Best .177 Pellets for Squirrels: Hunting Efficiency Explained

Squirrel hunting with air rifles is on the rise. Many enjoy it for being precise, quiet, and effective for small games. Choosing the right pellet is key to success, especially for hunting fast squirrels.

After years of testing, I found that the .177 pellet impacts accuracy, energy transfer, and performance. Many hunters focus on their rifles but forget to choose the right ammo.

Based on actual hunting experience, this guide will assist you in selecting the best 177 squirrel hunting pellets. We’ll cover key features, compare popular options, and share tips to boost your success.

Successful squirrel hunting with .177 air rifles depends on the right pellet. Wadcutter suits close range, hollow points give strong impact, and domed pellets offer versatility. Fit, weight, and testing in your rifle ensure the best accuracy and results.

What Factors Should Influence Your Pellet Choice for Squirrel Hunting?

Choosing the right pellet means knowing how its features impact hunting performance. Your choice impacts everything from shot accuracy to the humane dispatch of game.

Pellet Shape: Wadcutter vs. Hollow Point

The pellet shape dramatically influences terminal performance and penetration characteristics. My tests show big differences between wadcutter and hollow point designs.

The flat fronts of wadcutter pellets make clean holes in their targets. These work exceptionally well for:

• Target shooting and practice sessions
• Close-range shots under 30 yards.
• Situations requiring minimal pellet deformation.

Hollow factor pellets expand upon effect, shifting extra kinetic strength to the goal. My hunting journal shows these pellets excel in:

• Ethical hunting scenarios require quick dispatch.
• Medium-range shots between 30 and 50 yards
• Situations demanding maximum energy transfer.

Domed pellets offer a balanced approach, providing good penetration with reliable accuracy. They are a great option for hunters seeking versatility in different situations.

How Important Is Fit and Barrel Compatibility?

Proper pellet-to-barrel fit determines accuracy more than any other factor. Great air rifles perform poorly because of the wrong pellet sizes.

Your type of air rifle requires specific pellet head sizes for optimal performance. Most .177 barrels prefer pellets with head diameters between 4.50 and 4.52mm. Testing different head sizes helps identify your rifle’s preferred choice.

Consider these compatibility factors:

• Barrel rifling twist rate affects pellet stabilization.
• Pellet hardness must match your rifle’s power output.
• Weight selection impacts trajectory and energy retention.

What Role Do Velocity and Performance Play?

Velocity alone doesn’t guarantee hunting success. A balance of power and accuracy is key.

Lighter pellets are faster but may lack the power for clean kills. Heavier pellets keep energy longer but need more precision due to trajectory drop.

From my hunting experience, moderate speeds often beat maximum speeds. It’s better to focus on accuracy than just raw power.

Understanding the Role of Foot-Pounds of Energy (FPE)

FPE measures the kinetic electricity brought to your goal upon effect. For ethical squirrel hunting, minimum energy requirements ensure quick, humane dispatches.

Most hunting regulations and ethical guidelines recommend:

• Minimum 3-4 FPE for small game category animals
• 5-6 FPE for challenging hunting conditions
• Higher energy levels for longer-range encounters

Calculate FPE using pellet weight and velocity measurements. This method helps you choose the right power and pellets. It leads to steady performance over time.

How Do .177 and .22 Calibers Compare for Squirrel Hunting?

The caliber debate goes on among airgun hunters. Both sides have strong points. My field experience provides practical insights into this important decision.

Accuracy Analysis: Which Caliber Shoots Straighter?

.177 caliber pellets typically achieve higher velocities and flatter trajectories. This trait makes them more forgiving of range estimation errors when hunting.

Key accuracy advantages of .177 include:

• Less holdover is required at typical hunting ranges
• Better performance in windy conditions
• More precise shots at extended distances
• A wider variety of precision pellet options is available

.22 caliber offers superior energy retention and knockdown power. Curved trajectories can occur, but the added mass ensures better terminal performance.

Suitability for Small Game Hunting

Both calibers work well for responsible hunting. This is true when they use the right pellets and enough power. Personal preference often determines the final choice.

.177 excels in situations requiring:

• Discretion during hunts in noise-sensitive areas.
• Precision shooting at varied distances.
• Cost-effective practices and hunting sessions
• Minimal collateral damage concerns.

.22 performs better when:

• Maximum knockdown power is a priority.
• Shooting in challenging weather conditions
• Hunting larger specimens within the small-game category
• Using lower-powered air rifles.

What Are the Top .177 Pellet Options for Squirrels?

Field tests reveal several top performers. They consistently deliver results in various hunting situations and with different rifle types.

Crosman Destroyer: How Reliable Is It in the Field?

The Crosman Destroyer is known for its strong performance in various hunting conditions. These whole-factor pellets deliver superb expansion and electricity transfer.

My hunting journal documents numerous successful encounters using Destroyers:

• Consistent accuracy out to 40 yards.
• Reliable expansion in various game species.
• Good performance across different air rifle types.
• Cost-effective options for extended hunting sessions.

