Washing Airgun Pellets: Techniques and Tips

Are you looking to get the most accuracy and consistency from your airgun pellets? Washing and lubricating your pellets can make a big difference, especially for precision shooting disciplines like field target competition.

In this guide from The Wolfman, we explain why you might want to wash your pellets, as well as share some top tips on how to do it properly.

Why Should You Wash Airgun Pellets?

There are a few key reasons why many airgun enthusiasts choose to wash and lubricate their pellets before shooting:

Improved Consistency

Pellets straight from the tin can sometimes have slight variations in size, weight and shape due to manufacturing processes. Washing helps remove any debris or release agents, ensuring a more consistent pellet.

Better Accuracy

Having a thin film of quality lube on the pellet reduces friction as it travels down the barrel, resulting in tighter groups and improved accuracy at longer ranges.

Increased Velocity

Some airgunners report a small increase in muzzle velocity when using lubed pellets, as there is less friction to slow the pellet down in the barrel.

Reduced Leading

Proper lubrication can help prevent lead buildup and fouling inside the barrel’s rifling over time.

While washing and lubing isn’t essential, many shooters find it helps optimise their airgun’s performance, especially with high-quality pellets. 

What You’ll Need to Wash Pellets

Before you get started, make sure you have the following items:

• A tin or container for your pellets
• Warm water (using cold can cause oxidation/leading)
• A mild dish soap or washing-up liquid
• A strainer or colander
• Paper towels
• Your preferred airgun pellet lubricant (more on this later)

You may also want to use a small brush to agitate the pellets, as well as have a hairdryer or heat gun on hand to fully dry the pellets after washing.

How to Wash Airgun Pellets

The process for washing pellets is relatively simple:

1. Pour your pellets from the tin into a container and cover with warm water. Add a small squirt of dish soap.
2. Gently swirl or agitate the pellets to remove any dirt, debris or release agents from the manufacturing process.
3. Drain the soapy water through a strainer, catching the clean pellets.
4. Rinse the pellets under running warm water to remove any remaining soap residue.
5. Thoroughly dry the pellets using paper towels or a hairdryer/heat gun if available.

Be very gentle when handling the wet pellets to avoid deforming the shape. Take care not to drop any down the drain!

Lubricating Airgun Pellets

Once your pellets are clean and dry, it’s time to apply a light lubricant coating. To lube the pellets, simply place them in a container with a very small amount of your chosen lubricant. Gently swirl or tumble the pellets until they are evenly coated with a thin film of lube.

Be careful not to use too much lubricant, as this can lead to dieseling (unburnt powder residue) and a loss of velocity. A little goes a long way!

Tips for Best Results

To get the best results, follow these top tips:

• Only wash pellets that are intended to be used immediately, as lubed pellets can attract dust over time.
• Experiment with different lubes to see what works best for your particular airgun. Some like thicker greases, others prefer lighter oils.
• Don’t lube pellets straight from the tin if you’re looking for ultimate consistency. The washing process helps standardise size/shape.
• For ultimate precision, you can weigh and lube each pellet individually rather than batches.

Visit The Wolfman for Premium Airgun Pellets and Accessories

Whether you’re looking for the perfect pellet for hunting, target shooting or plinking, The Wolfman has an extensive range of high-quality airgun ammunition from top brands like Umarex, Air Arms, H&N, and more.

We also stock a wide selection of tins and accessories to help you get the most from your airgun shooting. Browse our full collection online today, or contact our expert team to learn more about our airgun pellets. 

After over 30 years experience in the airgun trade, The Wolfman Store is delighted to supply direct to the shooting community. Combining a vast stock of established favourites with exciting new products, we strive to provide unparalleled service at competitive prices.