The UK market offers a wide range of .22 (5.5 mm) airgun pellets designed for hunting, pest control, and target shooting. This guide highlights five well-regarded options, balancing weight, aerodynamics, and practicality for diverse hunting scenarios. Each product below includes a direct link to the retailer, a brief overview of key features, and how it might fit different air rifles and ranges. Use this overview to narrow your choice based on pellet type, consistency, and intended quarry.
Summary of selected products
| Product | Brand | Type / Use |
|---|---|---|
| H&N Premium .22 Pellet Sampler Pack | H&N Sport | Sampler pack for testing multiple pellets |
| BSA Storm .22 Pellets | BSA Guns | All-round hunting and pest control |
| H&N Excite Spike .22 Pellets | H&N Sport | General purpose hunting / plinking |
| BSA Fury .22 Pellets | Generic | Heavy dome for longer range pests |
| Victory Domed / Victory Pointed Pellets | MR SERVICES HAZLEMERE LTD | Domed and pointed variants for hunting and targets |
| H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme | H&N Sport | High-performance option for hunting |
H&N Sampler Pack For Testing
The H&N Hunting Pellet Sample Pack is designed for testing which pellet performs best in your air rifle and at what range. It provides a variety of H&N pellets in convenient tubes with stoppers and is specified for .22 / 5.5 mm with a total of approximately 155 pellets. This sampler encourages practical comparisons across weight and shape, which can influence accuracy and velocity consistency in field conditions.
BSA Storm: All-Round Hunting Pellets
The BSA Storm pellet is a time-tested choice for all-round use, suitable for spring-piston and precharged pneumatic airguns. It balances reliability with broad hunting capability, making it a versatile option for informal plinking as well as more demanding pest control tasks. The aerodynamic profile supports stable flight over moderate ranges, helping to maintain a consistent trajectory in varied environments.
Excite Spike .22 Pellets
Excite Spike .22 pellets by H&N Sport are positioned as a practical option for general hunting and plinking. While the product listing emphasizes the brand and type rather than technical specs, these pellets are commonly selected for balanced performance in many mid-range air rifles. They provide predictable flight characteristics for routine pest-control scenarios and leisure target practice.
BSA Fury 1.2g Heavy Pellets
The 1.2 g (18.5 grains) Fury pellet by BSA is designed for extreme-range performance. The dome-head design and lightweight-to-heavy balance aim to maximise stability and reduce drag, potentially yielding flatter trajectories for longer-distance shots. This pellet is positioned for challenging targets at extended ranges or when hunting rodents and pests at greater distances.
Victory Domed Pellets by MR Services
Survival tins of approximately 250 Victory lead pellets in a domed profile are marketed as ideal for hunters, target, and club shooters. Domed pellets typically aim to deliver consistent, accurate trajectories at modest ranges, making them a reliable choice for varmint control and routine field engagements. The packaging suggests ready-to-use efficiency for field deployments.
H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme
Baracuda Hunter Extreme is a high-performance pickup from H&N Sport, designed for serious hunting. The 200-count pack (L212) is positioned for users who want a consistent, precise option with a focus on expansion and energy-on-target. This pellet line is often chosen for its predictable behaviour in a variety of air rifles, especially at medium to longer ranges.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for .22 Pellets
- Caliber and weight: Ensure the pellet weight matches your rifle’s recommended range. Lighter pellets travel faster but may offer less momentum at longer distances; heavier domed or pointed pellets can improve penetration and stability for small- to mid-sized pests.
- Head shape: Domed pellets generally provide flat trajectories and good accuracy at distance; pointed or JHP variants offer increased penetration for certain targets but may behave differently in field conditions.
- Consistency: Look for uniform sizing and smooth coatings to reduce barrel friction and improve shot-to-shot consistency, especially when hunting in challenging light or wind.
- Bleed-through and pest suitability: For pest control, select pellets designed for clean kills and minimal ricochet. Consider energy delivery at the expected range and quarry type.
- Rifle compatibility: Check your air rifle’s muzzle energy, rifling, and recommended pellet weight. Some rifles respond best to specific brands or shapes.
- Cost-per-use and storage: Bulk tins save money and reduce frequent reordering. Store pellets in a cool, dry place to maintain performance.
- Availability and sourcing: Choose pellets from reputable brands with consistent production. Sampling packs are useful for testing rifle- pellet compatibility before committing to a single line.