Weight options include 7.4-grain and 10.5-grain varieties. The lighter option is great for high-powered rifles. The heavier pellet is better for moderate-power setups that want maximum energy transfer.

H&N Terminator: What Makes It Precision-Focused?

H&N Terminator pellets represent German engineering applied to hunting ammunition. Their consistent manufacturing tolerances produce exceptional accuracy in quality air rifles.

These pellets feature:

• Precise weight sorting for consistent trajectories.
• Advanced hollow-point design for controlled expansion
• Premium materials ensure reliable performance over time.
• Excellent choice for hunters prioritizing accuracy over economy.

Field tests show that Terminators are great for precision hunting. They do well when accurate shots are needed at long distances.

What Other Notable Contenders Deserve Consideration?

Several pellet options are worth including in your search equipment:

JSB Exact pellets deliver excellent accuracy and penetration with minimal trajectory variation.

Benjamin Discovery pellets offer reliable performance at an affordable price.

Gamo Hunter pellets are versatile. They work well with many rifle types. This makes them great for regular hunts.

How Do Popular Pellets Stack Up in Real-World Testing?

To evaluate pellets honestly, look at their strengths and weaknesses from real-world use.

What Are the Crosman Destroyer’s Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strengths:

• Consistent expansion across temperature ranges.
• Reliable performance in various types of rifles.
• Affordable pricing supports frequent practice.
• Wide availability in most sporting goods stores.

Weaknesses:

• Quality control occasionally varies between lots.
• May over-penetrate in very close encounters.
• Performance diminishes in low-powered rifles.
• Limited accuracy at extreme ranges beyond 50 yards.

What About H&N Terminator’s Advantages and Limitations?

Advantages:

• Superior manufacturing consistency
• Excellent accuracy potential in quality rifles.
• Predictable expansion characteristics
• Maintains velocity well at extended ranges.

Limitations:

• Higher cost limits practice opportunities.
• Specific rifle tuning may be required for optimal results.
• Availability is sometimes limited in rural areas.
• Overkill for very close-range hunting scenarios.

How Does Pellet Weight Impact Your Hunting Success?

Weight selection significantly influences both trajectory and terminal performance. Understanding these relationships helps optimize your hunting setup.

Lighter pellets (under 8 grains) offer:

• Higher velocities are observed from most air rifle types.
• Flatter trajectories at typical hunting ranges.
• Fewer holdover calculation requirements.
• Better performance in windy conditions

Heavier pellets (over 10 grains) provide:

• Greater kinetic energy retention at a distance.
• More reliable penetration through obstacles.
• Better performance in lower-powered rifles.
• Reduced sensitivity to crosswinds

Match pellet weight to your power output and usual shooting distances. This customized approach produces more consistent effects than following widely widespread recommendations.

What Key Considerations Should Guide Your Decision?

Making the right choice means considering your hunting needs and preferences.

Rifle compatibility is key. Test different pellets with your air rifle to find the most accurate match. Keep records of group sizes and performance.

Hunting environment matters too. Urban areas may need pellets that limit over-penetration. In contrast, rural settings can use more aggressive designs.

Shot distance plays a role. Close-range hunting benefits from expanding pellets, while long-distance shots need accuracy-focused options.

Budget affects practice. Balance performance of premium pellets with affordable options. This helps build skills.

Ultimately, your rifle and preferences should guide your choice. What works for others won’t match your fashion.

Choosing the Best .177 Pellet for Maximum Hunting Efficiency

Successful squirrel hunting relies on choosing the right pellets. Balancing accuracy, growth, and energy transfer leads to ethical and effective results.

Hole element pellets, much like the Crosman Destroyer, are versatile. They balance accuracy and performance properly.

Precision hunters may choose premium options like H&N Terminators. These work well, especially with high-quality air rifles with scopes and adjustable triggers.

Pellet selection is only part of hunting success. Combine high-quality ammo with exercise, ethical methods, and recognition for the sport.

Test different pellets in your rifle to find the best for accuracy and field performance. This will lead to more successful and enjoyable hunts.

FAQs

What is the killing range of a .177 air rifle for squirrels?
A .177 air rifle can effectively take down squirrels at ranges of 20–35 yards when using high-quality hunting pellets. Beyond that distance, accuracy and impact power drop, reducing ethical hunting efficiency.

Is .177 or .22 better for squirrels?
While .22 pellets offer more stopping power, .177 pellets travel faster and have a flatter trajectory, making them ideal for precise headshots. For squirrel hunting, either can work, but .177 demands better shot placement.

What is the best pellet shape for accuracy when hunting squirrels?
Domed (round-nose) pellets are widely preferred for squirrel hunting due to their excellent aerodynamics and accuracy over longer distances. They retain speed well and deliver consistent penetration.

Where is the best place to shoot a squirrel with a pellet gun?
The most humane and effective target is the head, specifically the brain area just behind the eye. This ensures a quick, ethical kill with minimal suffering for the animal.

How many .177 pellet guns are suitable for squirrels?
There are numerous .177 pellet gun models suitable for squirrels, from break-barrel springers to PCP rifles. The key is choosing one with at least 12 ft-lbs of muzzle energy to ensure clean kills.