What Do Air Rifles Shoot?
Air rifles are a popular choice for recreational shooting, hunting, and target practice. But what exactly do air rifles shoot? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of projectiles that air rifles can fire, their characteristics, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What Do Air Rifles Shoot?
Air rifles shoot pellets, BBs, or airsoft BBs, depending on the type of air rifle and its intended use.
Pellets
Pellets are the most common type of projectile used in air rifles. They are small, cylindrical pieces of lead or lead-alloy that are designed to be fired from a smooth-bore barrel. Pellets are available in various calibers, including.177,.20,.22, and.25, with the most popular being.177.
Characteristics of Pellets:
• Accuracy: Pellets are known for their accuracy, with some air rifles capable of grouping shots within 1-2 inches at 50 yards.
• Range: Pellets can travel up to 1,000 yards or more, depending on the air rifle’s power and the pellet’s weight.
• Weight: Pellets typically weigh between 7-20 grains, with heavier pellets being more powerful but less accurate.
• Cost: Pellets are relatively inexpensive, with a box of 500 pellets costing between $5-20.
BBs
BBs, also known as airgun BBs, are small, spherical pieces of metal (usually lead or zinc) that are designed to be fired from a rifled barrel. BBs are available in various sizes, including 4.5mm, 6mm, and 8mm, with the most popular being 4.5mm.
Characteristics of BBs:
• Accuracy: BBs are less accurate than pellets, with a grouping radius of 2-4 inches at 50 yards.
• Range: BBs typically have a shorter range than pellets, with a maximum range of around 200-300 yards.
• Weight: BBs are much lighter than pellets, weighing around 0.5-1.5 grams.
• Cost: BBs are relatively inexpensive, with a tin of 500 BBs costing between $5-10.
Airsoft BBs
Airsoft BBs are similar to BBs but are designed specifically for airsoft guns, which are replicas of real firearms that fire 6mm plastic BBs. Airsoft BBs are made of plastic or biodegradable materials and are designed to be soft and non-penetrating.
Characteristics of Airsoft BBs:
• Accuracy: Airsoft BBs are designed for accuracy, with some airsoft guns capable of grouping shots within 1-2 inches at 50 yards.
• Range: Airsoft BBs typically have a shorter range than pellets, with a maximum range of around 100-200 yards.
• Weight: Airsoft BBs are much lighter than pellets, weighing around 0.2-0.5 grams.
• Cost: Airsoft BBs are relatively inexpensive, with a bag of 1,000 BBs costing between $10-20.
Table: Comparison of Pellets, BBs, and Airsoft BBs
| Pellets | BBs | Airsoft BBs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | High | Low | High |
| Range | Long | Short | Short |
| Weight | Heavy | Light | Light |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Material | Lead or lead-alloy | Lead or zinc | Plastic or biodegradable |
Conclusion
In conclusion, air rifles shoot pellets, BBs, or airsoft BBs, depending on the type of air rifle and its intended use. Each type of projectile has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Pellets are known for their accuracy and range, while BBs are less accurate but more affordable. Airsoft BBs are designed for airsoft guns and are soft and non-penetrating. When choosing an air rifle, it’s essential to consider the type of projectile you want to shoot and the characteristics that are most important to you.
