Choosing the right air gun pellet matters more than many shooters realize: caliber, weight, head shape and quantity all influence accuracy, energy transfer, and suitability for target shooting or small-game hunting. These recommendations are based on hands-on testing, ballistic comparison, and a review of expert and consumer feedback to help you pick pellets that perform reliably in real-world use.
How we tested and chose pellets
Research and expert consultation: We reviewed manufacturer specs, ballistics data, and independent field reports. We also referenced experienced airgun hunters and range testers to validate real-world performance.
Hands-on testing: Pellets were evaluated in multiple platforms (.177 and .22) across spring-piston, PCP, and CO2 guns. Tests measured grouping at 10–25 yards, consistency shot-to-shot, feeding reliability, and terminal performance on calibrated gelatin or soft-medium targets.
Consumer feedback: We cross-checked user ratings and common complaints (deformation, feeding issues, inconsistent sizing) to identify products that deliver consistent value.
Scoring emphasis:
- Accuracy (group size and consistency)
- Penetration & energy transfer (for pointed and polymer-tip pellets)
- Value (price per pellet, pack options)
- Versatility (suitability for plinking, target, or hunting)
This blend of lab-style consistency checks and field evaluation influenced the final rankings and category winners.
Pointed .177 Budget Pellets
Affordable pointed .177 pellets for recreational shooting and small-game tasks. Lightweight and aerodynamically shaped for consistent flight; ideal for backyard plinking and starter shooters seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
These .177 pointed pellets are a classic, inexpensive option for shooters who put volume and cost-efficiency first. In testing they offered predictable flight and decent penetration for their weight class, making them a good choice for plinking and informal target practice. The tins are easy to store and the pellets are consistent enough for casual range work.
Technical highlights:
- Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
- Count: 250 per tin
- Head shape: Pointed
Pros:
- Extremely affordable per pellet
- Reliable feeding in most spring and CO2 pistols
- Good penetration for small pests/plinking
Cons:
- Not optimized for extreme accuracy at longer distances
- Pointed heads can deform if handled roughly
Bottom line: If you want an economical pellet for high-volume shooting and light hunting tasks, this delivers trustworthy performance without fuss.
HARPEX Aquiles .22 Pellets
High-penetration .22 pointed pellets (19.9 gr) designed for hunting and precision. Arrow-head design and heavy 19.9-grain weight deliver deep penetration and stable flight. Suited for serious shooters targeting small game and precision target work.
Why this is the Premium Choice
The HARPEX Aquiles are engineered for penetration and terminal performance. The 19.9-grain weight and arrow-head (pointed) profile produce strong, stable flight and deep wound channels — characteristics hunters and field shooters prioritize. During field testing the Aquiles showed tight, repeatable groups at common hunting distances for a .22, and their mass helps retain energy on impact.
Technical highlights:
- Caliber: .22 (5.5mm)
- Weight: 19.9 grain (1.29 g)
- Head: Arrow-head pointed
- Count: 200
Pros:
- Excellent penetration for small-game hunting
- Consistent manufacture and weight
- Designed for deeper impact and stable flight
Cons:
- Heavier, pointed design is less forgiving in some target rifles tuned for domed pellets
- Higher price than basic plinking pellets
Bottom line: For shooters who prioritize terminal performance and reliable penetration in .22 caliber, Aquiles are a premium, purpose-built choice.
Variety .22 Pellet Pack
Four-type .22 pellet variety pack provides 200 pellets across weights and profiles—pointed and domed. Offers flexibility for testing and tuning rifles, balancing hunting power and target accuracy. Excellent for shooters who value options and experimentation.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
This HARPEX combo pack contains four distinct pellet types (Aquiles, Zeus, Pro Hunter X, Quantum) at different weights and profiles — a practical solution for shooters who tune rifles or switch roles between hunting and target shooting. In testing, being able to try multiple weights and head shapes helped identify the best pellet-to-gun match without buying separate full tins.
Technical highlights:
- Caliber: .22 (5.5mm)
- Total count: 200 (50 of each type)
- Mix: Pointed and domed, weights from ~19.9gr to ~29.6gr
Pros:
- Great for decision-making — test different pellets to find best accuracy
- Offers hunting and target-oriented choices in one purchase
- Cost-effective compared to buying four full tins
Cons:
- Smaller counts per pellet type may run out quickly if you find a favorite
- If you only want one style, buying a full tin of that type could be cheaper per pellet
Bottom line: For shooters who want flexibility and to tune their rifle without buying multiple large tins, this combo pack is a smart, wallet-friendly choice.
Pointed .177 500-Pack
Bulk 500-count .177 pointed pellets offering consistent performance for plinking and small-game hunting. Economical, with pointed heads for better penetration. Trusted choice for shooters who want a dependable all-purpose pellet in large quantities.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
This 500-count .177 pointed tin strikes the best balance of price, availability, and real-world versatility. In testing it performed consistently across spring and CO2 platforms, delivering repeatable groups at typical ranges and offering sufficient penetration for small pests. The value of a large tin cannot be overstated for high-volume shooters who want a single, dependable pellet for both practice and light hunting.
Technical highlights:
- Caliber: .177 (4.5mm)
- Count: 500 per tin
- Head: Pointed
Pros:
- Excellent cost-per-pellet for high-volume shooters
- Good all-around performance for plinking, practice, and occasional small-game use
- Large supply reduces frequent reorders
Cons:
- Pointed profile is not optimized for extreme long-range precision compared to match domed pellets
- Bulk packaging means less flexibility if you want different weights or heads
Bottom line: For most shooters looking for a reliable, economical pellet that performs well in a variety of airguns and roles, this 500-pack is the practical, go-to choice.
Comparison at a glance
- Pointed .177 500-Pack (Editors' Choice) — Best overall for high-volume shooters who want a dependable, economical all-purpose pellet. (Best when you need quantity and consistency.)
- Pointed .177 Budget Pellets (Best Budget Pick) — Lowest cost per tin; great for plinking and casual practice. (Best for beginners and casual range time.)
- HARPEX Aquiles .22 (Premium Choice) — Designed for penetration and hunting; heavier weight and arrow-head profile give superior terminal performance. (Best for small-game hunters.)
- Variety .22 Pellet Pack (Best Value for Money) — Four distinct pellet types to help you tune your gun without buying multiple full tins. (Best for experimentation and finding the ideal pellet-to-gun match.)
Key differences to consider:
- Caliber (.177 vs .22) — .177 tends to be flatter-shooting and is popular for target and plinking; .22 often delivers more knockdown power at shorter ranges.
- Pellet Shape (pointed vs domed vs polymer-tip) — Pointed and polymer tips favor penetration; domed shapes often yield the best accuracy in precision target shooting.
- Count & Price — Bulk tins lower cost per shot but can limit flexibility; variety packs cost more per pellet but help you find the best match for your rifle.
Final recommendation
After testing and cross-referencing expert and consumer feedback, our top recommendation for most shooters is the Pointed .177 500-Pack (Editors' Choice) — it combines affordability, availability, and dependable performance in a single tin. Choose the Pointed .177 Budget Pellets if you need the absolute cheapest option for high-volume plinking. If your priority is hunting performance in .22, the HARPEX Aquiles delivers the penetration and weight you want. Finally, if you’re tuning a rifle or don’t yet know which profile suits your gun best, the Variety .22 Pellet Pack lets you test multiple weights and shapes without a heavy upfront cost.
These conclusions are grounded in repeated range tests, accuracy checks, and practical field performance assessments. Pick the pellet that matches your caliber, shooting platform, and intended use — and if unsure, start with a variety pack to identify the pellet your gun shoots best.