Author Topic: .177 or .20? (Read 5123 times))

chito · « **on:** August 28, 2012, 03:15:22 PM »

Which of these calibers would you guys prefer for plinking and hunting out to 40yds. I'm not intrested in a 22 or 25. Just was wondering if I could get an opion from some one who has experience with both. Was one more accurate than the other? Did the larger .20 make a better hunter than the .177? It seems like the .20 gets ignored alot in pellet discussions. Is there a reason for that?

Bullit · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2012, 03:20:47 PM »

The selection of .20 pellets isn't what the .177 is.
Used to be more rifles around, but not anymore.
With today's .177 power levels and the ranges you are looking at, the .177 should suit you well for small game. Especially with the good selection of various design pellets available. I like the flat shooting characteristics of .177 and I hunt under 50 yards...mostly 35yards or less.

Nikoman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2012, 03:24:26 PM »

.20 is the best all around caliber in my opinion.
It has a higher energy retention in long range shooting than .177 and has a very flat trajectory.
In some high powered springers, the .20 maintains energy better than .22 and .25 at extremely long distances.

If I can only have one gun, it would be a .20 caliber.

One thing is certain though, I have to agree with KYMike....the selection isn't very good for .20 pellets.
One of my shooters is a .20 and I literally have to buy thousands of rounds at a time to make sure I never run out. It's never happened because I plan way ahead to never run empty.

Bullit · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2012, 03:30:11 PM »

Niko, I see you have one fine .177 in your herd. That RWS 52 is one killer at longer ranges. Good On Ya!!!

Chito:
This is one example, (RWS 48/52), of an accurate shooter that is manageable, and delivers JSB or Crosman Heavies over 10FPE @ 50 yards. Not too Shabby.
Mike

thekid · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2012, 03:30:22 PM »

I agree with both points.
The .20 is considered the all around best caliber, by many.
The only down side is the lack of selection for pellets. I have seen where the .20 pellets cost more than .177 or .22 pellets.

Rico14 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2012, 04:01:27 PM »

I have .177 and .20 R9's. If I had to pick one for hunting it would be the .20. It shoots just as flat as the .177 and has a little more energy when it hits the target. I don't agree or understand everyone's concern with .20 pellet selection. All you need is ONE pellet that is accurate. I get one ragged hole at 25 yards with Beeman FTS and the Predators are accurate as well. There is enough of a .20 pellet selection that you will find an accurate one for your AG.

chito · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2012, 04:06:34 PM »

How come the .20 is so ignored? I can find lots of charts on pellet trajectory and penetration on 177, 22, & 25, but seems like they always ignore 20. I watched a video by pyramid air on youtube. They were talking about what pellets are good certian uses. They never mentioned the .20. Like if it didn't even exsist.

longislandhunter · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2012, 04:21:51 PM »

.20 cal would be my choice, it's a sweet caliber. It's true that the selection of pellets is less than .177 or .22 but there are still quite a few pellets to choose from so I don't think you'd have any trouble finding a pellet that the rifle likes. I'd go with the .20

Jeff

Bullit · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2012, 04:28:12 PM »

To me it's kinda like the old .410.
It got covered up, by other gauges, and so it became expensive to shoot because of lack of interest in the .410. As time evolved,(and development / interest of the 20 & 28ga), they got squeezed out of the limelight. Still available, but not the most cost effective choice for the shooter. Same with any ammo...time and technology changes choices for the consumer...not the fault of the round.

Edit: Let me say....If you have one, it's a good caliber, as the others posted. Shoot & Enjoy It !!!

Mike

JimL911 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2012, 01:23:29 AM »

I like the .20. Slightly easier to load, less wind drift and more retained energy. FTT's, JSB's and CP's are the only pellets 99% would need.

