5 Best Air Rifle Pellets for Pest Control

JSB Predator (Polymag) .177 pellets are designed for air rifle users who prioritize accuracy, aerodynamic performance, and effective impact. Featuring an innovative head design that combines a sharp polymer tip with a hollow head, these pellets are intended for hunting applications where consistent flight and reliable impact performance matter. Their 8.0-grain weight and streamlined shape make them an option worth considering for compatible .177-caliber air rifles.

Key Features 

Innovative Polymer-Tipped Hollow-Point Design

The JSB Predator Polymag features a distinctive head that combines a sharp polymer tip with a hollow-point structure. This design is intended to promote penetration and impact performance. The polymer tip gives the pellet a different profile from conventional lead domed pellets, making it a specialized option for airgun hunting applications.

Lightweight 8.0-Grain Construction

With a weight of 8.0 grains, these pellets offer a lightweight option for .177-caliber air rifles. Their performance depends on the rifle’s power, barrel characteristics, and the pellet’s fit. Checking the manufacturer’s recommended specifications and testing accuracy at an appropriate range can help determine whether this weight suits your air rifle.

Aerodynamic Shape for Consistent Flight

The streamlined design is intended to provide excellent flight characteristics. A pellet’s aerodynamic profile influences how it travels through the air, although actual accuracy and stability vary between air rifles. Shooters should evaluate grouping consistency rather than assume that a specialized pellet will outperform standard domed pellets in every barrel.

High Ballistic Coefficient

The manufacturer describes the pellet as having a high ballistic coefficient, which helps it retain velocity and maintain a flatter trajectory compared with less aerodynamic alternatives under comparable conditions. Actual retained velocity and trajectory depend on muzzle velocity, atmospheric conditions, and shooting distance.

Designed for Hunting Applications

The Predator Polymag is marketed as a premium hunting pellet. Its polymer-tipped hollow-point construction is designed to combine penetration with impact effects. However, penetration, expansion, and terminal performance are influenced by impact velocity and the material struck, so results can vary considerably.

200-Pellet Pack

Each tin contains 200 pellets, providing a convenient quantity for evaluating performance and maintaining a consistent supply. Before purchasing, check that the packaging specifies the correct caliber and weight for your air rifle.

Specifications 

• Brand: JSB

• Model: Predator Polymag

• Caliber: .177

• Pellet weight: 8.0 grains

• Nose design: Polymer-tipped hollow point

• Quantity: 200 pellets

• Pellet type: Hunting pellet

• Design characteristics: Aerodynamic profile and high ballistic coefficient, as described by the manufacturer

• Intended application: Airgun hunting where lawful

Pros

• Innovative polymer-tipped hollow-point design.

• Lightweight 8.0-grain construction.

• Aerodynamic profile designed for consistent flight.

• Intended to retain velocity effectively for its design.

• Specialized construction for hunting applications.

• Convenient 200-pellet packaging.

• Offers an alternative to conventional domed pellets.

Cons 

• May cost more than conventional air rifle pellets.

• Accuracy can vary depending on the rifle and barrel.

RWS Superdome .22 caliber pellets are designed for air rifle users who value accuracy, consistent performance, and versatility. Featuring a distinctive roundheaded design, these pellets are suitable for target practice and general shooting applications. With a weight of 14.5 grains and a generous 500-pellet count, they offer a practical option for shooters looking for dependable ammunition for compatible .22-caliber air rifles. Their traditional domed shape makes them worth considering for users who prioritize predictable flight and consistent shooting performance.

Key Features 

Roundheaded Domed Design

The RWS Superdome features a distinctive roundheaded, or domed, pellet design. This traditional shape is commonly used in air rifle pellets because it can provide stable flight and consistent accuracy when matched with a suitable barrel. The rounded head also makes these pellets versatile for different shooting applications, including target practice and general field use.

14.5-Grain Pellet Weight

Each pellet weighs 14.5 grains, offering a medium-weight option for many .22-caliber air rifles. The suitability of this weight depends on the rifle’s power, barrel characteristics, and intended application. Choosing an appropriate pellet weight can help maintain consistent performance, so testing different pellet options at a safe range is useful for determining which works best in your air rifle.

High-Quality Construction

RWS Superdome pellets are known for their established manufacturing quality. Consistent dimensions and shape are important considerations when selecting air rifle ammunition because variations can affect loading, accuracy, and shot-to-shot consistency. As with other pellets, actual results depend on the individual rifle and the condition of its barrel.

Suitable for Target Practice

These pellets are designed for target practice as well as general shooting. Their domed shape makes them a useful option for shooters who want to practice grouping and evaluate their air rifle’s accuracy. Consistent practice using the same pellet type can also help identify the most reliable setup for a particular rifle.

