The Best Caliber for Hunting Small Game with an Air Rifle?

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Title	:	The Best Caliber for Hunting Small Game with an Air Rifle?
Lasting	:	22.09
Date of publication	:
Views	:	137 rb

I'm generally using 44gr slugs in my FX Maverick 25 The greater energy at higher fps is hugely forgiving and very ethical This is effective at 50 yards and beyond
Comment from : Arctic Airgun channel

Bought this for my grandson with the understanding that it's to be used properly
Comment from : aishainman

Prairie dogs are vital for the ecosystem
Comment from : Moi Moi

Stupid question all calibers are goodAdvantage inconvenient
Comment from : Ge Vang

My 25 caliber Zada (YouTube censor demons won`t allow mention of brand) breakbarrel hits hard and accurate but the 22 cal Airtact has better penetration and a bit less dependable accuracy Both are great for rabbits and I`ve stopped four armadillo pests uprooting my garden food and fruit trees Mulch draws these monsters like crazy and they ruin it So now I use driveway alarms to alert me I can`t afford a PCP
Comment from : BAN EVERYTHING!

Thanks for the video
Comment from : Clarence Wilson

Another point against the that gun is too big for small game is look at black powder It has been common practice to use a 32 caliber or even 45 caliber for small game They just adjust the powder to accommodate the animal
Comment from : Phillip Opfer

Never to much gun
Comment from : Cho Chanit

Boss, I appreciate your detailed explanation Thank you
Comment from : AAtaman

Just watched your video, very true on all said about the larger calipers Your video brought to mind another question that your viewers have such as the one I have But first, I currently I have a 25 cal Benjamin Marauder Love it, but considering going to a 25 cal Daystate Wolverine or an Air Arms S510 SX Something with a smoother action lever I just went thru a challenge trying to find someone here in Maine to re-certify my portable 100 cu in/ 4500 psi Air-Venturi tank Which made me think, what about the small bottle tanks on both of these that I am considering? I hear some SCUBA places don't like to re-certify small tanks Heck, my local fill shop won't do a re-certication Hydro Test on my carbon fiber tank since it's not a SCUBA tank Do you have an issue with any of your models after those small tank models, knowing you have a ton of PCPs Assuming this might be an issue and something to consider when buying a PCP with a small attached bottle?
Comment from : Wirenutby

I HAD BEEN HUNTING FOR OVER 50 YRS FOR ME I GO FOR 25 CAL I DONT WANT TO LOSE A WOUNDED BIRDPHIL
Comment from : Roland Cortes

There are pest control situations where you are using an air gun because you do not want the pellet to carry for much distance Skirted pellets inherently bleed velocity qucikly limiting range and smaller calibers or "less gun" increases that effect 25 in particular may simply carry further than you want it to
Comment from : A Google User

You said that the longer a pellet is in the air the more time gravity has to affect it While that is true, if you shot a 177 and a 30, they will both hit the ground at the same time, regardless of distance
Comment from : Cyrus Walker

Thank You
Comment from : Nick

And to think I have a sheridan air rifle I pump like crazy a bit and walla, were in business I didn't even know they made these fancybr things lol It's called a model A made along time agoHas alot of power and is accurate enough Happy shooting
Comment from : Rainbow

Shared
Comment from : Robert Evans

Jim, I have a Hatsan 95, break barrow 25 cal Air Riffel for hunting, did you review it, is it good?
Comment from : Robert Evans

@americanairgunhunter --- I'm wondering how the 20 performs I am aware that this caliber is apparently hardly offered and used On the other hand, the caliber is one that still makes sense even in countries with significant restrictions In addition, 20 (5mm metric) seems to me to be a size for which even very good experimental projectiles should be able to be produced reasonably well Unfortunately, there is hardly any publication or documentation available for this caliber used in AirGunsbrCould you please do a video about your 20 cal AirGuns and their performance?
Comment from : Sebastian Andreas Gruber-Kersting

Great info on the subject! I have 17, 22 and 25 I almost never hunt with 177 and the 22 gets most use since my biggest game is rabbit I have taken a few coons with my 25 marauder and the damage at 30 yards was no joke
Comment from : Nick Allen