PakProtector · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2012, 07:12:36 AM »

hey-Hey!!!,
I got back into air gunning with a 5mm D34. Soon after purchased a beeman RX2 in 5mm. Started out long ago with a 5mm Sheridan and am still shooting it. I have since acquired a .22 Marauder and a .22 Career 707 ii. The .22's need a lot of energy to shoot as flat as the 5mm and I have found the 5mm quite adequate for hunting, even the lower powered Sheridan( though it is on par with medium power springers at 14 FPE ). If I had to keep hust one it would be the Sheridan, and if it could be two I'd include the RX2.
cheers,
Douglas

Nikoman · « **Reply #11 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:05:38 PM »

Quote from: JimL911 on August 29, 2012, 01:23:29 AM

I like the .20. Slightly easier to load, less wind drift and more retained energy. FTT's, JSB's and CP's are the only pellets 99% would need.

It all depends on the velocity/gun but .20 does seem to hold up better in all departments.
Amen to the JSB's, they are one of the finest pellets available.

Quote from: PakProtector on August 29, 2012, 07:12:36 AM

...If I had to keep hust one it would be the Sheridan, and if it could be two I'd include the RX2.

Funny you say that, my Sheridan would be the first to go!

My RX-1 stays put especially since it's my only other .20cal. The amount of effort to get a shot off the Sheridan is just too much vs. a break-barrel.

Bullit · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:21:41 PM »

Niko: I'm lazy, but I can sure see the "like factor" of the Sheridan.
What about your 52? hint...hint....

PakProtector · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:35:23 PM »

The Sheridan just works well. No silly hold sensitivity to remember exactly how to deal with. Slightly less power( most I have ever measured the Sheridan at is 18 FPE, but that is stock ). Wish I could put a Reckord trigger on the pumper though...or the very nice Marauder trigger. What I'd probably do is hide the RX2 and jus' tell you I was keeping the Sheridan...

cheers,
Douglas

Bullit · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:53:43 PM »

Beauty of the Underlever. Hold sensitivity.
"....Come to the UNDERSIDE"...

Nikoman · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2012, 01:19:06 PM »

Quote from: KYMike on August 29, 2012, 12:21:41 PM

Niko: I'm lazy, but I can sure see the "like factor" of the Sheridan.
What about your 52? hint...hint....

If I didn't know better....you're courting my Diana 52 aren't you? You're looking to her to take her home with you!

I should admit that the 52 drops the metallic silhouettes out to 55 yards just as easy as the RX-1, she's a brute.

VAFarmer · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2012, 02:21:30 PM »

I love .20 cal, and I dont.....

I love it because they usually always retain hunting energy as well as a .22, and they shoot flatter at the same power level.
Excellent for hunting.

Why do I hate it?

Cause I cant source any ammo locally. Sorry, but I can't have a gun that I could at least run down to the store and buy ammo for.

All my hunters are .22 cal, cause I can source ammo locally if need be.
If I could get .20 locally, I would have never sold my Kizy tuned HW 95 or my P-1.

God bless,

Farmer

Bullit · « **Reply #17 on:** August 29, 2012, 03:23:16 PM »

Ha Ha! Yeah, you know I got one. Always got room for another one of those girls !!! Just a sucker for those "healthy" ones

Now there's one I wouldn't mind having in .20

Nikoman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 29, 2012, 03:36:25 PM »

Quote from: KYMike on August 29, 2012, 03:23:16 PM

Ha Ha! Yeah, you know I got one. Always got room for another one of those girls !!! Just a sucker for those "healthy" ones

Now there's one I wouldn't mind having in .20

Never seen a .20 on this side of the pond, they got 'em in Europe. Now that would be a sweet gun in .20!

tjk · « **Reply #19 on:** August 29, 2012, 05:39:52 PM »

.20 all the way!!!! Most of your better brands of .20 made rifles are not as pellet picky, and the lack of pellets for the .20 is rather a moot point. If Crosman ever came out with a Chinese made .20 rifle, yes you would probably need 30-40 some odd .20 pellets to find the best for the gun. For HW and better quality .20 makers you just don't need that many to choose from.

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.177 or .20?

Author Topic: .177 or .20? (Read 5123 times))