Versatile General-Purpose Performance

The RWS Superdome is intended for general use rather than a single specialized shooting application. This versatility can make it convenient for air rifle owners who prefer one pellet type for routine practice and other lawful shooting activities. For pest control, suitability depends on the target, rifle power, accuracy, and the need for a humane and effective outcome.

Convenient 500-Pellet Quantity

Each package contains 500 pellets, providing a substantial supply for regular shooting sessions. The larger quantity can reduce the frequency of repurchasing and makes the product practical for users who practice often. Properly storing pellets in a dry place helps protect them from contamination and damage.

Specifications 

• Brand: RWS

• Product name: Superdome

• Caliber: .22 (5.5 mm)

• Pellet weight: 14.5 grains

• Pellet design: Domed / roundheaded

• Quantity: 500 pellets

• Pellet type: Lead air rifle pellets

• Intended applications: Target practice and general shooting

• Compatibility: .22-caliber air rifles that support the specified pellet weight

Pros 

• Traditional domed design suited to general-purpose shooting.

• 14.5-grain weight offers a practical option for compatible .22 air rifles.

• Manufactured by an established airgun ammunition brand.

• Suitable for target practice and accuracy testing.

• Versatile design for different lawful shooting applications.

• Large 500-pellet package offers good convenience for regular users.

• Can provide consistent accuracy when matched with a compatible air rifle.

Cons 

• Accuracy may vary depending on the rifle and barrel.

• The 14.5-grain weight may not suit every air rifle’s power level.

JSB Hades .30 Cal Airgun Pellets are designed for airgun users seeking a hollow-point pellet for hunting applications where local regulations permit. Each pellet weighs 44.75 grains and features a deep hollow nose intended to promote expansion on impact. Designed primarily for compatible mid- and high-power .30-caliber pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles, these pellets combine specialized head geometry with JSB’s established manufacturing process. Their intended performance makes them an option worth considering for lawful pest control, particularly at shorter distances where the rifle can deliver consistent accuracy and sufficient impact velocity.

Key Features 

Deep Hollow-Point Design

The JSB Hades features a deep hollow nose that distinguishes it from conventional domed airgun pellets. This design is intended to promote expansion upon impact, with the degree of expansion depending on the pellet’s velocity at the target and the material struck. This makes it a specialized hunting pellet rather than an all-purpose choice for every air rifle.

44.75-Grain Pellet Weight

Each pellet weighs 44.75 grains, equivalent to approximately 2.900 grams. This is the same weight as the JSB Exact .30 domed pellet, allowing shooters to compare two different head designs at the same nominal weight. However, the hollow-point design can produce different impact behavior and flight characteristics, so accuracy and performance should be evaluated in the individual rifle.

Designed for .30-Caliber PCP Air Rifles

These pellets are intended for .30-caliber (7.62 mm) pre-charged pneumatic air rifles. Mid- and high-power PCP platforms are generally better suited to this design because expansion depends on sufficient impact velocity. They are not intended for typical spring-piston or CO2 air rifles. Always verify your rifle manufacturer’s compatibility recommendations before use.

Hunting-Oriented Performance

JSB Hades pellets are designed for hunting where permitted by local regulations. Their hollow-point construction is intended to provide expansion rather than the shape retention associated with a traditional domed pellet. Actual terminal performance varies with impact velocity, target material, and other conditions, so the design alone cannot guarantee a particular result.

Best Suited to Shorter-Range Applications

The supplied product information positions the 44.75-grain Hades .30 for hunting inside approximately 60 yards when used in a suitable rifle. Wind, retained velocity, and the rifle’s individual accuracy can affect performance at longer distances. The manufacturer’s stated guidance should be treated as a general application range, not a guarantee of accuracy or effectiveness at every distance.

Ballistic Coefficient and Flight Characteristics

JSB publishes a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.031 for the Hades .30. This figure provides a reference for understanding aerodynamic performance, although real-world trajectory depends on muzzle velocity, atmospheric conditions, and the rifle’s setup. For longer-distance shooting or windy conditions, the 50.15-grain JSB Exact .30 domed pellet may retain its trajectory better, depending on the setup.

Czech Manufacturing and Quality Control

JSB introduced the Hades pellet line in 2019. The supplied product information describes production at the company’s factory in Bohumín, Czech Republic, using swaged lead pellets formed on specialized machinery. The lead is specified as 99.97% pure, with a trace of antimony, and production runs are test-fired before approval. These manufacturing practices are intended to support consistent quality.

150-Pellet Tin

Each tin contains 150 pellets with a 7.62 mm head size. This quantity is convenient for testing the pellet’s grouping and compatibility before committing to a larger purchase. Since individual barrels can respond differently to pellet designs, testing groups on paper is an important step before any lawful field use.

