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What Are the Differences Between a 177 Cal Pellet & a 22 Cal Pellet?

Air gun pellets are available in a variety of calibers. The most common are .177, .20, .22 and .25. These calibers are decimal fractions of one inch, measuring the diameter of the projectile. The .177 caliber is by far the most common, least expensive and most popular of all pellet calibers. It differs from the .22 caliber pellet in a number of aspects.

Size
- Size is the most obvious and significant difference between .177 and .22 caliber airgun pellets. Even the difference of 0.043 inches in diameter boosts the .22 to more than 35 percent more front surface area than the .177 pellet. Size and weight together alter the projectile's ballistics.
Weight
- Because it is larger, the .22 pellet weighs significantly more than the .177 pellet. It takes much more air pressure to increase the velocity of the .22 than for the .177, but the greater weight also means a .22 can deliver more energy when it hits a target.
Muzzle velocity
- Pellets that are .177 caliber can reach velocities up to 1000 feet per second in standard, moderately-priced air rifles. They can be even faster in high-priced guns. The .22 caliber pellets leave the barrel at about 600 feet per second. This decreased muzzle velocity means .22 pellets will not travel as far as smaller ones. Larger projectiles sacrifice range for knockdown power.
Knockdown power
- Larger pellets carry more energy. The .22 caliber would deliver 81 percent more energy than a .177 pellet at the same velocity. For hunting, .22 pellets are much more effective at ranges of 50 yards or less and can easily take down prey as large as a raccoon. Only small birds and rodents should be hunted with .177 pellets. These small projectiles are more accurate and better suited for target shooting.

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