Best 22 Cal Ammo for Air Rifles in 2026

When selecting .22 caliber airgun pellets, matching the pellet type to your gun and intended use—target practice, small game, or field sessions—matters. This guide highlights top 22 cal ammo options, balancing penetration, accuracy, and shape. Each option is linked to an Amazon listing for quick reference, with product highlights drawn from the listed features to help you compare performance at a glance.

Summary of chosen products:

  • Gamo Red Fire .22 Cal, 15.59 Grains, Polymer Tip — 125 count
  • HARPEX Aquiles .22 Cal Airgun Pellets — 20.1 Grain, Pointed Arrow Head — 200 count
  • Gamo Combo Pack Assorted .22 Cal Pellets — 4 types in one pack
  • Crosman P022 .22-Caliber Pointed Pellets — 175-count
  • Crosman Red Flight LF22167 Lead-Free .22-Caliber Ultra Heavy Pointed Pellets — 100-count

Gamo Red Fire .22 Cal Pellets

Gamo Red Fire .22 Cal Pellets

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Gamo Red Fire .22 Cal pellets weigh 15.59 grains and feature a polymer tip. The design is intended to enhance accuracy and expansion on impact, which can improve consistency in field or range shooting. The 125-count package provides a versatile option for regular practice sessions and varied targets. This pellet balances penetration with controlled expansion to deliver reliable results for many .22 air rifles.

HARPEX Aquiles 20.1 Grain Pellets

HARPEX Aquiles .22 Cal Pellets

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HARPEX Aquiles pellets at 20.1 grains are designed with an arrow-head, pointed shape to optimize penetration and stability. The 200-count option makes it suitable for extended practice and precision shooting. Caliber is .22 cal (5.5mm) with a weight profile aimed at stable flight characteristics, which can contribute to tighter groupings at typical airgun ranges.

Gamo Combo Pack Assorted Pellets

Gamo Combo Pack .22 Cal Pellets

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This Gamo combo pack includes four pellet types for .22 caliber air rifles, providing a range of performance options in a single purchase. The assortment typically includes 22-grain Long Distance, 15-43 grain Hunter, and other variants, allowing shooters to tailor their choice to distance, target type, and rifle compatibility. A versatile choice for testing which pellet works best in your setup.

Crosman P022 .22-Caliber Pointed Pellets

Crosman P022 .22 Cal Pellets

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Crosman P022 pellets are .22 caliber with a pointed head and a heavy 14.3-grain weight, designed to improve penetration for recreational use. The pointed head helps with consistent impact characteristics, making them a dependable choice for target practice and casual shooting sessions with air rifles that benefit from stable, heavier pellets.

Crosman Red Flight LF22167 Lead-Free Pellets

Crosman Red Flight Lead-Free Pellets

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Crosman Red Flight LF22167 pellets are lead-free and weigh 16.7 grains, with a pointed head and belted body designed to retain shape and offer consistent penetration. The lead-free construction aligns with preferences for reduced environmental impact and regulatory compliance, while the heavier weight can enhance knock-down power on targets within practical airgun ranges.

RWS Superdome Field Line Pellets

RWS Superdome Air Gun Ammo

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RWS Superdome field line pellets deliver balanced performance for both hunting and target shooting with field-ready knockdown power. The English Bulldog design with a round head and rifled skirt supports stable flight and reliable accuracy, making this a strong option for shooters seeking dependable field performance with .22 caliber air rifles.

Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For 22 Cal Ammo

Choosing the right .22 cal pellets involves assessing several factors beyond just weight and head shape. Consider the following perspectives to select pellets that best fit your air rifle, shooting goals, and local guidelines:

  • Pellet weight and energy: Lighter pellets generally offer higher velocity but may have less penetration stability, while heavier pellets deliver more knock-down power at the expense of speed. Match weight to your rifle’s power level and intended range.
  • Head design: Pointed, hollow point, and domed designs affect penetration, expansion, and accuracy. For field use, pointed or heavy-pointed shapes often provide better penetration, while domed profiles may improve precision on targets at distance.
  • Material and lead content: Lead-based pellets tend to be affordable and effective for many setups, but lead-free options are preferred for environmental considerations and certain ranges. Lead-free variants can differ in performance slightly due to material properties.
  • Consistency and fit: Pellets should fit your rifle snugly. Poor fit can cause inaccuracy, barrel leading, or inconsistent grouping. If your rifle has a known preferred brand or weight, prioritize those.
  • Use-case alignment: Target practice often benefits from accurate, consistent pellets with stable flight. Hunting or small-game shooting may prioritize deeper penetration and knock-down power. Always follow local regulations.
  • Quantity and packaging: Larger counts reduce per-shot cost and reloading frequency for extended sessions. Consider combo packs if you want to test multiple pellet types without buying separate packs.
  • Environmental and regulatory considerations: Some ranges require lead-free pellets. Check local rules before sourcing ammunition for public ranges or clubs.

Performance notes from the featured options suggest a balance between penetration, accuracy, and pellet stability. Depending on your air rifle’s power and your shooting goals, you may prefer either a heavier pointed pellet for field use or a lighter option for precision target practice. Testing a few types from the list can help identify the best match for your setup.

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