How to choose pellets for an air rifle or air pistol
Choosing airgun pellets starts with the correct calibre, but it does not end there. Head shape, weight and compatibility with your air rifle or air pistol can all affect group size and point of impact. Even two pellets in the same calibre may perform differently in the same barrel.
This guide explains the main pellet types and what measurements in grains, grams and joules mean. If you already know what you need, browse Carbin’s airgun pellet collection.
Quick guide: Which pellet should you try first?
Use this table as a starting point. Your final choice should depend on the calibre specified for your gun and the results you obtain when comparing suitable pellets.
| If you want to... | Start by trying... | Check... |
|---|---|---|
| Shoot paper targets at short range | Flathead or wadcutter pellets | Calibre, consistent groups and clearly defined holes in the target. |
| Practise at different distances | Domed or round-nose pellets | Weight, group size and point of impact. |
| Find a pellet that suits your gun | Several compatible models or a trial pack, where available | Results under similar conditions before buying larger quantities. |
| Try slugs in a PCP air rifle | Slugs specified as suitable for your rifle | Manufacturer guidance and barrel and magazine compatibility. |
Carbin’s rule of thumb: Confirm the calibre first. Then compare shape and weight. Finally, choose the pellet that delivers consistent results in your own gun.
Types of airgun pellets by head shape
A conventional diabolo pellet has a head, a narrower waist and a skirt at the rear. Flathead, domed, pointed and hollow-point pellets are among the designs in this family. Slugs have a different profile and require a separate compatibility check.
Flathead or wadcutter pellets
The flat head makes a clearly defined hole in paper, making hits easier to read. Wadcutter pellets are commonly used for paper target shooting at short range. You may also see products labelled Match; check the specifications of each model rather than choosing by its name alone.
Domed or round-nose pellets
Domed pellets are a popular choice for recreational and precision shooting at varying distances. They come in different weights and designs. A widely recommended pellet will not necessarily produce the tightest groups in every air rifle.
Pointed pellets
These pellets have a tapered head. They can be compared with other suitable pellets for recreational shooting at appropriate targets. A pointed tip does not, by itself, guarantee better accuracy. Compare actual groups rather than relying on the shape.
Hollow-point pellets
Hollow-point pellets have a cavity in the front. Their design differs from flathead and domed pellets, but performance depends on the specific model and conditions of use. Review the manufacturer’s information and the rules applicable to your activity and location.
Lead-free pellets and special designs
Lead-free describes a pellet’s material, not its head shape. Some products are also marketed as high-velocity pellets, but those descriptions are not interchangeable. Check the stated weight, suitability for your gun and the results you obtain.
Slugs for compatible PCP air rifles
Airgun slugs differ in profile from conventional diabolo pellets. A PCP air rifle being chambered in the right calibre does not mean every slug will suit it. Follow the guidance provided by the rifle and projectile manufacturers. If your rifle uses a magazine, check its capacity to hold and feed the slug correctly.
Calibre: Your first essential check
Always choose a projectile in a calibre specified for your air rifle or air pistol. Common sizes include 4.5 mm (.177), 5.5 mm (.22) and 6.35 mm (.25). Each calibre includes pellets with different shapes and weights.
Calibre alone does not tell you which pellet will be most accurate, how far you can use it effectively or what muzzle energy your gun will produce. Those questions depend on the combination of gun and projectile.
Explore Carbin’s 5.5 mm (.22) pellets or the JSB 4.5 mm (.177) range. For other available calibres, start with the main pellet collection.
Pellet weight: What do grains and grams mean?
Pellet weight may be listed in grams (g) or grains (gr). Both measure mass. A grain figure does not tell you the pellet’s energy on its own. Always check the unit used on the tin or product page.
Quick weight conversion
1 grain ≈ 0.0648 grams
Grams ≈ grains × 0.0648
Grains ≈ grams ÷ 0.0648
Example: an 8-grain pellet weighs approximately 0.52 g.
Two pellets of the same calibre can have different weights. If you change weight or model, check both group size and point of impact again. Weight alone cannot tell you which pellet will be most accurate in your gun.
How are joules calculated?
Joules (J) measure energy. To calculate a pellet’s kinetic energy at a given point, you need its mass and its speed at that same point. Using muzzle velocity measured with a chronograph gives an estimate of its energy at the muzzle.
Kinetic energy formula
E (J) = ½ × mass (kg) × velocity² (m/s)
When pellet weight is given in grams:
E (J) = weight (g) × velocity² (m/s) ÷ 2,000
Example: a 0.50 g pellet measured at 200 m/s gives:
0.50 × 200² ÷ 2,000 = 10 J.
Keep the distinction clear: joules are not a fixed property of the pellet. Energy depends on the speed achieved with a particular gun and falls as the projectile travels. A lighter pellet may leave the muzzle faster without necessarily delivering more energy or better accuracy. The example explains the calculation; it does not replace a chronograph measurement of your equipment.
Compatibility with PCP, spring-powered and multi-shot airguns
Alongside calibre, consider your type of airgun and the projectile manufacturer’s guidance. A pellet that groups well in a PCP air rifle may perform differently in a spring-powered rifle or an air pistol.
With a multi-shot magazine, pellet length matters too. Some long or unusually shaped projectiles may not fit or feed properly, even when their stated calibre is correct. Check this particularly carefully when considering slugs.
Pellet trial packs: Compare before committing to one model
If you do not yet know which pellet performs best in your gun, a pellet trial pack can help you compare compatible types, where a suitable pack is available. It lets you assess several options before buying a larger quantity of a single pellet.
Compare results under similar conditions. Look at group consistency and point of impact; if you use a magazine, check how reliably each pellet loads and feeds. Browse the main airgun pellet collection for currently available options.
Frequently asked questions about airgun pellets
Can I use the same pellets in two different air rifles?
Yes, if both rifles accept that calibre and their manufacturers specify no other incompatibility. The same pellet may group differently in each barrel, so compare the results separately.
What is the difference between grains, grams and joules?
Grains and grams measure mass. Joules measure energy. To calculate kinetic energy you need both pellet mass and its speed at the point being measured.
Does a heavier pellet always produce more joules?
No. Energy depends on mass and speed together. Changing pellet weight can also change the speed achieved with the same airgun.
Which pellets are suitable for paper targets?
Flathead or wadcutter pellets are commonly chosen because they leave clearly defined holes. Compare suitable models in your gun’s calibre to see which gives you the most consistent groups.
Can every PCP air rifle use slugs?
Do not assume so. Check the rifle and projectile manufacturers’ guidance, including barrel suitability and magazine dimensions where applicable.
Are lead-free pellets always high-velocity?
No. “Lead-free” describes the material. Speed depends on factors including weight, design and the airgun used.
Find your airgun pellets at Carbin
Compare pellet shapes and weights in the calibre specified for your gun. If you are testing a new model, check whether a suitable trial pack is available.
You can also explore JSB 4.5 mm (.177) pellets and our 5.5 mm (.22) pellet collection.
