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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Hunting Gate => Topic started by: tommyboy1587 on March 27, 2012, 08:48:48 PM

Title: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: tommyboy1587 on March 27, 2012, 08:48:48 PM
I'll be using a Benjamin Titan for hunting.  I've been putting Crosman Hollow points through it, and from up to 30 yards out, they are really accurate.  Would these make good hunting pellets or should I "test drive" others for hunting?  Thanks in advance
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: .22 Varmint on March 27, 2012, 09:02:27 PM
What ever produces consistent groups is a good hunting pellet. Shot placement is key in airgun hunting. As long as you can precisely place your shot in the kill-zone, it will not really matter what kind of pellet it is.

Andrew 
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: thekid on March 27, 2012, 09:04:36 PM
What ever produces consistent groups is a good hunting pellet. Shot placement is key in airgun hunting. As long as you can precisely place your shot in the kill-zone, it will not really matter what kind of pellet it is.

Andrew 
What he said
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: oldpink on March 27, 2012, 09:22:48 PM
As long as it's not any of the incarnations of Gamo's Raptor pellets, it should be a good pellet, as long as you get decent groups out of it.
;)
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: sawtoothscream on March 27, 2012, 10:24:24 PM
if preds shoot accurate in my guns I use them for hunting. awsome pellets.   same with jsb exacts
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: tommyboy1587 on March 27, 2012, 10:41:49 PM
As long as it's not any of the incarnations of Gamo's Raptor pellets, it should be a good pellet, as long as you get decent groups out of it.
;)

Lol I get groups when I shoot the light weight pellets?!  Granted they're 5 inch groups, but hey, still a group right? :0 

No I wouldn't even attempt to hunt with these.  The targets I've been using are maybe 5 inches by 5 inches, and I doubt I'd even hit the target with them.  The Crosman Hollows get me about nickle/ dime sized groups at 30 yards.  Unfortunately, my back yard at this time does not allow further shooting than that, and I haven't had time to shoot elsewhere
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tarheel on March 27, 2012, 11:05:43 PM
I'll be using a Benjamin Titan for hunting.  I've been putting Crosman Hollow points through it, and from up to 30 yards out, they are really accurate.  Would these make good hunting pellets or should I "test drive" others for hunting?  Thanks in advance

Predator Polymag ( extreme expansion ) . . . Beeman Crow Magnum . . . JSB Jumbo Exact Heavy . . . Skenco Heavy Long-Range ( skull penetration on larger game )

Dave
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Donny on March 27, 2012, 11:51:36 PM
ive always liked and had great luck with jsb's doomed diablo or polymags
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Motorhead on March 28, 2012, 01:51:08 AM
Pellets performance Lead against Flesh really don't mean squat if pellet does not contact where aimed !!!

At air rifle velocities pellets deformation is minimal in all but the exotic hollow cavity versions and YOUR BEST HUNTING PELLET is one that shoots TIGHT groups flying true to make its contact where aimed !!

Prey makes a difference too and that subject for preferred pellets is well covered elsewhere.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Onebaddj on March 28, 2012, 08:30:50 AM
Dime to nickle sized groups at 30 yds is sufficient for hunting unless your hunting huming birds where the kill zone is smaller than a dime you should be good. I uslaay shoot what works best out of my guns and dont worry about weather it hp domed or predators. Just what give the best groups with the most power. Accuracy always comes first though. So if cphp's work good for you then tear um up with cphp's.

And in no way did i mean go hunt humming birds! Lol it was a reference to kill zone size.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: longislandhunter on March 28, 2012, 11:45:17 AM
Crosman hollow points are a fine small game pellet.  I use them all the time with great success.  I also like Beeman FTS, CPL's and of course the poly mag.

Jeff
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tarheel on March 28, 2012, 03:09:08 PM
Pellets performance Lead against Flesh really don't mean squat if pellet does not contact where aimed !!!

At air rifle velocities pellets deformation is minimal in all but the exotic hollow cavity versions and YOUR BEST HUNTING PELLET is one that shoots TIGHT groups flying true to make its contact where aimed !!

Prey makes a difference too and that subject for preferred pellets is well covered elsewhere.