Specifications

• Brand: JSB

• Product name: Hades .30 Cal Airgun Pellets

• Caliber: .30

• Metric caliber: 7.62 mm

• Pellet weight: 44.75 grains

• Weight in grams: 2.900 g

• Pellet design: Hollow-point diabolo

• Quantity: 150 pellets per tin

• Ballistic coefficient: G1 0.031, as published by JSB

• Intended platform: Compatible mid- and high-power .30-caliber PCP air rifles

• Intended application: Hunting where local regulations permit

• Country of manufacture: Czech Republic, according to the supplied product information

• Material: Lead alloy with a trace of antimony, according to the supplied product information

Pros 

• Deep hollow-point design intended to promote expansion on impact.

• 44.75-grain weight provides a direct comparison with the JSB Exact .30 dome of the same weight.

• Designed specifically for compatible .30-caliber PCP air rifles.

• Specialized construction for lawful hunting applications.

• Published G1 ballistic coefficient provides a reference for evaluating aerodynamic performance.

• Established manufacturer with a stated production quality-control process.

• Convenient 150-pellet tin for evaluating compatibility and accuracy.

• 7.62 mm head specification clearly identifies the intended caliber.

Cons 

• Not intended for typical spring-piston or CO2 air rifles.

• Expansion depends on impact velocity and target material.

Crosman Premier LHP77 .177-caliber hollow-point pellets are designed for airgun users seeking a combination of precision, consistent flight, and impact performance. Featuring a hollow-point head, these pellets are intended to expand on impact and are marketed for hunting and pest-control applications where permitted. Their design aims to balance penetration with energy transfer, making them an option for users of compatible .177-caliber air rifles and air pistols. With Crosman’s established presence in the airgun market, the LHP77 is worth considering for shooters who want a specialized alternative to traditional domed pellets.

Key Features 

Hollow-Point Design

The Crosman Premier LHP77 features a hollow-point head designed to promote expansion on impact. The cavity in the pellet’s tip is intended to support mushrooming under suitable impact conditions, potentially creating a wider wound channel. Actual expansion and penetration depend on the air rifle’s power, impact velocity, and the material struck.

Designed for Hunting and Pest Control

These pellets are marketed for hunting and pest-control applications where local regulations allow. Their hollow-point construction is intended to support impact performance rather than simply provide a conventional target-shooting profile. For responsible pest management, the pellet must be compatible with the rifle and suitable for the intended lawful use.

Precision and Stable Flight Characteristics

The LHP77 is designed to provide stable flight and consistent shot-to-shot performance. Consistency is important when evaluating air rifle ammunition because pellet dimensions, barrel compatibility, and rifle power can influence grouping. Testing the pellets at a safe range helps determine whether they perform accurately in a particular air rifle.

Energy Transfer and Penetration

The hollow tip is intended to promote energy transfer and expansion on impact. The balance between penetration and expansion varies according to impact velocity and the target material, so the design does not guarantee identical results in every situation. Shooters should assess performance responsibly rather than assume that all hollow-point pellets will behave the same way.

Compatibility with .177-Caliber Air Rifles and Pistols

These pellets are intended for compatible .177-caliber air rifles and air pistols. However, not every airgun performs equally well with every pellet design. Checking the manufacturer’s recommendations and testing accuracy can help establish whether the LHP77 is a suitable match for a particular barrel and power level.

Resealable Tin for Storage and Transport

The pellets are described as being packaged in a durable, resealable tin. This packaging helps keep pellets together during storage and transport and makes it convenient to access them during shooting sessions. Keeping the tin closed and storing pellets in a dry, secure location can help prevent contamination and loss.

Crosman’s Established Airgun Background

Crosman has a long history in the airgun industry, with products covering recreational shooting, competitive target shooting, hunting, and accessories. The Premier LHP77 benefits from being part of a recognized airgun product range, although its actual accuracy and performance still depend on the individual rifle and shooting conditions.

Specifications 

• Brand: Crosman

• Product name: Premier LHP77

• Caliber: .177

• Pellet type: Hollow-point airgun pellet

• Head design: Hollow cavity intended to promote expansion

• Intended applications: Hunting and pest control where lawful

• Compatibility: Compatible .177-caliber air rifles and air pistols

• Packaging: Durable, resealable tin, according to the supplied product information

• Pellet weight: Not specified in the supplied information

• Pellet count: Not specified in the supplied information

• Material: Not specified in the supplied information

Pros 

• Hollow-point design intended to promote expansion on impact.

• Designed for hunting and lawful pest-control applications.

• Intended to balance penetration and energy transfer.

• Stable flight characteristics are a stated design objective.

• Suitable for compatible .177-caliber air rifles and air pistols.

• Resealable tin helps with storage and transport.

• Manufactured under an established airgun brand.

Cons 

• Actual expansion depends on impact velocity and target material.

• Accuracy may vary between air rifles and barrels.