How far will a .22 air rifle shoot?

As .22 calibre ammunition is heavier than .177 calibre ammunition, it typically will have a shorter range. A .22 air rifle is likely to shoot around 45 to 50 yards (possibly further) depending on the brand of pellets used, your shooting skills, and stance as an air rifle will shoot further from a prone shooting position.

Related FAQs

Q: Why does a .177 pellet go further than a .22 pellet?

A: The .177 pellet is lighter than the .22 pellet, and therefore has less mass. This means that it will accelerate more quickly and have a higher velocity. The faster a pellet moves, the longer it will travel before it starts to drop due to gravity.

Q: How can I get better range from my airgun?

A: There are multiple ways of getting better range from an airgun. These include:

• Zeroing your scope accurately before you shoot long distances
• Improving your shooting position before you shoot long distances
• Estimating necessary holdover with a holdover chart
• Accounting correctly for the effects of the wind, particularly when using lighter pellets
• Using higher quality pellets (oxidised or incorrectly manufactured pellets won’t give you as much range)
• Having your airgun serviced after many years of use
• Using a different kind of airgun (e.g. you might prefer using a PCP air rifle to a spring-powered one)

Q: How can I improve my shooting stance?

A: There are a few key things to keep in mind when improving your shooting stance. First, keep your feet shoulder-width apart for stability, or alternatively sit or lie down. Second, keep your elbows close to your body, as this will reduce movement and help you to aim more accurately. Third, practice breathing control, as this will also help with aim. Finally, make sure you are looking precisely through the centre of your scope for the best possible view. Looking through the scope at the exact same angle each time is crucial for consistent shooting over a distance.

Q: What is zeroing a scope?

A: Zeroing a scope is the process of adjusting the scope so that the point of impact (where the pellet hits the target) is aligned with the point of aim (where the scope shows that you are aiming). This is important because if your scope is not correctly zeroed, you will not be able to hit your target accurately at long range.

Q: What is a holdover chart?

A: A holdover chart is a tool that can be used to estimate the amount of elevation (or “holdover”) necessary to hit a target at a given distance. The reason this is necessary is because over longer distances, the pellet will drop in an arc. Holdover can be calculated if you know how heavy your pellet is, how powerful your rifle is and how far away you are from your target; for the sake of simplicity, you can use a holdover chart, which shows you how much holdover to account for at a glance with a chart.

Q: What is the effect of wind on my pellets?

A: The wind can have a significant effect on your pellets, particularly if you are using lighter pellets. The wind will push your pellet off course, and the further away from you the target is, the greater the effect of the wind will be. For this reason, it is important to take the wind into account when you are shooting long distances.