When choosing shot for your airgun, there are several factors that come into play – weight, shape, material and accuracy. Shot not only affects velocity, but also penetration, accuracy and energy release . By understanding how different types of shot behave, you can optimize your choice of ammunition for hunting, target practice or competitive shooting.
In this guide, we review the different types of shot and the results of penetration tests so you can choose the shot that best suits your needs.
1. Types of hail and their uses
There are several different types of hail, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the purpose:
1.1. Flat-nosed shotguns (Wadcutter)
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Has a flat front , which provides a clean bullet hole.
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Used primarily for target shooting and competition .
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Effective up to 25 meters , but loses speed quickly over long distances.
✅ Benefits: Creates precise bullet holes, suitable for precision shooting.
❌ Disadvantages: Low penetration, loses speed quickly.
1.2. Pointed hail (Pointed)
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Designed for maximum penetration .
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Suitable for hunting and long-distance shooting .
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Maintains velocity longer than wadcutter shotgun.
✅ Benefits: Increased range and penetration.
❌ Disadvantages: Less precision at short distances.
1.3. Hollow-point shotgun
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Developed for hunting , as they expand upon impact.
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High energy discharge upon contact with the target.
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Less penetration than pointed hail, but more damage potential.
✅ Advantages: Effective for shooting at soft targets.
❌ Cons: Not ideal for long-range shooting.
1.4. Heavy domed shot (Domed / Round-nose)
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Good balance between penetration and precision .
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Suitable for competitive shooting and hunting .
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Maintains speed well over long distances.
✅ Advantages: Stable ball trajectory, suitable for long distances.
❌ Disadvantages: Less expansion than hollow-point shotguns.
1.5. Lead bullets and steel shot
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Lead bullets: Have high density and retain energy well.
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Steel shot: Used in environments where lead is prohibited, but has lower weight and less penetration.
✅ Advantages: Adapted to specific needs and legislation.
❌ Disadvantages: Steel shot can damage the rifling in the barrel of certain weapons.
2. Penetration test of different types of shot
To understand how different pellets behave upon impact, penetration testing is an effective method. Here are results from typical penetration tests on wood, plastic and ballistic gel using a PCP air rifle (16J, 4.5 mm pellets).
| Shot type | Wood (5 mm plywood) | Plastic (1 cm thick ABS) | Ballistic gel (10 cm block) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-nosed (Wadcutter) | Impression, but low penetration | Slight deformation, stops quickly | Penetrates 3-4 cm, but expands quickly |
| Pointed hail (Pointed) | Fully penetrates | Almost goes through the plastic | Penetrates 7-8 cm, limited expansion |
| Hollow-point shotgun | Lightly indented, expands | Easy penetration, but expansion | Penetrates 5-6 cm, large expansion |
| Dome-shaped hail (Domed) | Penetrates 80%, slight deformation | Partial penetration | Penetrates 6-7 cm, stable trajectory |
| Lead bullets (Heavy) | Penetrates deeply but deforms | Easy penetration, but loses speed | Penetrates 8-9 cm, high energy discharge |
➡ Conclusion: Pointed shot has the highest penetration, while hollow-point shot provides the greatest expansion. Domed shot balances accuracy and penetration best.
3. How do you choose the right hail?
To find the perfect shotgun for your purpose, you need to consider the following:
| Purpose | Recommended shot type |
| Precision shooting at short distances | Flat-nosed shotgun (Wadcutter) |
| Hunting small animals | Hollow-point or domed |
| Long-range shooting | Domed or pointed hail |
| Maximum penetration | Pointed hail |
| Environmentally friendly alternative | Steel shot or lead bullets |
➡ Test different shot types in your airgun to find the best combination of precision and penetration.
4. The importance of weight in hail
Shotgun is available in different weights, typically between 0.45 and 1.6 grams for 4.5 mm caliber:
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Light hail (0.45 – 0.65 g): Faster, but more affected by wind.
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Medium shot (0.65 – 0.90 g): Good balance between speed and stability.
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Heavy shot (1.0 – 1.6 g): Slower, but more stable and effective at long distances.
➡ Light shot is good for fast shots, while heavy shot provides more stability at longer distances.
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right shot is all about finding the right balance between penetration, accuracy and energy output . For best results:
✅ Test different types of shot in your airgun.
✅ Use flat-nosed shotguns for precision shooting and training.
✅ Use pointed pellets for maximum penetration.
✅ Use hollow-point shotguns for hunting and energy discharge.
✅ Choose the right weight for your purpose.
By experimenting with different pellets and analyzing penetration, you can optimize your airgun for the best possible performance!
