177 vs 22 Caliber: What’s Better for Squirrel Hunting?

I’ve hunted squirrels with air rifles for twenty years. During that time, I’ve seen many debates about the best caliber. The choice between .177 and .22 caliber air guns is among hunters’ most discussed topics. 

This guide breaks down the key differences to make the right choice for your needs. Both have strengths. The best choice depends on your hunting style, experience, and local rules.

.177 air rifles are faster, cheaper, and great for precision but demand exact shot placement. .22 rifles hit harder and are more forgiving but are slower and cost more. Choose based on skill, regulations, and accuracy.

Understanding Air Rifle Calibers

Air rifle calibers show the barrel’s inner diameter. This is measured in decimal inches or millimeters. This measurement affects the pellet size that your air rifle can fire. It also impacts speed, path, and energy transfer when the pellet hits a target.

Overview of .177 Caliber

The .177 caliber (4.5mm) is the world’s most popular air rifle caliber. These rifles shoot pellets that weigh between 7 and 16 grains. Most hunting pellets fall in the 8-10 grain range. A smaller diameter results in higher speeds. In strong spring piston and pre-charged pneumatic systems, speeds can go over 1,000 feet per second. Tests show that many .177 air rifles excel in long-range precision. Lighter pellets maintain flat trajectories up to 40 yards. This helps make accurate shots easier without estimating the exact range.

Overview of .22 Caliber

The .22 caliber (5.5mm) is the second most popular choice for air rifle enthusiasts. These rifles shoot heavier pellets, typically weighing 14 to 25 grains. For hunting, most prefer pellets that weigh 15 to 18 grains. .22 air rifles shoot slower than .177 models. However, their heavier pellets provide more kinetic energy.

From my tests, .22 caliber air rifles offer strong knockdown power. This makes them great for pest control and small game hunting, where quick and humane kills are key.

Why Choose .177 Caliber for Squirrel Hunting?

High velocity and flatter trajectory

The main benefit of .177 caliber air rifles is their high speed. Most quality spring and gas piston models can reach 900 to 1,200 feet per second. They do this by using lightweight pellets. This high velocity translates to:

1. Flatter trajectory requiring less holdover at typical hunting distances
2. Reduced wind drift impact on pellet flight
3. Faster target acquisition for moving squirrels
4. Extended effective range for experienced shooters

Ideal for beginners and target shooting

Beginning hunters often prefer .177 caliber air rifles for their ease of use. Their high velocity and light recoil make them great for training.

The many .177 target shooting opportunities help hunters improve their skills all year.

Shooting clubs and competitions focus on .177 caliber. This helps hunters practice and improve their skills.

Competitive target shooting hones the precision needed for ethical squirrel hunting.

Greater affordability and availability

From a practical standpoint, .177 pellets offer significant cost advantages:

1. Lower per-pellet cost compared to .22 caliber ammunition
2. Wider selection of pellet types and brands
3. More retailers stock .177 ammunition
4. A greater variety of air rifle models is available in this caliber

Affordability is key for hunters who practice often or go on long hunting trips. During these times, they can use a lot of ammunition.

Potential Drawbacks of .177 Caliber

Less stopping power for the game

The lighter .177 pellets can be tricky for hunting squirrels, especially larger ones. From my experience, .177 caliber requires precise shot placement for quick, humane kills. With less mass, there’s less energy transfer on impact. This raises the risk of wounding animals if shots miss vital areas.

May require precise shot placement

Ethical hunting requires quick, clean kills. Using a .177 caliber means the hunter must be very skilled in marksmanship. Head shots become virtually mandatory, requiring:

• Steady shooting positions and proper rifle support.
• Accurate range estimation for proper holdover.
• Patience to wait for ideal shot opportunities.
• Understanding of squirrel anatomy for vital zone placement

What Makes .22 Caliber Effective for Squirrel Hunting?

Greater stopping power and impact energy

The heavier pellets in .22 caliber air rifles give more kinetic energy to the target. This ensures reliable and humane kills, even with less-than-perfect shots. The larger pellet diameter also creates more tissue damage. This leads to quicker incapacitation of the game.

Preferred choice for small game hunting

Pest control experts and small game hunters often pick .22 caliber for a few key reasons:

1. More forgiving shot placement requirements.
2. Better performance on larger squirrels and similarly sized games
3. Reduced likelihood of pass-through pellets in hunting scenarios.
4. Improved terminal ballistics for hunting applications.

More effective in ensuring humane kills

The ethical hunter’s main goal is to ensure quick, clean kills. This approach reduces animal suffering. The .22 caliber has strong stopping power. This makes it more humane for hunting, even if shots miss vital areas.

