How does the .177 pellet do on squirrels?

[Rangeland]

I have had pellet guns for a long long time. I am thinking of getting a PCP for the first time. My main use would be target shooting and shooting squirrels and grackles. I like squirrels but they are destructive. 

I have killed squirrels with my .177 guns but wanted to ask those with experience if I should get the .177 or maybe a .22. 

 

[bandg]

I have both available and routinely use a .177 for the squirrels.

 

[KatoKevin454]

depends on you, 177 can be devastating on a Squirrel with the right accurate pellet, .22 has more FPE and you need a pellet that is accurate out of the gun you have, so the point is "what ever gun you get, find the most accurate pellet for it" it's not just the pellet that kills, it's the accuracy it is shot at.

I hate .177 myself, because they are to hard to handle with my big hands, so I shoot .22 and above, I don't fumble around as much..... 

 

[elh0102]

My squirrel pesting is in the yard, mostly 20-35 yards. I've used both, frankly can't tell a difference in effectiveness. Both require good placement for a clean kill, and both kill humanely with good placement. I've been using a .177 more lately, it's just so darn quiet. Mine is an HW100 with Weihrauch silencer. 

 

[Emu]

.22 is better and .25 is much better and .30 is devastating.

 

[KatoKevin454]

other thing to think about is are you shooting in a small yard with lots of neighbors close by, or are you shooting in a big area with nobody close by, tight quarters small caliber less power, big quarters bigger caliber, more power..... Got it....

 

[Keith2324]

I have had pellet guns for a long long time. I am thinking of getting a PCP for the first time. My main use would be target shooting and shooting squirrels and grackles. I like squirrels but they are destructive. 

I have killed squirrels with my .177 guns but wanted to ask those with experience if I should get the .177 or maybe a .22.

Adding to what has been previously stated, it really depends on the distance you are shooting . FPE, in my opinion doesn't matter as long as the range you are shooting is adequate for the effectiveness of the round. Have a look at some of the videos on YouTube of our European brothers and sisters. In most cases they are only allowed to shoot at 12 ft lbs or less and they take small game from birds, squirrels and rabbits with ease.

.177 will do the job. Again I will echo, as long as you are using the most accurate ammo for "YOUR" gun. 

Keith.

 

[shambozzie]

Shot placement is the key. This one head shot @ 45 yds with 12 fpe .177. Jsb 8.4 on duty. This gun will shoot cloverleaf @ 35 yds.

 

[thumper]

Shot placement is important with either caliber. Keep that in mind. This thread will soon turn into a HUGE argument with a lot of inexperienced opinions, hearsay, and unfounded theories. Brace yourself, it's going to get nasty by the end. 

Here's my one and only two cents worth:

I've killed more squirrels with sub 12ft/lb .177s than anything else including rimfires. I've also hunted them with .22s from 12ft/lb up to 35ft/lb. Personally at reasonable ranges that you'd be shooting a squirrel at, I haven't found much difference. Never had the .22 "save" a bad shot, and never lost one with a good shot with a .177 caliber. 

Depends on the power level to me when choosing which caliber for a particular gun in PCP. I don't care for .22s much under say 17ft/lb and don't care for a .177 over about 18ft/lb with heavy pellets. 

For a similar power level .177 vs .22, I can't see there is any tangible difference. The .22 is touted to "hit harder", but also has more surface area and takes more energy to penetrate the same as a smaller .177. The .177 shoots flatter and penetrates better. Either has to be in the right spot or they both suck. 

That's my take. Put on those fire suits gents. 

 

[Emu]

Rangeland,

If you are new in this PCP hobbies and you are getting in, is important that you understand the difference in hunting power in each caliber.

I send you a link in order that you can make a comparison.

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/final-formula-for-obtaining-the-hunting-energy-units-on-air-rifles/

 

[JamesD.]

A well placed .177 will penetrate and kill any squirrel. 

Only thing I think you should consider is your finger size & condition of hands. Any arthritis or a harder to load airgun, anything like that I would opt for .22 as little .177's get hard to feel, especially in cold Northern weather.

 

[Emu]

A well placed .177 will penetrate and kill any squirrel. 

Only thing I think you should consider is your finger size & condition of hands. Any arthritis or a harder to load airgun, anything like that I would opt for .22 as little .177's get hard to feel, especially in cold Northern weather.

Hahahah

I am starting to feel the difference you point out 

 

[elh0102]

Yes, .177 pellets are easy to drop. But I have two 14 round mags for the HW100, so it's not an issue. Coincidentally, just 10 minutes ago I killed a squirrel with the .177, about 35 yards, high in a tree, dead when he hit the ground.

 

[JimNM]

Tom - do you have your sights on tree squirrel or ground squirrel??

 

[qball]

.22 is better and .25 is much better and .30 is devastating.

nah, quite playing with little kids toys! Go straight to 50 cal! LOL

 

[Simplyhooked]

It all boils down to you and your ability to put the pellet were it will quickly put your target down. I've taken many squirrels with .177s and I've lost a few as well because of my shot placement, I can't blame the gun or the pellet. As far as grackles are concerned, my answer is the same.

 

[L.Leon]

@thumper, come on we all know a .30 should be the minimum caliber for squirrels. If you miss or wound one they can be dangerous...

 

[dizzums]

.177 will work although over-all a .22 will produce less maim shots and that trend continues as caliber increases .. we demand good shot placement but sometimes 'you take the shot' you got ... .22 will do better 'but' .177 is very easy to get cheap ammo for still locally .. so i look at it as i can use .177 for close in pesting which most of it is anyway .. if you got that long shot though, at 50 yards into the treeline you better grab something more substantial like a .25 if you want a pretty sure clean kill ..

 

[Removed]

Really depends on the environment and range you plan to shoot. For backyard use, around buildings and structures .177 is fairly safe. I prefer .22 for the majority of hunting I do with power levels between 20/30 fpe that gives me a good effective range out beyond 65 yards. If most of the shots you are taking are fairly close a .177 should be more than effective on squirrels and birds. The last thing I want is to use a heavy caliber that can easily penetrate a backstop, fence etc, To much liability just to kill small varmints.

 

[Vetmx]

Yep, safety first. My dad is a .177 only because of where he’s shooting. Could he get away with a .22? We will never know because like Crosman999 said, not worth the risk for small varmints. The modern .177 is very effective in the right hands and if you know your limitations.