Air rifles, unlike traditional firearms, don’t use gunpowder. Instead, they use compressed air or gas to propel a projectile. But here’s where beginners often get confused: not all air rifles shoot the same type of ammo.
Choosing the wrong ammunition can damage your air rifle, reduce accuracy, cause feeding problems, nd even make the air rifle unsafe to use.
With a good understanding of what air rifles shoot, you are in a better place to choose the right rifle, the right ammo, and the right setup for your goals, whether that’s backyard target practice or small game hunting.
What Do Air Rifles Shoot?
Most air rifles shoot either pellets, BBs, Slugs, or Arrows (in specialized models). Different types of air rifles are designed for different types of ammunition, and you can’t mix and match freely. The rifle’s design determines what it can safely and effectively fire.
1. Pellets
Pellets are small, soft lead or alloy projectiles with a distinctive “diabolo” shape (narrow waist, flared skirt), and they are the standard choice for most air rifle owners.
Pellets are the most common air rifle ammunition. Common calibers used in air rifles are .177 (4.5mm), .22 (5.5mm), and .25 (6.35mm).
- They are most common for spring-piston air rifles, gas ram air rifles, PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles, and CO₂ air rifles.
- Pellets are extremely versatile and are used for target shooting, pest control, and small game hunting.
2. BBs (Steel BBs)
BBs are small, round steel balls, typically .177 caliber, and they are most commonly used in BB-specific air rifles, some dual-ammo air rifles (BB + pellet compatible), and CO₂-powered rifles.
BB rifles are often semi-auto, designed for plinking and built to resemble firearms (replica models)
It is important to note, however, that steel BBs should not be fired in pellet-only air rifles. They can damage rifled barrels. They are best for casual plinking and short-range target shooting and are generally less accurate than pellets.
3. Airgun Slugs
Unlike traditional diabolo pellets, slugs are shaped more like firearm bullets: solid and cylindrical. Slugs require higher velocity, more power, and often specialized barrels, which explains why they are commonly used in high-powered PCP air rifles.
They are commonly used for long-range shooting, larger small game, and precision shooting beyond typical pellet distances.
Take note that not all air rifles can shoot slugs effectively. Lower-powered rifles may struggle.
4. Airgun Arrows
Air gun arrows are full-length arrows designed specifically for certain powerful PCP air rifles. They are used in high-powered PCP air rifles
These are specialty systems used for hunting and survival setups. They are not common for beginners.
Air Rifle Ammo Types
| Ammo Type | Used In Which Air Rifle? | What It Is | Best For |
| Pellets (.177, .22, .25) | Spring-piston, Gas ram, PCP, CO₂ | Diabolo-shaped lead/alloy projectile | Target shooting, pest control, and small game |
| Steel BBs (.177) | BB rifles, CO₂ rifles | Round steel ball | Plinking, short-range practice |
| Airgun Slugs | High-powered PCP rifles | Bullet-shaped solid projectile | Long-range shooting, hunting |
| Airgun Arrows | Specialized PCP arrow rifles | Full-length arrow | Hunting, specialty use |
How to Choose the Right Air Rifle (Based on What It Shoots)
What your air rifle shoots should absolutely influence your decision. When it comes to PCP air rifles, different ammo types are designed for different purposes and different power levels.
Choosing an Air Rifle by Intended Use
| Intended Use | Best Type of Air Rifle | What It Shoots | Why It’s Best |
| Backyard target shooting | Spring-piston (.177) | Pellets | Affordable, accurate, simple |
| Casual plinking | CO₂ BB rifle | Steel BBs | Fun, semi-auto capable |
| Pest control | Spring or PCP (.177/.22) | Pellets | Accurate and humane |
| Small game hunting | PCP (.22 or .25) | Pellets or Slugs | Higher power, better energy transfer |
| Long-range shooting | High-powered PCP | Slugs | Superior ballistic performance |
Air Rifles for Hunting: What Works Best?
When it comes to hunting, not all air rifles are equal. Hunting requires sufficient power, clean, humane kills, and reliable accuracy.
The best air rifles for hunting are typically PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) rifles in .22 or .25 caliber, shooting either heavy pellets or slugs
- A .177 pellet rifle can work for small pests at close range, but for rabbits, squirrels, or larger small game, many hunters prefer .22 or .25 caliber for better energy transfer.
High-powered PCP rifles are especially popular because they deliver consistent velocity, support larger calibers, and can handle slugs for extended range. For serious airgun hunting, PCP rifles dominate the space.
Pinty Striker 9 Pellet .22/.25 Cal PCP Air Rifles: Perfect for Hunting
The Pinty Striker 9 Pellet .22/.25 Cal PCP Air Rifles are the perfect mid-range PCP air rifle for small game hunting. These two regulated air rifles are similar in that they deliver consistency, whether you are chasing small game with the high-velocity .22 caliber (up to 880 fps) or leveraging the heavy-hitting power of the .25 caliber (800 fps).
They both feature an integrated pressure regulator that ensures stable shot-to-shot performance, so you can count on tight groups every time, from the moment you sight in to the final shot.
Key Features
- You can load up the 310 cc air reservoir to 250 bar for about 30 powerful, consistent shots per fill
- Dual large magazines with a smooth sidelever make follow-up shots effortless.
- A 21 mm Picatinny rail, capable of accommodating scopes, lights, or a bipod for a more customized setup.
What this regulated PCP air rifle delivers is consistency: the high-velocity .22 caliber is great for small homesteads, while the heavy-hitting power of the .25 caliber (800 fps) would serve you better for a larger homestead. Pinty's regulated PCP air rifles deliver unmatched accuracy and consistency.
Final Thoughts
So, what does an air rifle shoot? Most commonly: pellets. But depending on the type, it might also shoot BBs, slugs, or even arrows.
If you’re just getting started, a pellet-shooting air rifle in .177 or .22 is the most practical and versatile place to begin. Once you understand what an air rifle shoots, choosing the right one becomes much simpler and much more enjoyable.
You may also be interested in how to choose the best air rifle for homestead use, and understanding why air rifles are so effective in dealing with possum and pest problems.
