Quality pellet prices (vs .22LR rimfire)

[Trucker3573]

You will get tons of arguments here about the cost thing vs rimfire. I agree with you completely. You could still find CCI standard last I checked for like .07 a round and it does pretty darn good in a lot of guns. So for just plinking everyday shooting you aren’t saving a bunch of money at all. Shooting competitively is different but how many people in the sport really do that. However step out of the realm of .22 rimfire into literally anything else in the PB world and Airguns are miles cheaper to shoot and you can shoot them in many places you can’t shoot a PB.

 

[Racer88]

However step out of the realm of .22 rimfire into literally anything else in the PB world and Airguns are miles cheaper to shoot and you can shoot them in many places you can’t shoot a PB.

That is true!

Yesterday I was shooting rifle ammo that was $1.60 / round (Hornady ELD-M 6.5 Creedmoor). I have spent a LOT of money on traditional (PB) ammo over the years. Last year, I fired 3,600 rounds of various calibers, mostly 9-mm. That was a slow year. In 2023, I fired 7,600 rounds of various calibers, again mostly 9mm. In 2022, it was 6,700 rounds. Yeah.... I track it all.

I decided to get into an air rifle because I just wanted to. Thought it would be fun and different. While I researched all the various types of air rifles... and then various PCPs, once I decided on that route... and various ways to charge the air reservoir.... and scopes..... I did NOT really look into the ammo itself. LOL! And I was just a bit surprised that .22 pellets cost almost as much as rimfire 22-LR.

Again... Fortunately (for me), it doesn't matter what the cost of the pellets are. A bit cheaper... the same... a bit more expensive.... doesn't matter.

Right now, I'm just trying to figure out what is up with my $2200 order with Pyramyd Air. My PA account says it hasn't shipped (ordered May 28). But there's a tracking button that goes to the UPS site, which says they have the package and it's on the way. Conflicting status reports.

 

[Trucker3573]

That is true!

Yesterday I was shooting rifle ammo that was $1.60 / round (Hornady ELD-M 6.5 Creedmoor). I have spent a LOT of money on traditional (PB) ammo over the years. Last year, I fired 3,600 rounds of various calibers, mostly 9-mm. That was a slow year. In 2023, I fired 7,600 rounds of various calibers, again mostly 9mm. In 2022, it was 6,700 rounds. Yeah.... I track it all.

I decided to get into an air rifle because I just wanted to. Thought it would be fun and different. While I researched all the various types of air rifles... and then various PCPs, once I decided on that route... and various ways to charge the air reservoir.... and scopes..... I did NOT really look into the ammo itself. LOL! And I was just a bit surprised that .22 pellets cost almost as much as rimfire 22-LR.

Again... Fortunately (for me), it doesn't matter what the cost of the pellets are. A bit cheaper... the same... a bit more expensive.... doesn't matter.

Right now, I'm just trying to figure out what is up with my $2200 order with Pyramyd Air. My PA account says it hasn't shipped (ordered May 28). But there's a tracking button that goes to the UPS site, which says they have the package and it's on the way. Conflicting status reports.

Yeah that is weird. Does the ups tracking give a delivery date ? I would trust the ups site. I bet they have possession of it.

 

[johnwoitalla]

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.

I have a 22cal RWS 54 Air King that has only been used a few times since I bought a 22cal Air Arms S410 in 2001...the AA weighs much less than the rws54, is way more accurate, and shoots a good 40 shots between refills. In 24 years I have not grown tired of my S410 and still prefer it over the Air King. Now that I have an FX King, I wonder how often the 410 will be used? BTW- I would be happy to sell the Air King.

 

[BSJ]

I have a 22cal RWS 54 Air King that has only been used a few times since I bought a 22cal Air Arms S410 in 2001...it weighs much less than the 410, is way more accurate, and shoots a good 40 shots between refills. In 24 years I have not grown tired of my S410 and still prefer it over the Air King. Now that I have an FX King, I wonder how often the 410 will used? BTW- I would be happy to sell the Air King.

Yep, my 25 year old S410 has spoiled me too. Really nothing has topped it. I've added another couple S500 and S510s. Except my AA ProTarget. But that's on a whole nother level.
Tried a FX Crown, what a disappointment...

 

[johnwoitalla]

Yep, my 25 year old S410 has spoiled me too. Really nothing has topped it. I've added another couple S500 and S510s. Except my AA ProTarget. But that's on a whole nother level.
Tried a FX Crown, what a disappointment...

 

[johnwoitalla]

10 shot groups…with the JSB’s I never get flyers.

 

[JEFFPPC]

10 shot groups…with the JSB’s I never get flyers.

View attachment 566888

I am confused. If that's 4 10 shot groups I am looking at, very good. If that's 2 groups I would not be happy. I bought my 54 used off this forum. At 20 meters it was a 3 inch gun at best. I sent it to John Thomas in York Pa and had him tune it. When it came back it was a1.5 gun or at times s bit better. I bought a tuner from Hector Medenez and now at 20 meters it just makes a hole. I have shot back to back 5 shot 1,5 inch groups with it as 100 yds. At 50 yards if you miss a 45 empty case its on you. Yes it's heavy but I am fine with that. Weak point of the gun to me is the trigger but I have learned it.I have no interest in PCPs. I would take a 22 rf, no tanks or oversupply to contend with.

 

[dgeesaman]

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.

High quality .22LR ammo is $15/50ct. $.30/round. The same level of quality in pellets is a tiny fraction of that.

Comparing .22LR ammo to premium slugs is getting more reasonable, but still I can get 1000 of any slug for better than match .22LR ammo pricing.

David

 

[Racer88]

Yeah that is weird. Does the ups tracking give a delivery date ? I would trust the ups site. I bet they have possession of it.

Yes... UPS has an estimated delivery date and time (on this coming Wednesday).

Is there a chance PA would send a partial order? I've sent an email to PA to see if I can get clarification.

 

[Trucker3573]

Yes... UPS has an estimated delivery date and time (on this coming Wednesday).

Is there a chance PA would send a partial order? I've sent an email to PA to see if I can get clarification.

Seems unlikely, maybe their system just hasn’t updated to shipped yet.

 

[johnwoitalla]

I am confused. If that's 4 10 shot groups I am looking at, very good. If that's 2 groups I would not be happy. I bought my 54 used off this forum. At 20 meters it was a 3 inch gun at best. I sent it to John Thomas in York Pa and had him tune it. When it came back it was a1.5 gun or at times s bit better. I bought a tuner from Hector Medenez and now at 20 meters it just makes a hole. I have shot back to back 5 shot 1,5 inch groups with it as 100 yds. At 50 yards if you miss a 45 empty case its on you. Yes it's heavy but I am fine with that. Weak point of the gun to me is the trigger but I have learned it.I have no interest in PCPs. I would take a 22 rf, no tanks or oversupply to contend with.

Yes, 4 separate 10 shot groups- 2 at 25yds and 2 at 37yds.