Short answer: pellets (diabolo shape) are the default for most air rifles. They are accurate at typical ranges, forgiving and affordable. Slugs are solid, bullet-shaped projectiles that hold velocity and resist wind better at long range, but they usually need more power and a barrel and tune that suit them. Test both in your rifle, because the barrel decides what shoots best.
Pellets vs Slugs at a Glance
| Pellets (diabolo) | Slugs | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Waisted with a hollow skirt | Solid, bullet-like |
| Stabilization | Drag from the skirt helps stabilize them | Spin from the rifling stabilizes them |
| Best range | Short to medium | Medium to long |
| Power needed | Works across most power levels | Usually needs higher power |
| Sensitivity | Forgiving across many rifles | Sensitive to barrel twist and tune |
| Good for | Target, plinking, pest control, benchrest | Long-range shooting, heavier game where legal |
Pellet Brands We Carry
JSB
JSB pellets are among the most widely used airgun pellets. Popular weights in our catalog include the Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 18.13 gr, Exact King MKII Heavy .25 33.95 gr and Exact .30 50.15 gr. AEA even recommends JSB standard-weight pellets for its SF Series.
JTS Dead Center
JTS offers Dead Center pellets in common weights such as .22 22.07 gr and .25 33.80 gr. Sample packs (.22 JAC181 and .25 JAC183) are an inexpensive way to test several pellets.
FX, AEA, Predator and more
We also stock FX pellets such as FX Atomic .22, AEA Center Punch pellets from .177 to .35, and Predator Polymag pellets.
Slug Brands We Carry
| Brand | Calibers in our catalog | Link |
|---|---|---|
| JSB KnockOut | .177, .22, .25 and more | JSB |
| JTS Dead Center Hollowpoint Slugs | .22, .25, .30, .357 | JTS slugs |
| Nielsen Specialty Ammo | .22, .25, .30, .35, .45, .50 | Nielsen |
| ZAN Projectiles | Several calibers, including lead-free | ZAN slugs |
| FX Hybrid Slugs | Including .35 68.2 gr | FX Hybrid |
| Patriot Javelin Gen 2 | .25 and others | Patriot Javelin |
| AEA Long Range Master and AEA slugs | .22 through .72 | AEA slugs |
| Mr Hollowpoint | .308, .457, .510 | big-bore ammo |
Browse everything in all slugs or by caliber.
When to Choose Pellets
- You shoot inside roughly typical airgun ranges for targets or pests.
- Your rifle runs at moderate power or is unregulated.
- You want the most shots per fill and the lowest cost per shot.
- You are shooting benchrest or field target with pellet-tuned rifles.
When to Choose Slugs
- You shoot long range and want less wind drift.
- Your rifle has the power and tune for heavier projectiles. Many FX rifles accept an FX Slug Power Kit.
- You shoot big bore, where slugs are the norm.
Sizing Matters for Slugs
Slugs are often sold in several diameters, and the best size depends on your barrel. EDgun, for example, recommends specific .219, .254 and .303 slugs for the Leshiy 2. Start with the maker's recommendation.
How to Test Ammo
- Zero with a known pellet.
- Shoot 5 to 10 shot groups of each candidate at your normal distance, from a rest.
- Record velocity with a chronograph.
- Keep the most consistent option and buy it in bulk from the same lot when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are slugs more accurate than pellets?
Not automatically. Slugs can be more stable at long range when the barrel and tune suit them, but many rifles shoot pellets more accurately at typical distances.
Can any PCP shoot slugs?
Many can, but results vary. Higher power, the right twist rate and a matched tune help. Some makers offer slug kits, such as the FX Slug Power Kit.
What pellet weight should I use in .22?
Many shooters start around 18 gr, such as JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr, and test heavier options like JTS 22.07 gr. Test in your rifle.
Do you carry lead-free ammo?
Yes. We carry ZAN Lead Free Slugs. Check the product page for available calibers.
Can I return ammo?
Our Shipping and Returns policy states that all airgun and ammo sales are final. Sample packs are a low-cost way to test first.
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.