7 Best 177 Pellets for Squirrels

How to Test Pellet Accuracy in Your Air Rifle

Testing pellet accuracy helps you identify which ammunition performs most consistently in your .177 air rifle. Pellets with the same caliber can produce different group sizes depending on their weight, shape, manufacturing consistency, and compatibility with the rifle’s barrel.

Set Up a Consistent Shooting Position

Use a stable bench or shooting rest, a suitable paper target, and a safe range with a reliable backstop. Keep the rifle, sights, and shooting position consistent throughout the test so that differences in results are more likely to reflect pellet performance.

Test One Pellet Type at a Time

Start with one pellet type and shoot a group of five to ten shots at a fixed distance. Repeat the process with other pellet types of the same caliber, keeping the conditions as similar as possible. Follow your air rifle manufacturer’s instructions and use only pellets compatible with its loading system.

Compare Group Sizes

Measure the distance between the two most widely separated impact points in each group. Smaller groups generally indicate better consistency. Compare several groups rather than relying on one unusually good result, and distinguish group size from point of impact, which describes where the group lands relative to the target’s center.

Check Pellet Fit and Loading

Inspect pellets for visible damage or deformation and check that they load smoothly. Pellets that fit poorly or feed inconsistently through a magazine may affect reliability. Never force a pellet into the barrel or loading mechanism.

Repeat at Your Intended Shooting Distance

A pellet that performs well at a short distance may not maintain the same accuracy farther away. Once you identify promising options, repeat the test at distances you can safely and legally use. Wind, trajectory, and retained energy can all affect results as distance increases.

Keep a Simple Record

Record the pellet type, weight, distance, group size, weather conditions, and any loading issues. This makes it easier to compare results objectively and identify the pellet that performs most consistently in your rifle.

Final tip: The most suitable .177 pellet for squirrel hunting is not necessarily the heaviest, fastest, or most expensive. Prioritize repeatable accuracy, reliable feeding, and sufficient energy for a humane outcome at the intended distance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best 177 Pellets for Squirrels

Pellet Weight

Pellet weight affects velocity, trajectory, and retained energy. Many .177 hunting pellets weigh between approximately 7 and 10.5 grains, with lighter options often achieving higher velocities and heavier options potentially retaining energy better, depending on the rifle. Choose a weight that performs consistently in your air rifle rather than assuming one weight is best for every hunting situation.

Pellet Shape and Design

Common .177 pellet designs include domed, hollowpoint, pointed, and polymer tipped options. Domed pellets are often valued for their aerodynamic performance, while hollowpoint and polymer tipped designs are intended to promote deformation on impact. The best design depends on your rifle’s accuracy and the performance you can verify through testing.

Accuracy and Grouping

Accuracy is essential for responsible squirrel hunting because precise shot placement helps minimize suffering. Test several pellet types at the distances you expect to shoot and compare their group sizes using a stable shooting position. Choose the pellet that consistently groups well in your rifle instead of relying solely on brand reputation or claims made by other shooters.

Rifle Compatibility

Not every pellet performs equally well in every .177 air rifle. Differences in barrel dimensions, powerplant design, and magazine mechanisms can affect fit, feeding, and accuracy. Check that pellets load smoothly and function reliably in your rifle, especially if you use a break barrel, pre charged pneumatic (PCP), or magazine fed model. Avoid forcing pellets that do not fit properly.

Impact Performance and Hunting Suitability

For squirrel hunting, consider whether the pellet and rifle combination can deliver adequate energy and reliable performance at your intended distance. Hollowpoint and polymer tipped designs may deform on impact under suitable conditions, but expansion is not guaranteed. Prioritize verified accuracy, sufficient impact energy, and humane shot placement rather than assuming a particular pellet design guarantees an effective result.

Price and Quantity

Pellets are commonly sold in tins ranging from small quantities to several hundred per container. Larger tins can reduce the cost per pellet and provide more ammunition for practice, sighting in, and checking consistency. However, buying in bulk is worthwhile only after confirming that the pellets fit and group well in your rifle. A low price offers little value if many pellets cannot be used reliably.

Pellet Quality and Consistency

Consistent pellet dimensions and weight can contribute to dependable loading and repeatable accuracy. Misshapen pellets or variations in sizing may affect grouping and cause problems with some magazines. Inspect pellets for visible defects and test a sample from each new tin before hunting. Proper handling and responsible collection of spent lead pellets are also important when shooting outdoors.