What Do Air Rifles Shoot? (2026)
What do air rifles shoot? This guide gives a clear, simple answer so you can pick the right ammo fast.
We cover the main types: pellets, 4.5 mm BBs, slugs and shot shells, and when to use each. You will also learn about rifled vs smoothbore barrels and why compatibility matters.
You will see common pellet shapes, materials, and the most used calibers (.177, .22, .25, .35). We also explain basic ballistics, testing tips, and how to find the best pellet for your rifle.
Safety, legal notes, and a hands-on checklist are included so you can shoot smarter and safer. Read on for clear visuals, quick comparison tables, and practical advice updated for 2025.
Airgun BBs and pellets
When people ask “what do air rifles shoot” the short answer is pellets or 4.5 mm BBs, and high‑power PCPs can also propel slugs or shot shells. Some niche systems fire arrows or round balls, but pellets and BBs cover most uses.
Pellets, often called diabolo or skirted pellets, are the most common airgun pellets and are made to seal and stabilize in rifled barrels. Their hourglass shape gives good accuracy and they come in many head shapes for target or hunting use.
BBs are small steel or lead round balls, usually 4.5 mm (.177), common in smoothbore BB guns and cheap plinking rifles. The BB vs pellet tradeoff is simple: BBs are inexpensive and feed easily, pellets offer better sealing and accuracy, and for a detailed breakdown see ammo types.
Slugs are solid, bullet‑like projectiles used in high‑power PCP rifles for hunting and need specific, often rifled, barrels. Shot shells carry many tiny pellets for very short‑range pest control and work only in guns designed for shot.
Always check your owner’s manual — rifled versus smoothbore barrels and hardened steel inserts matter for safety and accuracy. Never assume interchangeability; using the wrong ammo can damage the gun or cause dangerous ricochets.
For quick reference, you can imagine a one‑row table: Ammo type | Typical diameters | Barrel required | Typical uses. That simple view helps beginners pick the right ammo fast.
Types and shapes
Shape matters a lot when you ask what do air rifles shoot and why some pellets group better than others. Choosing the right shape is often as important as choosing the right caliber.
Wadcutters have a flat head and cut clean holes in paper, which makes scoring simple at 10 m. They are not aerodynamic for long shots, so use them mainly for close‑range target work.
Domed or round‑nose pellets give the best ballistic coefficient and stability, making them the go‑to for hunting and longer shots. The rounded head helps maintain velocity and resist wind drift.
Pointed pellets concentrate energy for penetration and can be useful on pests, but they sometimes trade off long‑range accuracy. Hollow‑points expand on impact and are chosen for humane small‑game kills at short range.
Slugs are long, heavy, and aerodynamic single projectiles built for high‑energy PCP rifles and larger game. They need the right barrel and power to stabilize, otherwise they will be inaccurate.
BBs or round balls are perfectly spherical and cheap, but they lack the skirt sealing of pellets and are less accurate in rifled barrels. A labeled photo showing head, waist and skirt alongside relative sizes helps you compare and choose with confidence.
Different air rifle bullet materials
Lead and lead alloys remain the most common pellet materials because lead is dense and stores energy well. That density often gives better accuracy and energy retention downrange, which is why hunters prefer lead pellets.
Steel is typical for BBs: hard, magnetic and cheap, but it can ricochet and wear rifled barrels unless the gun and insert are rated for steel. Aluminum and tin/alloy pellets are lighter and used where lead is restricted, but they will behave differently in flight.
Plated or polymer‑coated lead offers corrosion resistance and sometimes smoother feeding, which can improve barrel life and consistency. Check local rules on lead use and see pellet basics for construction notes and safety guidance.
4.5 mm (.177) 5.5 mm (.22) 6.35 mm (.25) 9 mm (.35)
.177 (4.5 mm) gives the highest velocity and the flattest trajectory, so it is favored for target shooting and plinking. It generally produces less terminal energy for hunting than larger calibers.
.22 (5.5 mm) is the most versatile choice and balances speed with mass, making it great for small‑game hunting and pest control. .25 (6.35 mm) increases mass and stopping power at short to medium ranges, useful for slightly larger pests.
