Pellets for carbine and pistols, all calibers

Shop pellets by calibre: .177, .22, .25 and .30

The calibre must match the marking on your air rifle or air pistol. If you already own the airgun, ammunition selection starts with that specification, before considering power, shooting distance or head shape.

The imperial and metric labels are the customary names for these nominal calibre families. They should not be confused with an exact head diameter or with firearm cartridges: a .22 airgun pellet is not a .22 LR cartridge.

Gamo, H&N, JSB, RWS and other airgun pellet brands

A broad range lets you compare different products without limiting your choice to one brand. Your ammunition does not need to come from the same manufacturer as your airgun, but it must meet the airgun’s requirements for calibre, projectile type and dimensions.

• Gamo pellets: browse the product families and pack sizes, including the AccuTek range.
• H&N Sport pellets and slugs: compare models such as Baracuda, Field Target Trophy, Finale Match and Slug HP.
• JSB pellets: check the variants within each family and their differences in weight and diameter.
• RWS pellets: compare the available products according to your equipment and shooting discipline.
• Norica pellets: explore the available calibres, profiles and pack sizes.
• BSA pellets: check the specifications and quantities for each product variant.
• Norma pellets: browse the available models and select a compatible version.

Always use the full product name when comparing ammunition. A Heavy, Match or FT version, or a newer series, may have different specifications even when part of the name is shared.

How to choose pellets for your air rifle or air pistol

Choosing ammunition is easier when you follow a clear order. Before focusing on an advertised velocity or a distinctive head shape, check these five points:

• Airgun and calibre: identify the exact model and calibre variant you use.
• Approved ammunition: confirm whether it accepts diabolo pellets, round balls, slugs or another specified projectile.
• Dimensions: check diameter and length, particularly with magazine-fed airguns.
• Weight and profile: compare suitable products against the manufacturer’s guidance.
• Pack contents: check the selected variant and quantity before comparing prices.

No single pellet is the best choice for every airgun. Results depend on the combination of projectile, barrel, feeding system and shooting conditions.

Airgun pellet types by head shape

Flat-head pellets for reading hits on paper targets

Flat-head pellets, also known as wadcutters, make shot holes easier to read on paper targets. This shape is widely used in precision target shooting, provided the specific pellet is compatible with the airgun.

The word Match appears in different product families and does not, by itself, guarantee a flat head. Check the description of the exact product.

Domed or round-head pellets

Domed pellets have a rounded nose and feature in many airgun ammunition ranges. Within this design, you can find different weights and head sizes.

Two domed pellets do not necessarily have the same dimensions or produce the same results. Compare the complete specification and suitability for your equipment.

Pointed and hollow-point pellets

Pointed pellets and hollow-point pellets have different geometries. Head shape alone does not guarantee greater accuracy, a longer effective range or a particular result on the target.

With magazine-fed airguns, pay particular attention to projectile length and available clearance. Not every profile in the same calibre fits every magazine or feeds correctly through every mechanism.

Diabolo pellets, BBs and slugs: key differences

A traditional diabolo pellet has a head, a narrow waist and a skirt. BBs are spherical projectiles, while slugs have a different geometry from diabolo pellets. These ammunition types should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they share a nominal calibre designation.

If your airgun uses spherical projectiles, browse our BBs and lead round balls and check the approved material. A steel BB and a lead round ball are not necessarily interchangeable in a particular airgun.

Before buying slugs, confirm that the airgun manufacturer permits this projectile type and check its diameter, length and operating requirements.

Pellets for air rifles

Our air rifle collection lets you compare different power systems and calibres. If you already own a spring-piston, gas-ram, CO₂ or PCP air rifle, choose ammunition according to the specifications of that exact version.

The power system provides useful context, but does not determine the right pellet weight or head shape on its own. Avoid choosing solely by advertised velocity or a general recommendation based on energy figures.

Pellets and slugs for PCP air rifles

PCP air rifles do not always require the heaviest available projectile. Start by comparing ammunition approved by the manufacturer and checking the barrel and magazine requirements.

A slug and a diabolo pellet in the same nominal calibre may have different requirements. The PCP designation does not establish universal projectile compatibility or guarantee better results with heavier ammunition.

Pellets for air pistols and CO₂ pistols

When choosing ammunition for your air pistol, check whether the model uses diabolo pellets, BBs or another projectile type. CO₂ describes the power system, not the ammunition it accepts.

Alongside calibre, check the magazine, rotary clip or feeding system. Projectile length and head shape may limit which products can be used, even when the nominal calibre matches.

Pellet weight: grams, grains and ammunition selection

Weight and calibre are different characteristics. The same calibre can include light and heavy projectiles, and greater weight does not guarantee a tighter group.

Grams (g) and grains (gr) are different units of mass. One grain is approximately 0.0648 grams. Use the same unit when comparing products and check that published figures agree after conversion, allowing for rounding.

Airgun energy or velocity cannot determine an ideal pellet weight through a universal rule either. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and compare compatible products.

Pellet head sizes: what do 4.49, 4.51 and 5.52 mm mean?

Some pellets specify a head diameter in addition to their nominal calibre. For example, a pellet in the 5.5 mm calibre family may have a stated head size of 5.52 mm.

This figure identifies a dimensional variant of the projectile, not a new airgun calibre. A larger head diameter does not guarantee a better seal or greater accuracy in every barrel.

For slugs, check how the manufacturer defines projectile diameter. Do not automatically interpret those measurements in the same way as a diabolo pellet’s head size.

Lead pellets and lead-free alternatives

Material is another selection criterion. Check the declared composition of each product: projectiles do not all share the same material, hardness or surface finish.

A lead-free alternative does not necessarily weigh the same as a lead pellet of the same calibre. Check its specifications and compatibility before replacing one product with another.

How to compare airgun pellet prices

If you are looking for affordable air rifle pellets, compare the cost of equivalent products. A cheaper tin may contain fewer pellets, a different weight or another model.

To calculate the price per 100 pellets, divide the pack price by the number of pellets and multiply the result by 100. Select the correct variant first so that you do not mix calibres or pack quantities.

Check availability for the selected version too. A product listed in the catalogue is not necessarily in stock.

Targets, pellet traps and ammunition storage

Complete your equipment with shooting targets and pellet traps suitable for your ammunition. A trap designed for lead pellets does not necessarily accept steel BBs or every projectile energy level.

Store pellets in their closed packaging in a dry place, protected from knocks that could deform the head or skirt. Do not use damaged or contaminated projectiles.