22 or 25 cal

[acornscout]

So I can’t decide on what one to get   I know it’s going to be a puncher breaker. I mostly hunt nutters and trapline dispatching. Coons and such.   Would like to try on yotes at some point. 22 can do it all but would a 25 be better?

[glassman98]

Are you looking for a springer or PCP? I think .22 would cover all the bases in either type gun choose.  Craig

[subscriber]

Puncher Breaker is a PCP:
 https://www.pyramydair.com/product/puncher-breaker-silent-walnut-sidelever-pcp-air-rifle?m=4294
See specification tab.

For the animals mentioned a .22 would be adequate.  More pellets available at lower cost, so one is more likely to practice.  If Coyotes are primary, then a .25 is probably a better choice.

That said, the .25 seems a little "wimpy" in this platform at 32 ft.lb.  What I do not know is if it can be tuned up:
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/puncher-breaker-silent-walnut-sidelever-pcp-air-rifle?m=4294
See specification tab.

[squirrel_hunter]

 for what you want a 25 would be the only choice.the 22s just don't have it to dispatch coyotes.i know some folks will come in and say this and that but the fact is you need a little more power for larger game.i have taken over 100 bandits this summer with the 25 shooting the 33.9 pellets from 35-45 yards.i have a 22 but do not reach for when going after bandits or coyotes...I know nothing of the rifle you intend to buy but I have hunted many years and found the 25 having more fpe to be better at humane kills at longer distances...my rifle shoots 33.9 pellets at 860 fps over 30 shots(855 fps to 865 fps).

[subscriber]

my rifle shoots 33.9 pellets at 860 fps over 30 shots(855 fps to 865 fps).

That is 55 FPE, Mark. 

The .25 Puncher Breaker is listed at PA at 32 FPE.  Quite a difference.  This while the same platform in .22  is listed at 28 FPE.  The latter is pretty close to the "standard" of 30 FPE for .22.  While 32 FPE is quite far from the "standard" 40 FPE for .25.

I would assume that penetration is paramount after shot placement.  A larger holes is better, but only if it goes through vital organs.  Are you confident that a 32 FPE .25 caliber PCP has the penetration required for coyotes, Mark?  Perhaps if the range is limited. 

I may be wrong, but for coyotes you will need head shots at this sort of power level.  Yes, a heart or lung shot may kill a 20 to 40 lb coyote, but will do it fast and reliably?

[Frank in Fairfield]

I have three Marauders, as you can see.
The first was a .22 and it is great fun.
Then I heard about this silly game, Field Target.
Motorhead did his magic on the .177 and if someone other than me is behind the trigger, it will win it all.
We progress...
The aforementioned Motorhead built a .25 on a Bam 51 chassis.
He let me shoot it.
I bought another Marauder.
As stated the .22 would probably suffice for your needs but, remember the adage, “carry enough gun”.
The sound of a .25 caliber pellet impacting on flesh is a sound to behold.
Expensive to shoot?
Yes.
Fun factor?
Can’t measure it.
I think after the bugs are worked out of the new Crosman rifles, a nice .25 bullpup will suit you fine...
Good luck..

[fwbsport]

While coyotes are extreme the .25 for me is better than the .22.  In both rifles HW95L and HW80 the .25 OUTPERFORMS the .22.  I know I've said I like my .22 R9 (HW95L) but I like the .25 BETTER!  And this is NOT PCP velocity!  They are ACCURATE to a fault, the .25s, in ANY pellet I feed them whereas the .22 seems a bit more picky to hit with just like the smaller .177. 

I like my .20 HW98--but if the range is going to be around 30 yards the .25 wins for SLAM and repeated accuracy.

Long live the NEW HW95Ls and R9s!

[anti-squirrel]

Puncher Breaker, then .25.  I wouldn't bother with the .22 if racoon AND coyote are both potential targets.

I shoot mostly squirrel, HOSPs, and Starlings now, yet I've jumped to .25 in my Leshiy. My upper end is north of 50 FPE without any problem,, but I keep mine about 35 FPE right now for shot count.  Lemme tell yah, a .25 wadcutter (supplied by Matt AKA Insanity) is overwhelming brute force on a nutter.

[Nomadic Pirate]

A .25 will always be able to do what a .22 do

a .22 will not always be able to do what a .25 does.

[acornscout]

Thanks y’all this is going to be my 1st pcp so I’m going to try the 22. From what y’all say maybe the 25 puncher breaker is a lil weak and may have to look at a different 25 cal rifle. Time and patience is my thing

[subscriber]

Thanks y’all this is going to be my 1st pcp so I’m going to try the 22. From what y’all say maybe the 25 puncher breaker is a lil weak and may have to look at a different 25 cal rifle. Time and patience is my thing

.22 is a very versatile caliber.  However, before giving up on the .25 Puncher Breaker, research this forum for owners tuning their to get more power.  You might find it is simple, and requires only twisting a few screws.  Or maybe a bit more...

Here are a few videos that might inspire you; or help cement your decision:

[Nomadic Pirate]

That's the beauty of PCPs.

Power can be tweeked pretty easily.

The trip in the PCP word will trip you out

[OTmachine]

You know, that for not a whole lot more money, you could have both .22 and .25 for $299 each if you went with the Avenger.  I got my .25 from Randy at RL Airguns and Love it!
 My .02

[B.Guns.]

Where I live in Colorado you have to use at least .25 to hunt coyotes. Might want to check the laws where you live. That might help on your decision.

[Blowpipe Sam]

For a PCP no question.  .25

[kkarmical]

Thanks y’all this is going to be my 1st pcp so I’m going to try the 22. From what y’all say maybe the 25 puncher breaker is a lil weak and may have to look at a different 25 cal rifle. Time and patience is my thing

I have my .22 puncher breaker regulated set to 36fpe.  These guns are pretty easy to tune up and get power from, it just takes opening up the barrel and valve ports a little, no extra parts to buy at all.

[Dan H]

.25 all day long !   and buy the Avenger .25  it has the FPE right out of the box to to smack that yote down at distance very important ...

[acornscout]

Update. The wife ordered me one with out me knowing and it came this Saturday. It’s the 22cal  so maybe I’ll get a 25 cal next year lol. Holly cow is all I can say this thing is nice. Little background about myself army recon sniper / hunted sense age 8. Live on a farm. So I know a little about stuff. Got into air rifles because of a paper I had to do in college before that the only BB gun I ever shot was a red rider when I was a lil kid. Now I have 2 Springer a 1322 and now this. Oh what a rabbit hole I have found. So off to Troy hammer it goes. Thanks guys for all the info.

[Vee3]

Y'all must have some sociable coyotes. In the deserts of SoCal, I've rarely seen one that would let me take a good shot at it under ~100 yds in the past 45 years.

[Wayne52]

With my .25 Avenger the way it came set from the box I was getting over 50fpe with my cast 34.5 grain pellets.  I'm sure that with the JSB MKII's it will do about the same.