(1) Obviously, a pellet must strike in the proper location to perform it's job effectively. ( The expansion of a Predator Polymag is NOT "minimal" - An increase in diameter of 35% )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5FHAcgrf0# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5FHAcgrf0#)

(2) Tight groups don't guarantee a clean kill, especially if "shooter error" is the cause, as one can get a tight group in the wrong place.

(3) Differences in prey is precisely why I listed 4 different pellets and their performance characteristics.

The "bottom line" is that the finest pellet rifle in the world, shooting the most accurate pellet in that particular rifle, sighting through a scope with the world's finest optics, it still boils down to the hunter holding the rifle . . . !

Predator Polymag performance . . . ( Seeing is Believing )

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/thread/1313285285/1313432057/what+is+some+of+the+best+expanding+pellets+in+22+and+25cal- (http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/thread/1313285285/1313432057/what+is+some+of+the+best+expanding+pellets+in+22+and+25cal-)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/PredatorbonepenetrationFeb07.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/MynaPredator003.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/MynaPredator002.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/Polymag25Myna.jpg)


Dave



Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: tommyboy1587 on March 28, 2012, 05:18:07 PM
Thanks for all the help everyone! 
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tarheel on March 28, 2012, 05:43:54 PM
Thanks for all the help everyone! 

Anytime . . . Happy Hunting !

Dave
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Paul in MD. on March 28, 2012, 05:59:58 PM
Predator #1 then Kodiak.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tarheel on March 28, 2012, 06:49:11 PM
Predator #1 then Kodiak.

Paul,

You know, that would be a very interesting comparison  . . .  KODIAK vs. CROW MAGNUM !

I can't recall ever seeing a head-to-head "shootout" between those two pellets.

Dave
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: thekid on March 28, 2012, 08:17:27 PM
I use cphp in the .177 34 good to 50 yards accuracy
I use Predators in the .22 34 good to 40 yards accuracy
I use JSB heavies 10.3gr in the 350 magnum .177 good to Further than I can shoot accurately..(been a while)
I use H&N FTT's in the stoeger x20 .22 good to 24 yards accuracy so far.

Each ones favourite.....When I do get to pest/hunt
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Motorhead on March 28, 2012, 09:03:05 PM
Pellets performance Lead against Flesh really don't mean squat if pellet does not contact where aimed !!!

At air rifle velocities pellets deformation is minimal in all but the exotic hollow cavity versions and YOUR BEST HUNTING PELLET is one that shoots TIGHT groups flying true to make its contact where aimed !!

Prey makes a difference too and that subject for preferred pellets is well covered elsewhere.

(1) Obviously, a pellet must strike in the proper location to perform it's job effectively. ( The expansion of a Predator Polymag is NOT "minimal" - An increase in diameter of 35% )





Do keep in mind what was said in my post you quote
Quote
At air rifle velocities pellets deformation is minimal in all but the exotic hollow cavity versions and YOUR BEST HUNTING PELLET is one that shoots TIGHT groups flying true to make its contact where aimed !!

The Polymag is one such pellet ....  ;)
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: SquirrelSniper25 on March 28, 2012, 09:40:03 PM
I was having a lot of run-offs when I used the .22 CPUMs. They seemed to be going too fast in my Beni Trail NPXL 1100, blowing straight through the squirrels without delivering much energy. I had to chase down or search for every squirrel but 1 that I shot in the head. In your gun, they may be going slower so you may not have this problem. Here's a few pics indicating how they overpenetrated on some bushytails, note the shot placement wasn't perfect, but if I used a polymag or heavy baracuda I think the results would be much different.
2 shots from CPUMs, at the angle they were shot at they should have traveled through the lungs. Not trying to deter you from them, like most people said on here, whatever pellet shoots the most accurately in your gun is the one you should use.
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/014.jpg[/img]](http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/014.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=337)

