Short answer: for benchrest and target shooting, .177, .22 and .25 are the most common choices because the ammo is affordable and very consistent. For hunting, .22 and .25 cover most small game and pest control. Use .30 and the big-bore calibers (.35 and up) when you need more energy for larger game or longer shots, and check your local hunting regulations first.
Caliber is a trade-off between trajectory, energy, air use and ammo cost. Here is how each common caliber we stock fits hunting and benchrest.
Caliber Quick Reference
| Caliber | Typical use | Example ammo we carry |
|---|---|---|
| .177 | Target, plinking, training, light pest control | JSB Exact 8.44 gr, JSB Exact Monster 13.43 gr |
| .22 | All-round: pest control, small game, benchrest | JSB Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr, JTS Dead Center 22.07 gr |
| .25 | Hunting at longer range, heavier pellets and slugs | JSB King MKII Heavy 33.95 gr, JTS Dead Center 33.80 gr |
| .30 | Larger pests and predators, long-range slug shooting | JSB Exact 50.15 gr, Nielsen .30 slugs |
| .35 / .357 | Big bore entry point, medium game where legal | JSB Exact 81.02 gr, FX Hybrid 68.2 gr |
| .45 / .50 / .58 / .72 | Big-bore hunting where legal | Nielsen .45, AEA .50 slugs, AEA .72 slugs |
Best Caliber for Benchrest
.177, .22 and .25 dominate
Benchrest rewards consistency more than energy. Smaller calibers use less air per shot, give more shots per fill and let you buy match-grade pellets by the tin. Most serious bench shooters work in .22 or .25 because the heavier pellets hold up better in wind than .177.
Proof from the bench
The Karma Red Panda is a purpose-built bench rifle. Its published tunes run from .22 to .35. In .25 with a 33.9 gr pellet, Karma lists 904 fps, 61 FPE and 48 shots per fill. That shows a .25 can deliver plenty of power while staying efficient enough for a long relay.
Best Caliber for Hunting
.22: the all-rounder
A .22 has enough energy for most small-game and pest work at sensible ranges, ammo is easy to find, and nearly every rifle we sell comes in .22. If you only buy one airgun, .22 is the safest pick.
.25: more energy at distance
The .25 carries heavier projectiles, roughly 25 to 34 gr pellets plus slugs, so it holds energy and resists wind better at longer ranges. Rifles like the Karma EQ list up to 80 FPE in .25.
.30: slugs and larger pests
.30 is where slug shooting really takes off. The Karma EQ lists up to 100 FPE in .30, and the AEA Challenger Pro (Gen 2) lists up to 135 FPE in .30 with a 50 gr projectile. The trade-off is fewer shots per fill.
Big bore: .35 and up
Big-bore airguns trade shot count for energy. The AEA Megalodon lists 158 to 585 FPE depending on caliber and barrel, and the AEA Zeus GEN 2 spec table lists up to 1,300 FPE in .72 with an 820 gr slug from the 32-inch barrel. See our big-bore collection and our big-bore guide for details.
How to Decide
- Define the target. Paper and bench point to .177 to .25. Pests and small game point to .22 or .25. Larger game points to .30 and up.
- Check local rules. Some places set minimum calibers or energy levels for hunting with airguns, or restrict airguns altogether. Check official state and local sources.
- Consider air supply. Bigger calibers use more air per shot, so plan your tank or compressor accordingly.
- Budget for ammo. Big-bore slugs cost far more per shot than pellets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .22 or .25 better for hunting?
.22 is more versatile and economical. .25 carries more energy and resists wind better at longer distances. Many hunters choose .25 for longer shots and .22 for general pest control.
What caliber do benchrest shooters use?
Most airgun benchrest shooting is done in .22 or .25. Purpose-built rifles like the Karma Red Panda are offered from .22 to .35.
Is .177 good for hunting?
.177 is mainly a target and training caliber. It can work for light pest control at short range, but .22 or .25 are better choices for most hunting.
Do bigger calibers use more air?
Yes. Larger calibers and heavier projectiles use more air per shot, so shot counts drop. For example, the Karma EQ lists up to 160 shots in .22 but up to 50 in .30.
Can I change caliber later?
Some platforms, such as FX rifles with interchangeable barrel liners and kits, support caliber changes. Check the specific rifle's product page or ask us.
Always follow the manufacturer manual, wear eye protection, and know your local laws before buying, carrying or shooting an airgun.
Talk to The Pellet Shop
Have a question about a specific rifle, caliber or setup? Visit our showroom in Westbury, NY, call or text (718) 450-4146, or email info@ThePelletShop.com. You can also browse every airgun we carry online. Specs in this article come from our product pages and manufacturer documentation and can change, so check the current product page before you buy.