Quality pellet prices (vs .22LR rimfire)

[Racer88]

I'm new to air gunning (not counting kid stuff) and anxiously awaiting the arrival of my big Pyramyd Air order. I've been a long-time firearms enthusiast with a pretty decent collection.

Not a complaint but a bit surprised that quality .22 pellets cost the same as .22LR ammunition. Let's say an average of 5 - 6 cents per round.

Again, not complaining but a bit surprised.

The cost of a decent rifle in both categories is also comparable. Actually, my Benjamin Marauder cost more than any of my multiple .22LR rifles. Wait.... except one... my Browning BL-22 Grade 2 cost a tiny bit more than my Marauder. Less than $100 difference. But all my other .22LR rifles cost less than the Marauder.

And if I factor in the additional cost of a fill tank (and paying for the fills), air gunning costs more. If I add the cost of a compressor.... even more.

Ah.... but I don't care! I definitely didn't decide to get into air gunning to save money! That ship has LONG since sailed! LOL

I can't wait for my new Marauder regulated .22 rig! But I just made these observations.

 

[Struckat]

You will be able to shoot the Mrod more often? Or at least in place where you wouldn’t shoot 22LR.
Maybe it will cost you more?

Then, if you really like it, you will need a better gun. We will help you spend twice as much !

I have not figured out why, but my satisfaction is far greater shooting a pellet gun than any powder burner.

 

[Filnez]

If you're buying four tins of pellets at a time you get 25% off at Pyramid Air, while avoiding low grade bulk .22LR and getting something like CCI Minimags or Standard Velocity it costs more like $0.10 to $0.12 per shot. If you shoot better ammo even more.

It does cost getting set up at the beginning with a good PCP rifle and an air source but after that they can be considerably less expensive expensive to shoot than firearms.

 

[beerthief]

I'm new to air gunning (not counting kid stuff) and anxiously awaiting the arrival of my big Pyramyd Air order. I've been a long-time firearms enthusiast with a pretty decent collection.

Not a complaint but a bit surprised that quality .22 pellets cost the same as .22LR ammunition. Let's say an average of 5 - 6 cents per round.

Again, not complaining but a bit surprised.

The cost of a decent rifle in both categories is also comparable. Actually, my Benjamin Marauder cost more than any of my multiple .22LR rifles. Wait.... except one... my Browning BL-22 Grade 2 cost a tiny bit more than my Marauder. Less than $100 difference. But all my other .22LR rifles cost less than the Marauder.

And if I factor in the additional cost of a fill tank (and paying for the fills), air gunning costs more. If I add the cost of a compressor.... even more.

Ah.... but I don't care! I definitely didn't decide to get into air gunning to save money! That ship has LONG since sailed! LOL

I can't wait for my new Marauder regulated .22 rig! But I just made these observations.

i sold all of my PB's to finance Air stuff .

 

[Rick64]

I'm new to air gunning (not counting kid stuff) and anxiously awaiting the arrival of my big Pyramyd Air order. I've been a long-time firearms enthusiast with a pretty decent collection.

Not a complaint but a bit surprised that quality .22 pellets cost the same as .22LR ammunition. Let's say an average of 5 - 6 cents per round.

Again, not complaining but a bit surprised.

The cost of a decent rifle in both categories is also comparable. Actually, my Benjamin Marauder cost more than any of my multiple .22LR rifles. Wait.... except one... my Browning BL-22 Grade 2 cost a tiny bit more than my Marauder. Less than $100 difference. But all my other .22LR rifles cost less than the Marauder.

And if I factor in the additional cost of a fill tank (and paying for the fills), air gunning costs more. If I add the cost of a compressor.... even more.

Ah.... but I don't care! I definitely didn't decide to get into air gunning to save money! That ship has LONG since sailed! LOL

I can't wait for my new Marauder regulated .22 rig! But I just made these observations.

I want to know where you're buying .22 shells so cheap. Just bought CCI stingers recently at 8.50 a box which comes out to .17 cents apiece

 

[JEFFPPC]

If you were really in the rimfire game you would not be shooting .12 per round ammo. Double and triple that price. I shoot quality pellets for .029 each, do the math. First mistake was the PCP and all the required gear. Should have bought a quality under lever or side lever springer but enjoy yourself and when you get tired of the PCP take my advice on a good springer.

 

[UDABEGGER]

My Marauder shoots crossman 14.3 at 50 yds VG . 12 $ brick !

 

[PEP3]

If you don't go over .22 cal. it's not that expensive, especially if you're shooting CPHP's. Good PCP's usually shoot them very well. I don't understand the bigger calibers, some make as much noise as my PB's and the ammo is more expensive.

 

[steve123]

If you were to compare the highest quality airgun ammo to the equivalent match 22rf ammo the 22rf ammo will be hugely more expensive.

You already have the 22rf's, probably other firearms too, so airguns will be a different kind of fun.

I enjoy plinking with my 5.5 fpe airguns just as much as my firearms. Its interesting seeing how far away I can still hit my little steel knockover targets or how fast I can hit them when closer in.