Only 1 I killed with 1 shot from a CPUM, like I said, shot placement is EVERYTHING. :)
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/073.jpg[/img]](http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/073.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=337)
Not proud of these shots at all... This is when I stopped using the CPUMs for hunting squirrels, still will use em on birds though. Again, not perfect shot placement but I woulda thought they woulda done the job. 3 shots per squirrel.
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/020.jpg[/img]](http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/020.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=337)
And the last, 3 crows taken with CPUMs. 2 with 1 shot and the 3rd took a second as I guesstimated the range wrong. Proves that they have their purpose, but travel too fast in my rifle to be effective on body shots on squirrels every time, IMHO.
http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/033.jpg[/img]](http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n515/SquirrelSniper25/033.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=337)
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Nomadic Pirate on March 28, 2012, 11:08:15 PM
I really liked the Skenco "Ultra Shock" 25gr in .22 to bad they don't make them anylonger  :'(
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Onebaddj on March 29, 2012, 12:40:26 PM
Good info tarheel! Those preds are nasty for sure they not only turned that starling inside out but skinned it too! Thats crazy damage. Lol seriously though good info never seen that indepth info from preds.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: tommyboy1587 on March 29, 2012, 01:21:51 PM
Good info tarheel! Those preds are nasty for sure they not only turned that starling inside out but skinned it too! Thats crazy damage. Lol seriously though good info never seen that indepth info from preds.

Just ordered some of these :)  Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tarheel on March 29, 2012, 03:44:28 PM
Just ordered some of these :)  Thanks for the info!

I hope they work well for you . . . Stay safe !

Dave
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Onebaddj on March 29, 2012, 05:52:24 PM
They are usally in the top 2 or 3 performers when i do my testing but with 90% paper punching and long range target shooting the preds usually get bumped. They do produce good groups and consistant numbers out to the 30 yd mark.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Mo.sniper342 on March 29, 2012, 08:52:28 PM
my disco realyy likes the cpum's so that is what I shoot with it clean kills are the norm for me with them as long as I put em where they belong.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: vadalejrfan on March 29, 2012, 09:14:59 PM
I too have a .22 Titan and took many squirrel last season with Polymags, If they group well from you gun, they are a great pellet for hunting. Give them a test and if they group well for you, you wont be disappointed in the field hunting.  Good luck,   jrfan
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Nate the airgunner on March 30, 2012, 01:40:33 AM
Pellets performance Lead against Flesh really don't mean squat if pellet does not contact where aimed !!!

At air rifle velocities pellets deformation is minimal in all but the exotic hollow cavity versions and YOUR BEST HUNTING PELLET is one that shoots TIGHT groups flying true to make its contact where aimed !!

Prey makes a difference too and that subject for preferred pellets is well covered elsewhere.

(1) Obviously, a pellet must strike in the proper location to perform it's job effectively. ( The expansion of a Predator Polymag is NOT "minimal" - An increase in diameter of 35% )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5FHAcgrf0# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5FHAcgrf0#)

(2) Tight groups don't guarantee a clean kill, especially if "shooter error" is the cause, as one can get a tight group in the wrong place.

(3) Differences in prey is precisely why I listed 4 different pellets and their performance characteristics.

The "bottom line" is that the finest pellet rifle in the world, shooting the most accurate pellet in that particular rifle, sighting through a scope with the world's finest optics, it still boils down to the hunter holding the rifle . . . !

Predator Polymag performance . . . ( Seeing is Believing )

http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/thread/1313285285/1313432057/what+is+some+of+the+best+expanding+pellets+in+22+and+25cal- (http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/thread/1313285285/1313432057/what+is+some+of+the+best+expanding+pellets+in+22+and+25cal-)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/PredatorbonepenetrationFeb07.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/MynaPredator003.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/MynaPredator002.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/Kyogle/Polymag25Myna.jpg)


Dave




Eww lol
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tarheel on March 30, 2012, 09:08:16 AM
Eww lol

Sorry, Nathan . . . LOL !

Dave
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: VAFarmer on March 30, 2012, 10:15:31 AM
Tarheel,

Interesting you mentioned the Kod vs Crow mag thing.....

I have never had a single gun that shot crow mags well.....they always punched sideways holes in the paper.....looked like they were tumbling.

Conversely, I have never had a gun that shot Kods (Cuda's) badly......some lower powered ones had very bad trajectory, granted....but.......they still grouped well in everything.

