.22 vs .25 Pros and Cons, Marauder

[RWSshooter]

Okay, so I've decided to save and purchase an Mrod...My new dilemma is which caliber.  I'm leaning toward .22 for several reasons:
1.  My rifle will be used primarily for hunting (Better downrange energy than .177)
2.  .22 Pellets are readily available in many weights and types.

These are the Pro's that I've found so far.  Are there any Cons?  What, if any, attributes would make .25 more or less desireable in a Marauder?

Noise levels?
Price?
Pellet Selection?
Pellet prices?
Accuracy?
Shot count?
Energy?
Shots per fill?
These are the things I'd like input on.
Thanks everybody in advance!

[oldpink]

Speaking just for myself, but I would still go with the .22, for the reasons you cite, but particularly about pellet selection and price, and because shot counts are significantly lower.
The .25 caliber is also noticeably louder, by the accounts of those who have both calibers.
Besides, if you really want the .25 caliber, you can easily convert a .22 over by going to Crosman to order baffles, barrel, and probe.

[yamaharider]

You probably can't go wrong with either.  But I think in the long run the .22 is most versatile, cheap pellets for plinking, large choice for target and hunting.  Main thing is you choosing a Mrod!! Great choice, you will be pleased.

[pindog2000]

I would get both in the stable a.25=bigger pellet expansion meaning bigger hole we all know airguns dont really kill on fpe alone compared to a firearm ,airguns kill on pellet expansion,shot placement,and key distance  between you and the target i wouldnt shoot a coon with a .177 no futher than .20 yards and may have doubts about using a .177,but it has been done so its possible.To be honest i would have both calibers in the stable but i would choose the.22 because of the versitility.

[Nomadic Pirate]

I would go for the .25 ( I had one),......But really I would go for the Rainstorm .22  not even a question 

[eddielee70]

if you keeping the RWS .22.  I would get the .25.  I have both .25 and .22, .25 is louder that is not neighbor friendy. 
Noise levels? .25 is louder as video on youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/AirGunWeb#p/search/3/TePXtt_dSlw
same guy review the .22 and .177 marauder.
Price? .25 cost more as barrel is made by Green mountain, not in crosman factory like .177 and .22 at $25 a piece.
Pellet Selection?
Pellet prices?
Accuracy? I say .25 is more accurate as better made barrel.
Shot count? 
Energy?  .25 can get to 46ftlb of energy .22 only 32ftlb.  http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/blog/2010/10/powerplant-pellets-and-footpounds.html
Shots per fill? about 50% less shot count then .22

[r1derbike]

.25 for hunting.

Charles

[CitySniper]

EddieLee...I'm pretty sure the .22 is topping out around 36fpe with heavy pellets. Mine is @ 34fpe with Barracudas and she isn't even at max settings on any of her adjustments.

Considering that the .25 is only getting 16-20 usable shots @ 45 fpe. per fill , and My .22 gets 30-50 usable shots @ 30 fpe per fill. =
(.22 1500fpe per fill) VS. (.25 900-1000fpe per fill)
Realistically if you do the math and use a graph program to plot your shots string like I do. You will see that My .22 makes more fpe per fill vs. a .25

Here are My Cumulative Numbers for 50 shots with 18.1 JSB

For the First:      20 shots       30 shots      40 shots   50 shots
Min                       821.50       821.50           821.50       773.80
Max                        882.70       887.10           887.10    887.10
Average                854.05     862.68          859.24        847.84
Median                 855.30    872.70         859.05       853.20
Extreme Spread         61.20        65.60           65.60        113.30
SD                          22.22          22.17           20.79        30.51
Cumulative Ft. Pounds 586.83  898.1   11187.88   1446.73Fpe
               

[RWSshooter]

Thanks everybody for the great info.  I had already determined that this is the only PCP that I could afford which had all the features that I wanted.  I will probably sell one of my powder burners to pay for it, rather than sacrafice my 350M.  It will be a couple of months till I can buy one anyway. Till then, Good shooting everybody!

[r1derbike]

Good things come to those who wait...you'll see!

Charles

[jonnnyboy]

Jonathan, most guys go for the .22 and never look back including me.  If you are plinking and only hunting normal game, then the .22 will most definitely get the job done.  The .25 is enticing because of its extra power but there is a price to pay both figuratively and literally.  Unless you are wanting to hunt larger game at longer distances, the .25 is overkill.  Believe me, the squirrels, rabbits and starlings won't be able to tell the difference.

With that said, you definitely can do everything the .22 can do with the .25 and more.  It just seems to me that the price of pellets and the low shotcount is the restraining factor.  I love to shoot alot and probably would not shoot a .25 as much just based on cost alone.  For me, that's the primary reason I love shooting airguns over larger powder burners.  Let us know what you decide and include a picture!

joe

[RWSshooter]

I've decided to go .22 in a Marauder.  It probably won't be until late spring or maybe even summer before I can afford anything. 

Thanks everybody for the great replies and information!

-Jonathan