 

[Septicdeath]

A

You will be able to shoot the Mrod more often? Or at least in place where you wouldn’t shoot 22LR.
Maybe it will cost you more?

Then, if you really like it, you will need a better gun. We will help you spend twice as much !

I have not figured out why, but my satisfaction is far greater shooting a pellet gun than any powder burner.

I too like shooting my pellet rifles much more than PB'S. However my black powder guns are a very close second to the pellet guns.

 

[Racer88]

You will be able to shoot the Mrod more often? Or at least in place where you wouldn’t shoot 22LR.

It would be the same frequency at the same places. I miiiiiiight be able to shoot the air rifle on my property (only 1 acre) without too much trouble.

I want to know where you're buying .22 shells so cheap. Just bought CCI stingers recently at 8.50 a box which comes out to .17 cents apiece

22 LR Ammo – SGAmmo.com

If you were really in the rimfire game you would not be shooting .12 per round ammo. Double and triple that price. I shoot quality pellets for .029 each, do the math.

I never implied I was "really in" the rimfire game. Just regular normal rimfire fun. Sure... the match grade stuff can run 20+ cents per round. No reason for me to shoot that ammo in my rimfire rifles or pistols. I didn't see any .22 pellets for $0.029. But then again, I'm not really looking to save money. I was just surprised that there's not much difference in price between rimfire and pellets. And then if I add in the other costs of air gunning... It's definitely not cheaper. Again... doesn't matter. I don't actually care.

There is nothing I've done in my gun hobby that was to "save money." It's still cheaper than booze, drugs, gambling, carousing, or divorce! Just caught me by surprise. Consider me "no longer surprised" and moving forward with my foray down the air rifle rabbit hole! I've already spent $2100 on the "package" of gear headed my way.

Should have bought a quality under lever or side lever springer but enjoy yourself and when you get tired of the PCP take my advice on a good springer.

As I mentioned in the OP.... This wasn't about saving money. I just wanted an air rifle for something different. They're cool. A year ago at the range, I shot a stranger's FX Impact M3. That really hooked me! I put 5 rounds into a single hole at 25 yards. Not a cloverleaf or ragged hole... ONE hole. Crazy. Then I saw the price of $2100, JUST for the rifle!

So I hit the "pause" button. Then I started looking into it again and decided to go "middle of the road" with a Marauder regulated in .22. I should have it in time to hit the range next weekend! Can't wait! If I decide I'm really diggin' the air rifle thing... I WILL have an FX Impact one day!

You already have the 22rf's, probably other firearms too, so airguns will be a different kind of fun.

Exactly the idea. Yeah... I've got "a few" firearms! I just got back from the range a few minutes ago. On today's menu: Ruger Precision Rifle 6.5-Creedmoor. Also a Colt Python (.357) and a Glock 19 clone in 9mm. Here's one of my RPR 6.5 five-shot groups at 100 yards (which gets boring). Squares are 1-inch. The "flyer" pissed me off.

If you're buying four tins of pellets at a time you get 25% off at Pyramid Air

Yep. Did that with my initial order. This is what I've got on the way with the rifle, scope, fill tank, etc...

JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 Cal, 18.13 Grains, Domed, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $23.99

JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo .22 Cal, 15.89 Grains, Domed, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $25.99

Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy .22 Cal, 5.52mm, 18 Grains, Round Nose, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $25.99

H&N Hornet Pellets, .22 Cal, 16.2 Grains, Pointed, 200ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $28.59

Crosman Premier .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Domed, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $0.00

Again, to be clear... not complaining. It is what it is, of course. It's about a different kind of "ballistic" fun. I'm very much looking forward to it. But when I looked, I chuckled realizing that pellets are not much cheaper than rimfire.

Today at the pistol range, to my right was a guy with a very serious competition air pistol. Custom grip. Single shot. No idea what it was. But it was cool, and he was a good shot, shooting one-handed. Had the little flappy thing over one eye.

Anyhoo.... Just waxing philosophic, not really complaining. I'm looking forward to my first shots with the Marauder! Should have it by Wednesday, hopefully!

 

[UDABEGGER]

If any of you men run across a hobby that is great fun and free or even cheap PLEASE let me know ! Thanks !

 

[Racer88]

If any of you men run across a hobby that is great fun and free or even cheap PLEASE let me know ! Thanks !

Reminds me of the joke (not-a-joke): I hope that when I die, my wife doesn't sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them!

 

[JEFFPPC]

Racer, I am glad your having fun. But your comparing bulk lower end ,22 ammo to quality pellets. Good Eley or Lapua is close or at 20.00 for 50 rounds. I will say that bulk Federal in your post shoots above it's price in most of my rimfire but it's not what I use in any matches. Keep us posted on how your PCP shoots. If shoots close to my springer you will be happy, lol.

 

[Normkel]

It would be the same frequency at the same places. I miiiiiiight be able to shoot the air rifle on my property (only 1 acre) without too much trouble.

