Pellets in .177 (4.5 mm) are the most widely used calibre for air rifles and air pistols, and your choice of pellet has a direct effect on accuracy, range and impact. The same gun can shoot very differently with two different pellets, because head shape, weight and head size affect how the pellet sits in the barrel and behaves in flight. Here you will find pellets for target shooting, field target and plinking – plus slugs for powerful PCP air rifles.
The range covers a long list of brands. JSB has the widest selection, including the Match series, Blue Match Diabolo, Exact Monster Diabolo, Straton, Hades and KnockOut Slugs. Spot On covers everything from Match and Crow to Bullet and Uppercut, while Gamo and Umarex provide affordable packs such as Gamo Match, Accutek Hollow Point, Umarex Superdome and Mr. Shorty. Our own brand Storm Air is available as Velocity Diabolo, Precision Point Diabolo, Impact Hollow and Hunter FX. We also stock COAL Field Target and Xtreme FT, lead-free pellets from Elko, H&N Field Target Trophy and Baracuda Match, Crosman and slugs from ZAN Projectiles.
What to look for
Head shape: Wadcutter pellets such as Mr. Shorty wadcutters punch clean, sharp holes in paper targets at short range. Domed (round-nose) pellets such as Umarex Superdome are a versatile choice for accuracy at longer range. Pointed pellets such as Elko Pointed Match and hollow points such as Gamo Accutek Hollow Point and Storm Air Impact Hollow are shaped to release more energy in the target.
Weight and gun type: Light pellets typically suit lower-powered springers and air pistols, while heavier pellets and slugs make better use of the energy in powerful PCP air rifles. ZAN Projectiles slugs come in several weights from around 0.65 g to 1.56 g, so you can find the weight your barrel stabilises best.
Head size: Barrels vary slightly in inner diameter. That is why some pellets come in several head sizes – e.g. COAL Field Target in 4.50 and 4.52 mm, JSB Exact Monster in 4.52 mm and JSB KnockOut Slugs in 4.51 mm. A head size that matches your barrel gives a better seal and more consistent shots.
Lead or lead-free: Elko Pointed Match and Elko Green Match are lead-free alternatives to classic lead pellets. Note that Umarex steel BBs are round balls that must only be used in guns designed for steel BBs, and that Umarex cleaning pellets are for cleaning the barrel – not for shooting at targets.
Test before you buy in bulk: The only sure way to find out which pellet your gun shoots best is to try several types at the same distance. Buy a few tins of different types and weights and shoot groups before you settle on one and buy larger quantities.
Who it suits
This category is for anyone shooting an air rifle or air pistol in .177 (4.5 mm) – whether you shoot at targets in the garden, train for field target or want to get the most out of a PCP air rifle. If you are unsure which pellet suits your gun, feel free to contact us or visit our shop in Aulum, Denmark.
6.35 mm.25 · for high-power PCPsHeavy projectiles for specialised use. Check the regulations in your country.
2Head shapeThe shape decides what the pellet does best.
WadcutterTarget shooting at 10 m. Clean holes in the target.
DomedAll-round. Flies best at longer range.
PointedDeeper penetration at short to medium range.
Hollow pointHollow tip that expands on impact.
SlugsOnly for high-power PCPs. H&N recommends at least 25 J.
3WeightLight pellets for low power, heavy pellets for powerful air guns and longer range.
Light4.5 mm: 0.51 g · 5.5 mm: 0.93 gTarget shooting and low-power air guns
Medium4.5 mm: 0.55–0.67 g · 5.5 mm: 1.03–1.17 gAll-round for most air rifles
Heavy4.5 mm: 0.87 g and up · 5.5 mm: 1.64 g and upHigh-power PCP air rifles and longer range
The weights are examples from the JSB Exact range.
Test a few tins. Every barrel has its favourite pellets. Buy 2–3 different ones, or a sample pack, and shoot them at the same distance. The number after the calibre (e.g. 4.50, 4.51 or 4.52) is the head diameter, and a single hundredth of a millimetre can make a difference.
Choose your airsoft gun, air rifle, air pistol or launcher, and we’ll show you which parts, ammo, sights and accessories fit it – across the whole shop.
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My Gun is in beta and under continuous development. It is built by our technicians with help from AI and can make mistakes – if in doubt, ask us before you buy. Read the disclaimer – and help us make it better.
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