IMO, the Kod (Barracuda) is a very very good hunting pellet.   They provide excellent accuracy in most of the guns I have shot, and in any gun capable of producing around 15 ft lbs ( or better ) with them, they are very good for headshots, as they have that little extra bit of "displacement" needed to spread, crush thru, and keep going on into the fusebox. 

I have had some success with Predators, but they have been kludgey in crosswinds for me, where the Cuda's just keep going straight.

And remember, 21+ grains...Plug into Newton.....21 grains in motion tends to stay in motion.....

God bless,

Farmer
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: JrSquirreler on March 30, 2012, 07:25:27 PM
As everyone else said, whatever is consistent in your air rifle. You may need to try a variety of different tins, but you will find the right one! I would suggest trying maybe JSB Pellets. They have never been inaccurate in any of my Air Rifles.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Tom @ Buzzard Bluff on March 30, 2012, 11:09:33 PM
"Interesting you mentioned the Kod vs Crow mag thing.....

I have never had a single gun that shot crow mags well.....they always punched sideways holes in the paper.....looked like they were tumbling.

Conversely, I have never had a gun that shot Kods (Cuda's) badly......some lower powered ones had very bad trajectory, granted....but.......they still grouped well in everything."
**********************************************************DING, DING, DING!

 We have a WINNER Ladies and Gentlemen!

 I've tried fruitlessly to find a springer that liked Cro-Mags for over 20 years to no avail. Within the past 6 months I discovered that one of my Sears branded Crosman 1400s loved them----as did a Benji 312 just added to the airsenal recently. Who knew? ???

 Conversely Kodiaks have been a dependable 'go to' option for as many years. I have found that if a barrel won't shoot them well you might as well use it prop up your tomatoes!   Tom
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: only1harry on March 31, 2012, 03:46:34 PM
The Kodiak/Baracuda pellet is an outstanding hunting pellet and will penetrate deeper than any hollow-point, as will most or all domed vs .HP.  The Kodies/Cudas are great when used for larger game like furbearers, but with squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc. penetration is not as important, and will not make much of a difference what pellet you use, since it only takes a few FPE to quickly kill those smaller critters.   

I have done extensive testing with both the Predator and Crow Magnum (w/Springers and PCP's), and I can tell you neither are as accurate past 30yds as are domed pellets, in all the 9-10 guns I tested them in.  The only exception is the .25 Predator which is very close to the best .25 domed pellets that my Condors like, BUT only in calm conditions, or 5-6mph wind at most.

The .22 Crow Magnum I have tested also expands superbly like the Predator, and does NOT fall apart like the RWS SHP.  It expands and becomes almost flat (from my 350 .22, 48 .22 and others), with a 0.30"-0.32" total expansion every time.  The Predator is a fine hollow-point too, maybe slightly better than the Crow Magnum, but it is not as accurate past 25yds in any of my guns, and do not match other domed pellets inside 25yds.  The undisputed fact is that the Predator although a great pellet, is greatly affected by crosswinds, more than domed pellets.  Even the heavier 26gr .25 Predator performed poorly in 10mph winds (groups opened up way more) against the 31gr Kodiak and 25.4gr JSB King under the same conditions.  Same goes for the .22 Predator vs. other domed pellets under mildly windy conditions.  Since I rarely have a calm day, I use domed pellets 99% of the time.

I would advise that before you purchase several tins of Predators, #1 make sure your gun likes them/shoots them accurately to 30yds and groups them well, and #2 test them in windy conditions in an open area if that is the type of hunting you do.  I am not talking 20mph winds (they are horrible @ 15mph or greater, at least in my guns) , but 7-12mph which is typical of most days.  I do have 2 guns that shoot the Preds OK to 25yds (not much past that though), but only with ~5mph wind or less.  The calmer the better.
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: tommyboy1587 on March 31, 2012, 08:03:06 PM
Thanks for the heads up only1harry
Title: Re: What's the best all around .22 pellet for hunting?
Post by: Mark5043 on April 01, 2012, 12:31:19 PM
I've always had great success with the .22 14.3gr. Crosman pointed hunting pellets.They're cheap,and available almost everywhere.