22 LR Ammo – SGAmmo.com

View attachment 566521
View attachment 566522
View attachment 566523
View attachment 566524



I never implied I was "really in" the rimfire game. Just regular normal rimfire fun. Sure... the match grade stuff can run 20+ cents per round. No reason for me to shoot that ammo in my rimfire rifles or pistols. I didn't see any .22 pellets for $0.029. But then again, I'm not really looking to save money. I was just surprised that there's not much difference in price between rimfire and pellets. And then if I add in the other costs of air gunning... It's definitely not cheaper. Again... doesn't matter. I don't actually care.

There is nothing I've done in my gun hobby that was to "save money." It's still cheaper than booze, drugs, gambling, carousing, or divorce! Just caught me by surprise. Consider me "no longer surprised" and moving forward with my foray down the air rifle rabbit hole! I've already spent $2100 on the "package" of gear headed my way.



As I mentioned in the OP.... This wasn't about saving money. I just wanted an air rifle for something different. They're cool. A year ago at the range, I shot a stranger's FX Impact M3. That really hooked me! I put 5 rounds into a single hole at 25 yards. Not a cloverleaf or ragged hole... ONE hole. Crazy. Then I saw the price of $2100, JUST for the rifle!

So I hit the "pause" button. Then I started looking into it again and decided to go "middle of the road" with a Marauder regulated in .22. I should have it in time to hit the range next weekend! Can't wait! If I decide I'm really diggin' the air rifle thing... I WILL have an FX Impact one day!


Exactly the idea. Yeah... I've got "a few" firearms! I just got back from the range a few minutes ago. On today's menu: Ruger Precision Rifle 6.5-Creedmoor. Also a Colt Python (.357) and a Glock 19 clone in 9mm. Here's one of my RPR 6.5 five-shot groups at 100 yards (which gets boring). Squares are 1-inch. The "flyer" pissed me off.

View attachment 566534


Yep. Did that with my initial order. This is what I've got on the way with the rifle, scope, fill tank, etc...

JSB Match Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 Cal, 18.13 Grains, Domed, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $23.99

JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo .22 Cal, 15.89 Grains, Domed, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $25.99

Air Arms Diabolo Field Heavy .22 Cal, 5.52mm, 18 Grains, Round Nose, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $25.99

H&N Hornet Pellets, .22 Cal, 16.2 Grains, Pointed, 200ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $28.59

Crosman Premier .22 Cal, 14.3 Grains, Domed, 500ct Quantity: 1 Price per unit: $0.00

Again, to be clear... not complaining. It is what it is, of course. It's about a different kind of "ballistic" fun. I'm very much looking forward to it. But when I looked, I chuckled realizing that pellets are not much cheaper than rimfire.

Today at the pistol range, to my right was a guy with a very serious competition air pistol. Custom grip. Single shot. No idea what it was. But it was cool, and he was a good shot, shooting one-handed. Had the little flappy thing over one eye.

Anyhoo.... Just waxing philosophic, not really complaining. I'm looking forward to my first shots with the Marauder! Should have it by Wednesday, hopefully!

I can't detect any difference between CPHP 14.3 gr .22 and Domed Ultra Magnum in trajectory or accuracy.

 

[RM.510bigbore]

I cast pure lead 39 grain spire points for my custom 22 condor.. So for $1.25 a pound is my cost to feed my pcp.. i cant afford $15.00 to $20.00 for a hundred slugs.. When i cast with a 5 cavity mold i usually cast 2-4 lbs of 39 grain at a time.. So my custom condor shoots 39 grain at 1050 fps in a 17 inch barrel..Small and light...

 

[woogie_man]

My airguns are MUCH cheaper to shoot than my 22lr rifles! Though I am only shooting match grade ammo which is expensive, like was stated previously. Now figure what it costs me to make my own slugs for my 22 airguns..... and it is MUCH cheaper to shoot. And I can shoot the same distances and speed as my match 22lr if I want.

And it is FAR more fun to show up to a rimfire match with an airgun.... and still be able to hold your own.

 

[UDABEGGER]

I cast pure lead 39 grain spire points for my custom 22 condor.. So for $1.25 a pound is my cost to feed my pcp.. i cant afford $15.00 to $20.00 for a hundred slugs.. When i cast with a 5 cavity mold i usually cast 2-4 lbs of 39 grain at a time.. So my custom condor shoots 39 grain at 1050 fps in a 17 inch barrel..Small and light...

Where did you find the mold if you do not mind me asking !

 

[RM.510bigbore]

Arsenal molds, NOE moulds, and MP molds ... They all have websites...Arsenal molds can make diameter custom....So if it is a .225 mold they can make it a .218 for example if thats what you need...

 

[Tuinschutter]

Yep. Did that with my initial order. This is what I've got on the way with the rifle, scope, fill tank, etc...

Wow... You guys have to pay a hefty price for those pellets!

In The Netherlands we pay €15,95 for them and they have to be imported from the Czech Republic as well. (Not entirely comparable, but still.)