Killed grouse and squirrels with Crossman and gamo both derated Canadian guns and in 177 cal but am upgrading to a 22 gamo
Comment from : Rosaleen Babe

For a springer 22 and 177 is the perfect 2 calibers for springers Anything bigger than that 25 will be better in pcp rifles
Comment from : El_Guerro_502

177 guns are safer to shoot in close proximity to houses, cattle and human activity
Comment from : Kevin K

I like the versatility of 22 but 30 is an absolute slobber knocker I've put hundreds of squirrels down with 22, 30 is shooting rainbows in town Also 22 is more than enough for ferral cats under 30 yds Personal preference
Comment from : James T Boehm

A 22 LR is incapable of producing hydrostatic shock, you need at least 2600 fps on impact to achieve hydrostatic shock!
Comment from : wes bodine

My wife is interested in getting an air rifle However, she would be more interested a in shorter, and lighter riflebr?… should you have an opinion of this, so we can at least have a direction, or rifles to start looking?brMaybe a video you might have already done in this area? brThis field have grown so large, so fast, it’s just a lot to try and research for a beginner
Comment from : Ron Weber

Great breakdown
Comment from : hakes

legal aside why dont more ppl use mini blow darts in those high powered rifles ??????
Comment from : ca5ualm3dia

Only up to 22 legal in Pennsylvania so I use heavy pellets or Slugs
Comment from : Ted Sell

What caliber and gun would you recommend for starlings at 100 yards I live in a high wind area😊
Comment from : A Brad

Nice video 👍😉
Comment from : Relax Bad Knee Adventures

I like my 22 because I can find ammo anywhere
Comment from : Deplorable Redneck 40

Good Times brWas hoping to see the Hatsan Vextice 25cal I see you hunt with
Comment from : Favid Jenden

I prefer 43-50 fpe in a 25 In a barn or building I will grab my Prod with a n expanding pellet or wadcutter
Comment from : Patrick

Love 20 cal for tree rats
Comment from : Heath Jonas

Love your videos Jim, years of experience & wisdom imparted to others
Comment from : Peter Miller

I'm looking for a 30 calibre PCP for long range hunting Don't like FX, already have Hatsan Blitz 30, don't like it
Comment from : Best Game

Just a quick review! SF!
Comment from : Jerry Pruett

I'm from Brazil I have a PCP custon 635(25) I like it a lot it never lets me down a lot of power and precision
Comment from : Kesley de Castro Alves Pereira

Nothing more than 18 cal in kansas
Comment from : Vern Maas

Hi I am new to airguns and well hunting in general, however I bought the 25 cal benjamin armada and I need to know which pellets/slugs I should use to kill coyotes and pigs? Any feedback you could give me would be greatly appreciated Thanks
Comment from : Tinker Morgan

I’m a physics guy myself The best reason for that hollow end of the slug is probably for 2 reasons 1 It may create a better seal as it’s fired Kind of like the minet ball And to put more of the weight on the front end of the bullet, so that it will always fly front first Same as a badminton shuttle
Comment from : adam boylan

Great video
Comment from : Steve Guest

i'd need a firearm license for a 25, but as long as the caliber is smaller, the muzzle energy doesn't matter so only 177, 2 and 22 are options for me i chose 22The drop rate mainly depends on speed, i can go supersonic with light ammo (that's too fast, it won't stabilize properly), it is less wind sensitive and sustains more energy Pcps get more efficient with bigger diameter an HW-100 with 40 joule in 5,5 has the same shot count as a 30 joule 4,5 gun with the same barrel length, for brits (16,1 joule restriction, i'd buy a 4,5 under that law) the energy is the same, but the 4,5 has enough pressure for 110 shots and the 5,5 for 140 If there weren't any gun laws, I'd keep my weihrauch and might buy an aug if i ever needed more impact (maybe get the terrible trigger taken care off by someone) Thx for the great video, have fun!
Comment from : Gehtdi anschasau

