Why .22 caliber interest is on the rise

by Harley Ayre

Twenty-two was the airgun caliber of choice in America until the 1970s, when the rise of the Beeman company changed American airgunner's tastes. It was good for Americans to experience .177, as well, because it has some benefits. Low cost is one of them, and the accuracy of .177 is undisputed - being fully the equal on .22 and the other calibers. But for hunting and long-range shooting, .177 is in last place.

For hunting, you want .22!
The .22 pellet has so many advantages when it comes to hunting. First, it is almost twice the weight of .177 - and sometimes well above that. Weight is important for hunters because it retains the energy imparted by the air rifle. It also helps buck stray wind currents, though all diabolo pellets have a problem with wind. The second big advantage of .22 is its size. It punches a much larger hole in game, and that is desirable because of the shock it transmits to the animal. The .177 has often been criticized for shooting clear through a game animal without causing enough immediate damage. The animal can then escape - something no responsible hunter wants. But, .22 reaches out and smacks the target with a resounding thump!

For long-range shooting, it's .22!
Though .22 moves slower than .177 in most spring airguns, in powerful PCPs the velocity advantage is nonexistent. Both calibers are up against the supersonic barrier. So, .22 carries its velocity further downrange with the added weight of the pellet; with the increased wind resistance, it is the long-range rifleman's caliber of choice.

What pellet?
On the subject of pellets, which one is good for hunting and long range? There are three winners right here at Airhog. The Beeman Kodiak is a long-time favorite. Its extra weight is perfect for more powerful PCPs, such as the FN19-SB with its 19" barrel, the Prairie Falcon 25 with its 21" barrel and the AirForce Condor with its 24" barrel. As you know, barrel length is one way to get power in a PCP rifle, and these three have what it takes to launch the 21-grain Kodiak far downrange.

The other two pellets that are good in most air rifles and in all PCPs are Crosman Premiers and JSBs. Premiers and JSBs vie for most accurate pellet in most rifles, with JSB taking the honor about 75 percent of the time. These are the pellets that will shoot the half-inch groups at 50 yards in .22 and also in .177, if the day is very calm.

What about .25 caliber?
Twenty-five caliber holds a mystique for American airgunners because it seems so rare and exotic. Only a few American airguns have ever been made in this caliber. About 10 years ago, .25 caliber was a good choice for a PCP rifle because heavy .22 pellets weren't available. But that has changed, and 28-grain diabolo pellets are now common. Solids up to 37 grains are also available for the few rifles that can stabilize them, such as the Condor. You don't need to go to the more expensive .25 caliber pellets to get the weight you need for serious hunting. I'd say that .25 caliber has lost some of its luster, though the caliber will probably remain simply for the novelty.

All things considered, a shooter with a .22 PCP has the right equipment for long-accurate shooting.