Which lead to choose for your air rifle? This is an interesting question. There are many models available on the market. Therefore, choosing a projectile suitable for your needs can seem complicated. No worries, at Soft air gun we are here to make this mission easier for you. Through this article, find our advice and tips for selecting the ideal 4.5 mm lead or 5.5 mm lead.
In the world of recreational shooting, we can distinguish three main practices:
Target shooting (precision shooting)
Recreational shooting (plinking)
Hunting pests
Depending on your practice, find a category of lead perfectly suited to your needs. Most airgun manufacturers offer pellets suitable for these three practices. Gamo, Stoeger, Crosman, for example, have developed their range of lead. With such an offer, be sure to find a projectile capable of meeting your expectations.
FLAT HEAD LEAD: GUARANTEED SHOOTING PRECISION WITH EVERY SHOT
The flat head lead represents an essential projectile for shooting. It is used both for recreational shooting and for competitions at the international level. From a ballistic point of view, the profile of this type of ammunition offers excellent shooting precision. We recommend the flat lead for your short and medium distance shooting sessions. From experience, the optimal shooting distance is between 10 and 20 meters maximum.
For shooting at cardboard targets, the shape of a flat head pellet is perfect. At the moment of impact, the latter perforates the target with a very clean round. With such projectiles, scoring points is made easier.
For competitive shooting, brands like JSB or H&N have developed precision pellets calibrated to hundredths of a millimeter. Thus we can find from these manufacturers a projectile in caliber 4.48 mm, 4.49 mm, 4.5 mm and 4.51 mm.
POINTED HEAD LEAD: YOUR ALLY FOR RECREATIONAL SHOOTING
The pointed lead is intended more for recreational shooting. The ballistic shape of this projectile offers a high penetration coefficient. This is why it is used in the practice of plinking. This discipline refers to shooting at non-standard targets. Thus, we find targets such as cans or bottles. For shooting between 20 and 35 meters with a 20 joule rifle, the precision of this pellet is interesting.
The good penetration capacity of this lead allows the hunting of pests. Be careful to respect the legislation in force in your country. This practice is not authorized everywhere. For example, in France hunting pests with a pellet gun remains strictly prohibited.
ROUND HEAD PELLET: AN AMMUNITION DESIGNED FOR LONG DISTANCE SHOOTING
The round-head lead has the most aerodynamic shape of any lead projectile. At equivalent propulsion power, this ammunition will have a greater ballistic trajectory. Prefer this type of ammunition for long-distance precision shooting. From experience, we will favor pellets with a round head for high-power or PCP rifles.
HOLLOW-HEAD LEAD: A PROJECTILE SUITABLE FOR HUNTING
The hollow head shot enjoys great popularity among hunters. This projectile benefits from a design specially designed for the destruction of pests. On impact, the hollow head lead has the effect of expanding. Compared to a conventional pellet, the lethal effect is increased. For such practice, choose powerful pellet rifles of the type 20 joules or more. A high propulsion speed promotes hollow point expansion.
LEAD WEIGHT: AN IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTIC TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
In the question of which lead to choose, the weight of a 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm caliber projectile represents an important characteristic to take into account. This data impacts the trajectory, impact power and aerodynamic stability of the lead.
A lighter pellet offers higher muzzle exit velocity. The trajectory of the projectile is more tense and consequently travels a greater distance. Ammunition with a low weight requires less correction for shooting over a long distance. Favor a light pellet with a low-power airgun.
In windy weather conditions, a heavy sinker tends to be more stable. This category of projectile has the other advantage of restoring greater kinetic energy on impact, which gives greater expansion and penetration into the target. To shoot with a PCP rifle or more than 20 joules, we will primarily turn to heavy pellets.
Now that you know which pellet to choose, consider visiting our pellet rifle category for your future purchase. To shoot pellets, it will be easier.