My problem with some of these rounds is that they cost as much as lower end 22lr For 6 cents or more, why not shoot my Ruger 10/22 with Armscor 22lr? For less than 15 cents, the Crosman 177 make sense Of course, your mileage may vary I don't routinely hunt small game Excellent presentation
Comment from : M H

If you want to take out a large iguana at long range, 25 and 30 caliber is not too big You need the stopping power
Comment from : Earl Creamer

Good vid I don't agree with everything you said; but most All of my PCP's are 25 and they are perfect for "me" and what I do I have an M3 so I was thinking of going to get a 30 barrel kit After shooting it, there is no need A dead squirrel is a dead squirrel For the most part accuracy is more important than cal size to me Again, good vid man
Comment from : Today Lets

25 cal is my favorite for hunting small game as well Have a AEA HP SS, a Hatsan sortie and a Hatsan Jet all in 25 cal
Comment from : DJW

In the uk fac stands for fire arm certificate which you need for air guns OVER 12 ft lb
Comment from : elma fudd

If you ask the animal they would prefer the higher caliber😃
Comment from : tom hecht

Thank you for that information was berry helpful for me to buy my next rifle God bless
Comment from : Hog’s Solutions Pest Control

22 is all I need 143 to 22 grains
Comment from : daniel desimonedanny

Amen! The 25 brings airgun hunting to the right level It stands in place of 22lr for small game It will knock them stiff! brA woodchuck, or rockchuck if you will, is a pretty strong small game animal comparatively A poorly placed 22 lr won’t do well The 25 will take them down with one properly placed shot beyond 50 yards
Comment from : Douglas Borgaro

If you only can afford one gun, 25-30 cal would be best More versatility I own a couple 177 won't buy another one Not worth it, unless you can afford 100 different guns Most can't A 25 - 30 is the minimum
Comment from : John

I ditched the 177 because my scoped 22 Stoeger S-4000-E works so well I later bought a Hatsan Model 95,Vortex 25 air rifle In my opinion, it doesn’t outperform the Stoeger 22,, far from it, but I keep the 25 around with iron sights just for blasting armadillos
Comment from : Boom Stick

25 hands down for small and medium game
Comment from : Wing Nut

I don't believe it is possible to kill an animal too fast or too dead 30 cal for me
Comment from : edstimator1

Did you ever make a video of you shooting a poor man’s Break Barrel, or a co2 gun, you’re way over my had and wallet
Comment from : John Minger

Hi i like all your videos, very useful in filed for me In this video clip at 610 the is a caliber error, instead of 22 you have mentioned 322 Please check sir Thankyou
Comment from : ilangKumaran Kandasamy

Appreciate
Comment from : Bayou Flats

Thanks for a very informative video! While I would love to have a 25 or even a 30, for my conditions I think my 22s are a superior choice, and a 177 might be even better And that condition is: back yard pest control Even with a fairly big yard of 3/4 acre, I still have to be very careful regarding my neighbors, and jump thru various hoops to insure their safety Like shooting down towards the ground rather than up into the trees, along with a back stop I could still take these precautions with a 25 or 30, but it is just that much more power to be stopped I would be more nervous about shooting a neighbor or damaging their property than I already am And my 22 PCP has proven to be plenty for taking out about 20 of the rascals so far, no more have been seen for a while So it might be all I need
Comment from : Bill Kline

I use 177 in the uk cuz a head shot is a kill and I can be more accurate due to the faster velocity
Comment from : Jezz C

Thank you for the MOST professional, intelligent & informative presentation on this subject that I have seenbrGreat job … Keep up the good work!
Comment from : StarMan Norm

25 is the way to go over the 30 Cal simply cause nobody makes 30 Cal Pellets😂 (there’s)Jsb Diablo, Jsb hades, predator polys … however I lova my Hatsan mod 135 qe👍🏽
Comment from : d Rodriguez

22 is great I have a couple of them , but once I went to 25 for small game hunting I would never buy another 22, about the only reason I don't get a 30 cal is just the price of the pellets is a lot higher and sometimes availability is tough
Comment from : BERT BCCFU

