Thread: .177 or .22 for Air Rifle

Originally Posted by Ultimitsu

We are talking springers here. These advantages are minimal.

For the same energy, say 20 joules, with 3m/s cross wind, at 50 metres, 22 cal has 12.6j and 9.3cm drift, compare to 177 cal's 11.3j and 9.6 cm drift. But 22 cal suffers 18cm drop, compare to 177 cal's 10.3cm drop. Also 177 cal goes from -1cm at 10m to +1cm at 30m. you essentially can ignore bullet drop over this range. 22 cal drops to 2.5cm at 30m, requiring you to start dialing earlier.

These advantages to 177 cal are even more pronounced at lower powered guns.

177Attachment 238823

22Attachment 238824

Yes, but for hunting / pest control usually.22 will disperse more energy on impact - .22 will give a good thump where .177 will drill holes. It’s that dump of energy that aids an efficient kill and less pass through of the pellet.

So if it’s mainly targets go for .177, mainly pest control go .22