Disadvantages of .22 Caliber

Lower velocity and more pronounced trajectory drop

Heavier pellets in .22 caliber air rifles move slower. Their speeds usually range from 600 to 900 feet per second. This reduced velocity creates more pronounced trajectory curves, requiring hunters to:

• Master holdover techniques for various distances.
• Develop better range estimation skills.
• Account for increased wind-drift effects.
• Practice extensively at different ranges.

Potentially higher cost and less availability

.22 caliber ammo is now easier to find but costs more than .177 options. Also, specialized hunting pellets may be less available in rural areas. This can impact how you plan your hunting trips.

How Does Pellet Choice Affect Performance?

Importance of weight, shape, and material

Pellet selection significantly impacts your air rifle’s performance, regardless of caliber choice. Modern pellets come in various configurations:

• Pointed pellets: Maximum penetration for small-game hunting
• Hollow points: Enhanced expansion and energy transfer
• Dome pellets: Balanced accuracy and hunting performance
• Wadcutter pellets: Precision target shooting applications

JSB pellets are well-known among serious airgunners for their quality and accuracy. Lead pellets are still the go-to choice for hunting. Their density and expansion traits make them effective.

How pellet choice affects accuracy and power

The relationship between pellet weight and your air rifle’s power affects performance. Heavier pellets can boost accuracy in high-powered rifles. They do this by maximizing powder burn or air pressure. However, each rifle is different, so testing is needed to find the best pellet weight and design.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Understanding local hunting regulations

Research local searching guidelines before pursuing squirrel hunting with any air rifle. Many jurisdictions specify:

1. Required hunting license types
2. Seasonal restrictions and bag limits
3. Minimum power requirements for hunting air rifles.
4. Designated hunting areas and backstop safety requirements.
5. Automatic safety and storage requirements

What are the key protection practices for air rifle hunting?

A responsible air rifle looks for strict adherence to safety protocols:

1. Constantly identify your goal and what lies beyond it.
2. Use appropriate backstop safety measures.
3. Maintain your equipment properly, including rear-sight alignment.
4. Practice field dressing techniques to minimize waste.
5. Respect private property boundaries and hunting regulations.
6. Consider potential blunt-force trauma risks to non-target animals.

Making Your Decision: Which Caliber Should You Choose?

Factors to consider in choosing the right caliber

Your ideal caliber depends on several factors: 

Experience level: novices generally like the mild route of .177.In contrast, experienced hunters often choose the stronger impact of .22.

Primary Use: .177 is versatile for target shooting and hunting. .22 is ideal for pest control and small recreation.

Local Regulations: Some areas have kinetic energy requirements that may impact your choice. 

Finances: take into account ammo charges and air rifle availability whilst determining.

Balancing precision and power for effective hunting

A hit squirrel hunters recognize that shot placement matters more than quality. A well-aimed .177 pellet is better than a bad .22 shot. Still, the .22 has more stopping power, which gives it some leeway. 

Be honest about your skills. Both quality works if you can continually hit a one-inch circle at 30 yards. If not, the .22’s forgiving nature can help as you improve. 

For hunters who like to plink and practice in the backyard, the .177 is a solid option. Those focused on hunting and humane kills might prefer the .22 caliber.

Your Next Steps in Squirrel Hunting Success

Each .177 and .22 caliber is excellent for squirrel searching with the right gear. The .177 is flexible, less costly, and gives a flat trajectory. The .22 delivers more stopping power and is effective.

Success relies on good marksmanship and knowing squirrel behavior. It also means hunting ethically, not just picking the right caliber. Focus on quality optics. Practice at various distances, and prioritize shot placement over sheer power.

Visit local shooting ranges to test both calibers before deciding. Many ranges offer rental air rifles so you can compare them firsthand. The best air rifle is the one you shoot most accurately and confidently.

FAQs

Which is better for squirrel hunting: .177 or .22 air rifle?

For squirrel hunting, the .22 caliber is generally better as it provides more power, ensuring a clean, humane shot. However, a .177 can be effective for smaller squirrels or close-range shots.

Is .177 or .22 more accurate?

Both calibers are accurate, but the .177 offers slightly better precision at longer distances. The .22, while slightly less accurate, offers superior stopping power.

Which is quieter: .177 or .22 air rifle?

The .177 air rifle tends to be quieter than the .22 due to its smaller pellet size, making it a preferable option for situations requiring stealth.

Can a .177 air rifle kill squirrels?

Yes, a .177 air rifle can kill squirrels, especially at close range, though it may not be as humane as a .22 caliber for larger or more distant targets.

Which is better for pest control: 177 vs 22 Caliber?

The .22 is better for pest control, especially for medium-sized animals like squirrels, as it delivers more energy and is more likely to ensure a quick, humane kill.