The 20 is a great compromise Heavier and slightly bigger than 177 yet faster than 22 in same class springer For short range rabbit and squirrel cant be beat
Comment from : Karl Schulte

Would you use a Texan 257 for small game? What would be your first choice for 25 pcp for small game?
Comment from : Bombs Away

I have the 25 avenger I love it Some day I'll get an FX or maybe the Skout Epoch, but so far my longest kill shot on a ground squirrel is 103 meters I'm glad you included it in the mix (:
Comment from : iPsychlops

Great video great information Just wish you had talked about barrel length
Comment from : Grumpy G

I was just wondering, do people eat squirrels? We eat the rabbits, hogs, and deer Never shot a squirrel because I just can't see eating one Are they just pests that people put down like groundhogs and prairie dogs and coyotes?
Comment from : Tiger King

Which springer is the best Jim
Comment from : មាសហេង

Definitely “too much power” allows for slightly misplaced shots on game with positive outcome
Comment from : BKn

25 for me And my hatsan 125 chucks the 25 pellets out to 60-70yards very well, and I can accurately shoot 349gr slugs out to 25 yards My origin pcp on the other hand is good out to 100yards easy
Comment from : Roy Public

What’s the best springer Jim?
Comment from : មាសហេង

The way the media prevented you from becoming UK prime minister in 2019 was a disgrace I'm glad to see you've reinvented yourself Convincing accent by the way 😉
Comment from : Phillip Weaver

Uhhh ehhh errrrr derrrrr
Comment from : Skank Hunt

Wats your big bore preference
Comment from : Steve Burlingame

S ok gun is very good How much buying rate? &Target range?
Comment from : Bhavani Shankar

I've no preference,I really enjoy all of the caliber's, they all have a time and place I will take any size, as long as I get to shoot
Comment from : AAA+Mindset

Sorry Charley it’s 177 or nothing
Comment from : Bud Scott

Thanks , great Information Video !
Comment from : Andre Meinert

Man, you dump a lot of knowledge in a short span Sub
Comment from : Bruce Leroy

35" barreled 32, a ball weighs 53gr which throttled back with a 800 psi regulator still yields over 100 ftlbs and you can sling 250gr+ bullets with 4500 psi for over 544 ft/lbs (it's a timed valve) lolbrbrSecond would be a 30" (22 barrels over 30" get surprisingly expensive lol) 22 barrel on the same gun, which with a 17gr ball and 800psi yields 38 ft/lbs, or you can sling 55gr with 4500 psi for 200 ftlbs brbrOtherwise, a 177 Crossman "Airmaster 77", which I've used since I was 7 to take up to Groundhog with 105gr dome pellets (it's my go-to for up near the house, since it's not as likely to go through a bunch of stuff) Pellets for calibers over 177 get expensive quick, and I don't see the point For pigeons and rabbits, I use 85 gr balls I cast myself I think it's like 14 and 11 ft/lbsbrbrI might make a new air gun with a shorter valve time in 22, and retire my Crossman from hunting duty around the house (223 balls are easier to deal with than 180)brbrAir guns are not toys, don't do things with them you wouldn't do with a firearm of similar power
Comment from : wildrangeringreen

give me one of your guns🙏🏻🙏🏻
Comment from : dingpuia kh

What happens when you stay in a country where only 177 is permitted what pellets would you use ?
Comment from : Glenn Lewis

Thanks so much for your sage wisdom I've been focussed on 25 cal with my FX Crown over the last few years and find it's met my needs However, more recently I've purchased a FX Impact in 25 cal, but after your video I've invested a 30 cal change kit for it I'm hoping for similar results across pellets and slugs with 30 as the 25, especially with the Impact's larger plenum, high flow transfer ports, slug pin probes and heavier hammers that are now available Anyway, thanks for the inspiration Jim Best regards, Chris
Comment from : Chris Bourke

Have both 22 + 25 use the 22 more in the back yard
Comment from : James OMalley

I found very helpful I’m just exploring the air gun universe since childhood and I don’t want to spend $200 or more several times before resting on a caliber and platform that with some homework, I can make a reasonable choice for my needs This info was worthwhile Thanks
Comment from : Bayou Flats