What Air Rifle Is More Powerful: .22 or .177?

By Published On: 5 September 2024Categories: Air Gun

When it comes to choosing an air rifle, people often wonder whether .22 or .177 calibre rifles are more powerful. It’s an age-old question among airgunners, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. 

Let’s break down the key differences between these two popular calibres to help you determine which is best suited for your shooting needs.

Understanding Air Rifle Calibres

Calibre refers to the internal diameter of the barrel and the corresponding size of the pellet used. While various calibres are available, like .20 and .25, the two most common ones are:

  • .177 (4.5mm): The smaller of the two, with pellets typically weighing between 7 and 10.5 grains.
  • .22 (5.5mm): Larger pellets, usually weighing between 11 and 18 grains.

Velocity and Power: Which Calibre Shoots Faster?

When discussing air rifle power, we need to consider both velocity (measured in feet per second or fps) and impact energy (measured in foot-pounds or ft-lbs).

Velocity

Generally speaking, .177 calibre air rifles achieve higher velocities than their .22 counterparts. This is because the smaller, lighter .177 pellets encounter less air resistance and need less energy to propel them at high speeds.

For example, a typical .177 air rifle might shoot pellets at velocities ranging from 900 to 1200 fps. In contrast, a .22 calibre air rifle using heavier pellets might achieve velocities between 700 and 1000 fps.

But keep in mind that velocity alone doesn’t determine an air rifle’s effectiveness. Extremely high velocities can sometimes be detrimental to accuracy, especially when they approach or exceed the speed of sound (around 1100 fps at sea level).

Impact Energy

While .177 pellets typically travel faster, .22 pellets often deliver more impact energy due to their heavier weight. This is why many hunters prefer .22 calibre for taking down larger game.

To illustrate this, let’s look at a hypothetical example:

  • A 7.9-grain .177 pellet travelling at 1000 fps generates about 17.5 ft-lbs of energy
  • A 14.3-grain .22 pellet travelling at 800 fps generates about 20.3 ft-lbs of energy

As you can see, despite the lower velocity, the heavier .22 pellet delivers more impact energy.

Airgun Power Restrictions and Legal Considerations

In the UK, air rifles are limited to a maximum muzzle energy of 12 foot pounds (16.3 joules) without requiring a firearms certificate. This means that regardless of calibre, legally sold air rifles in the UK will have similar power outputs.

Given this restriction, the choice between .177 and .22 becomes more about the characteristics of the pellet (size, weight, and ballistic coefficient) rather than raw power output.

Accuracy and Trajectory: Which Calibre Shoots Straighter?

Accuracy is perhaps the most crucial factor for many shooters, whether you’re target shooting or hunting. Both .177 and .22 calibres can be highly accurate, but they have different characteristics that can affect your airgun shooting.

Trajectory

Due to their higher velocity, .177 pellets typically have a flatter trajectory than .22 pellets. This means the pellet drops less over distance, making it easier to aim, especially at longer ranges.

The flatter trajectory of .177 pellets is one reason why this calibre is often preferred for target shooting. In fact, .177 is the only calibre used in Olympic and other international air rifle competitions.

Wind Drift

However, the lighter weight of .177 pellets makes them more susceptible to wind drift. This can be a significant factor when shooting outdoors, especially at longer ranges or in gusty conditions.

On the other hand, the heavier .22 pellets are less affected by wind, which can be advantageous for hunting or shooting in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

Accuracy at Different Ranges

Both calibres can be extremely accurate at closer ranges (up to about 30 metres). As the distance increases, the flatter trajectory of .177 pellets can make them easier to shoot accurately without significant holdover adjustments.

However, for longer-range shooting (beyond 50 metres), the superior ballistic coefficient of heavier .22 pellets can sometimes provide an advantage, as they retain their energy better over distance.

Air Rifles for Pest Control and Hunting: Which Calibre is Better?

If you’re using your airgun for hunting or pest control, the choice between .177 and .22 becomes particularly important. Both calibres can be effective, but they have different strengths depending on the type of game you’re hunting.

Small Game and Pest Control

For small game and pest control (e.g., rats, squirrels, pigeons), both calibres can be effective when used correctly. The choice often comes down to personal preference and shooting conditions.

The higher velocity of .177 pellets can be advantageous for fast-moving small game, as it reduces the need for lead when shooting. The flatter trajectory also makes it easier to hit small targets accurately.

However, the larger diameter and heavier weight of .22 pellets often provide better knockdown power and penetration, which can be crucial for ensuring clean, humane kills. This is why many airgunners prefer .22 calibre for hunting, even for smaller game.

Larger Game

For larger game (within legal limits), the .22 calibre is generally considered superior due to its enhanced impact energy and penetration. The heavier pellets are more likely to deliver clean kills on larger animals, reducing the risk of wounding and suffering.

It’s important to note that regardless of calibre, shot placement is crucial for ethical hunting. A well-placed shot with a .177 is far more effective than a poorly placed shot with a .22.

So, Which Airgun Calibre Should You Choose?

The best calibre for you depends on your intended use, shooting style, and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines:

Choose .177 calibre if:

  • You’re primarily interested in target shooting or competitive shooting
  • You want a flatter trajectory for long-range accuracy
  • You’re hunting small, fast-moving game
  • You prefer faster pellet velocities

Choose .22 calibre if:

  • You’re mainly hunting medium-sized small game
  • You want maximum impact energy for humane kills at closer ranges
  • You often shoot in windy conditions
  • You prefer a larger pellet size for better visibility of impacts

Regardless of which calibre you choose, factors like the quality of the rifle, the type of pellets used, and your shooting technique will significantly impact your results.

Final Verdict: It’s Not Just About Power

While the question ‘What air rifle is more powerful: .22 or .177?’ is common, it’s clear that power isn’t the only factor to consider. Both calibres have their strengths and can be equally effective when used appropriately.

At The Wolfman, we’re proud to offer a wide range of high-quality air rifles in both .177 and .22 calibres. Whether you’re looking for a precision target rifle or a versatile hunting tool, we have options to suit every need and budget.

If you’re still unsure which airgun calibre is right for you, our knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer advice and help you find the perfect air rifle for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, we’re here to help you find the ideal air rifle for your shooting style.

About the Author: The Wolfman Store

After over 30 years experience in the Airgun trade, The Wolfman Store are delighted to announce our new website, enabling us to supply direct to the shooting community for the first time. Combining a vast stock of established favourites with exciting products new to the UK, The Wolfman Store will be striving to provide unparalleled service at the most competitive prices.

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