It’s the age-old question. Which airgun calibre is best, .22 or .177? South-west of England Field Target Association champion James Head, of Crackshot UK, says it’s largely a matter of personal preference.
“The two calibres are equally accurate. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be,” he explains. “The difference is that the .177 flies flatter at longer ranges, because it’s that bit faster. The .22 is a lot slower so it will more ‘loopy’ at longer ranges.”
That’s another way of saying that a .22 pellet drops more than a .177 at any given range. Estimating range and holdover becomes more important when you’re shooting a .22. Click here to watch our video on the difference in trajectory between .177 and .22.
That needn’t be a problem, even for hunting, James says. “When you’re hunting with an airgun you’re not looking to take stuff at stupid long ranges. You’re shooting at closer ranges.”
He continues “The .22 definitely has its place, especially for a shooter who has learned the trajectory of that particular gun. If you’re shooting close range rats and the like then the .22 will make that job a little bit easier.”
James finds that people tend to stick with the calibre they had when they first started shooting – and nothing wrong with that he says.
“It’s just what you personally prefer. Each calibre has its good points, so pick what works for you. If you’ve got the facilities you can try out both and see which you prefer.”
And which calibre does he shoot? “I use .177, mostly because I shoot a lot of targets. I have shot different calibres, but I’m used to the .177.”
To find out more about Crackshot UK, its range of airguns and the ranges where you can try them out, visit Crackshot.uk
More on airguns from Fieldsports Channel and Fieldtester

How to find the best pellet for your air rifle
youtu.be/bfEA-6_QZGU To get the best out of your air rifle, you need to find the pellet that works best in your gun. Some air rifles

Best scope for airgun hunting 2023
What’s the best scope to put on your airgun for hunting, and maybe a bit of HFT competition? James Head, from Newton Abbot, Devon, and

Which airgun calibre? .22 or .177?
youtu.be/QUxYU5bz4AE It’s the age-old question. Which airgun calibre is best, .22 or .177? South-west of England Field Target Association champion James Head, of Crackshot UK,

Best spring air rifle: Air Arms TX200 vs Weihrauch HW97
They’re two of the finest spring-powered air rifles ever made – but which is the best, the Air Arms TX200 or the Weihrauch HW97? James

PCP airgun outfit for under £500 – is it any good?
Thinking of upgrading to a pre-charged pneumatic airgun? Good choice – but won’t that cost you something north of £1,000? Not necessarily, says Matt Clay

How to build your own custom PCP airgun
You don’t have to buy a PCP airgun off the shelf. James Head of Crackshot UK explains how you can assemble your ideal gun, picking