.35 (9 mm) delivers higher mass and energy in high‑power PCP rifles for serious pest or small‑game tasks but often has a steeper trajectory at longer range. Choose a caliber based on the species you hunt, typical engagement distance, and your rifle’s powerplant, then field‑test pellet weights and brands to find the best performer.
What is Ballistics?
Ballistics for airguns looks at internal, external, and terminal behavior — how the gun launches the pellet, how it flies, and how it performs on impact. Ballistics also answers the practical question of what do air rifles shoot at the target level: pellet mass, shape and speed determine results.
Key numbers to watch are muzzle velocity (fps), pellet mass (grains), muzzle energy (ft‑lbs or joules), and ballistic coefficient for how well a pellet holds speed. Heavier pellets tend to retain energy and fight wind better than very light, fast pellets.
Use a chronograph and try several pellet types and weights to see which groups best in your rifle, then zero for the range you shoot most and note holdover values. For more on matching caliber to use see airgun calibers, and always use a proper backstop and eye protection to avoid ricochet hazards.
Visuals to include: a gallery of pellet shapes and BBs, a caliber comparison image, and a simple trajectory graph showing .177 vs .22 with the same muzzle energy. These visuals make it easy for beginners to compare real differences at a glance.
Provide a one‑page comparison table listing Ammo type | Best uses | Barrel type | Pros/Cons | Typical calibers and a decision infographic titled “How to choose ammo for your air rifle.” That single sheet should guide readers from target type to caliber to pellet shape.
Hands‑on testing checklist: measure velocity with a chronograph, shoot five‑shot groups at 10, 25 and 40 yards, and record pellet brand, weight, velocity and group size. Pick the top two performers and retest them to confirm consistency before field use.
Always follow local laws on airgun power and hunting, dispose of lead responsibly, and use solid backstops and eye protection. For a quick “how to choose” approach: decide target vs hunting, pick your usual range, select a caliber and pellet shape, then test; practical testing beats guesswork every time.
What People Ask Most
What do air rifles shoot?
Air rifles most commonly shoot pellets or BBs. These are small metal projectiles used for target practice, plinking, and small-game hunting.
Can an air rifle shoot both pellets and BBs?
Some can, but many are made to use only one type. Always check the rifle’s recommended ammo to avoid jams or damage.
Are air rifles safe for beginners to use?
Yes, if you follow basic safety rules like wearing eye protection and treating the rifle as if it were loaded. Never point it at people or shoot without a proper backstop.
Can air rifles be used for hunting or pest control?
They can be used for small-game hunting and pest control when local laws allow it and you use proper shot placement. They work best at short to moderate ranges.
What do air rifles shoot for target practice?
Lead pellets are a common choice for target shooting because they are accurate and make clean holes in paper targets. BBs are okay for casual plinking but usually give less precision.
Do pellets from air rifles ricochet or damage property?
Yes, pellets and BBs can ricochet off hard surfaces and cause damage or injury. Always use a solid backstop and avoid shooting at metal, water, or other hard objects.
How should I store and handle air rifle ammo safely?
Keep pellets and BBs in their original container in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children. Store the unloaded rifle locked up and follow local safety rules for transport.
Final Thoughts on What Air Rifles Shoot
Knowing what your air rifle shoots—pellets, BBs, slugs, or shot shells—lets you match ammo to the task, from precise target work to humane pest control. Think of choosing the right pellet like picking a 270: fit, shape, and material change performance, so testing and compatibility matter. By summarizing calibers, shapes, materials and ballistics we showed which options give the best accuracy and reliability for your rifle.
One caution: steel BBs can ricochet and they’ll wear rifled barrels unless the gun’s rated for them, so check your manual and use proper backstops. This guide’s best for new shooters, target competitors and small‑game hunters who want practical, testable advice on ammo choice and real‑world results. You’ll get the most benefit by chronographing and group‑testing a couple of pellet types rather than trusting labels.
We started by asking what air rifles shoot and closed with clear categories, shape effects, material tradeoffs and simple ballistics checks so you’re not guessing at the range. With that foundation you’ll see tighter groups and more confident, humane shots as you refine your loadout going forward.