Airgun Calibers

[carl7]

Hello folks, complete newbie here but I do get into things seriously. My interest to begin is only target shooting like the 10 meter ISSF pistol matches I been watching on Youtube and wondering what caliber they are shooting and why.

Thanks!

[AGEnthused2]

I imagine they are shooting .177 caliber, it seems to me that target matches are usually shot using .177
But I don’t shoot competitively so I’m not in those circles.

[Roadworthy]

ISSF rules stipulate that for ten meter air pistol competition any .177 caliber air pistol may be used.https://www.issf-sports.org/getfile.aspx?mod=docf&pane=1&inst=461&file=Pistol%20Rules.pdf

[Motorhead]

ALL the established 50 meter and under Target air gun disciplines are primarily shot with .177 cal.     This because of the smaller diameter based off the center line of the caliber a smaller projectile can be closer to a scoring line than a larger caliber without touching or breaking the line even tho they impacted in the same position.

[carl7]

Thank you all for the welcomes! Motorhead, I understand now about why the calibers in 10m being all .177, it's same as in archery why they use the fattest arrow in 18m indoor target, to get closer to the scoring line from the same impact point.

[Motorhead]

Thank you all for the welcomes! Motorhead, I understand now about why the calibers in 10m being all .177, it's same as in archery why they use the fattest arrow in 18m indoor target, to get closer to the scoring line from the same impact point.

It can work For you or Against you ... in small bore AG the cyclic recoil felt that will also effect POI is less with lighter pellets than heavier ... more wood for the fire LOL

[oledawg]

Are you considering rifle or pistol? Just wondering

[ac12]

That was why way back when, 45ACP was often used for both 45 and center-fire stages.
.45 hole was bigger than .38 hole.  If the hole touched the inner ring, it scored.  So bigger was better.

ISSF standardizing on .177 prevents that tactic.