the .30 is hard to beat pellet wise. When wind is up and 100+ yds i grab the .30. Have Rapid hm1000x with AZ full shrouded barrels in .25 and .30 cal. Can change cal in 15 minutes and no reg adj. Charts for both calibers. Both are winners.

 

[JimD]

For squirrels or bunnies I don't think you even need a 25. I get about the same results from my higher powered 22s (30s) as my 25s (40s). Squirrels drop immediately with either. But if I want to shoot something like a raccoon I want a 25. If I wanted to hunt coyotes or anything larger I would want a 30.

 

[BordertownDevil]

I own an EVOL .30 (and mini .22) and can highly recommend them, especially if you’re a pellet shooter. They handle slugs as well, but the way they are tuned from the factory seems to be a sweet spot for any weight pellet it’s chambered for. They’re accurate, tough as nails, the best trigger in the industry, and set up for AR aftermarket parts! Depending on your use, look at the shorty .30. I have the full size and it’s kind of a beast in size. Then again, I do love my compacts!

 

[JaceSpace1369]

Easy, .30 I primarily use .177 and .22, but that's because I've used .25 and between using .22 and .25 for slugs .22 has the higher advantage with the larger variety of slugs, better BC, getting to be just as powerful and quieter. I've also used .25 and .30 hands down I would pick the .30.

The power you would look for in a .30 takes time and money to achieve with a .25, as well as needing longer barrels, etc. .30 starts at 75 to 80fpe which unless you get into the really high-end section of airguns, you won't be finding a .25 that can get there. For instance, a UX g2 .30 out of the box can make 115-120fpe, that's for $500. The only 2 other rifles that can do that out of the box that are .25 cal are the panthera, and the vulcan HP.
.30 also leaves a wider wound channel so your prey dies faster, and leaves a better blood trail. If you were pesting I would say go .25 as ammo is cheaper, if you are hunting stick with a .30

 

[MOhunter]

I've always liked this guy's comparison videos. I'd suggest watching them. Might help you decide.

 

[woogie_man]

Considering the two calibers.....I would go a 25. Will be able to get more power to make up the difference of fpe....and will get more shots. Ammo selection is something else to look at.

To me a 30 is to much and I won't have another one. 25 is the largest I have and I have gotten plenty of coyotes out to 100 yards with them.

 

[MongooseV8]

For squirrels or bunnies I don't think you even need a 25. I get about the same results from my higher powered 22s (30s) as my 25s (40s). Squirrels drop immediately with either. But if I want to shoot something like a raccoon I want a 25. If I wanted to hunt coyotes or anything larger I would want a 30.

This mirrors my experience and advice. I love 22Cal for normal pests.

But if I could only choose between a 25Cal or 30Cal Im going 25Cal everytime. I think you can do pretty much most of the same work with the wide range of ammo available now in 25Cal assuming you have a pcp strong enough to push decent power numbers with good accuracy. As an example I have an Impact 25Cal that easily shoots 980-1050fps Nielsen 34.9g slugs ~80fpe. I would take down a coyote if I had to with this pcp because it has been such a great performer. A 30Cal would certainly be better for the bigger pests but that not really my main focus with my pcps. Racoons and smaller are my main adversaries, with most being the terrible California ground squirrels and Norway Tree Rats. For those a 30Cal is dangerous to be swinging around the brush but a 25Cal turned down to shoot pellets is a winner.