Ever found yourself staring at a bushy-tailed bandit raiding your bird feeder, wondering what’s the best way to handle the situation? Dealing with squirrels can be a real nuisance, and when it comes to humane and effective pest control, choosing the right .177 pellets for squirrels is a big part of the puzzle. It’s not as simple as just grabbing any pellet off the shelf; the wrong choice can lead to frustration and ineffective results.
Many airgun enthusiasts face this dilemma. You want to be sure you’re using something that works well, respects the animal, and doesn’t damage your equipment. The sheer variety of .177 pellets available can be overwhelming, leaving you scratching your head about which ones are truly up to the task. But don’t worry, we’re here to cut through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a .177 pellet effective for squirrel control. We’ll dive into the key features to look for and highlight some of the top contenders. Get ready to learn how to make a smart choice that will help you manage your squirrel problem with confidence.
Our Top 5 .177 Pellets For Squirrels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 .177 Pellets For Squirrels Detailed Reviews
1. Crosman DS177 .177-Caliber Destroyer Pellets (250-Count)
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to take your shooting to the next level with the Crosman DS177 .177-Caliber Destroyer Pellets. These pellets are designed to pack a punch and deliver impressive results. They feature a unique design that blends the best parts of pointed and hollow-point pellets. This means they expand a lot when they hit their target, transferring all their energy for maximum impact. They are perfect for hunting small game and are made by Crosman, a trusted name in shooting gear. This pack gives you 250 pellets, so you have plenty for practice or hunting trips.
What We Like:
- The unique design combines pointed and hollow-point features for great expansion.
- They deliver complete expansion and energy transfer, making them effective for small game.
- The 250-count pack offers good value and plenty of ammunition for your shooting needs.
- The dished rim helps with accuracy and consistent performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are 7.4 grains, the product description also mentions 7.9 grains, which could be confusing.
- The “Destroyer” name might sound a bit aggressive for some users.
The Crosman DS177 Destroyer Pellets are a solid choice for shooters looking for effective and versatile ammunition. Their unique design ensures impressive performance on small game.
2. Crosman 7-P577 Pointed .177-Caliber Pellets
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for some fun with the Crosman 7-P577 Pointed .177-Caliber Pellets! These lead pellets are designed for your air rifle and are great for a variety of shooting activities. Whether you’re practicing your aim in the backyard or heading out for some recreational hunting of small game, these pellets deliver. Each tin comes with 500 pellets, so you’ll have plenty to keep you shooting.
What We Like:
- Excellent for backyard plinking and target practice.
- The pointed head design helps with accuracy.
- Versatile enough for small game hunting.
- A generous 500 pellets per tin offers great value.
- Crosman is a trusted name for airgun enthusiasts.
What Could Be Improved:
- These are lead pellets, so proper handling and disposal are important.
- Not suitable for all types of airguns; always check your airgun’s specifications.
The Crosman 7-P577 pellets are a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable ammunition for their .177 caliber air rifle. Start your airpower adventures with this dependable option.
3. Haendler & Natermann Hornet Pointed Airgun Pellets
Rating: 8.9/10
If you’re looking for airgun pellets that pack a punch, the Haendler & Natermann Hornet Pointed Airgun Pellets are a solid choice. These .177 caliber pellets are designed for hunters and sport shooters who need good accuracy and power. They come in a pack of 225 and have a distinctive gray color.
What We Like:
- The aerodynamic design helps these pellets fly fast and hit hard.
- The pointed metal tip helps them penetrate targets effectively.
- They are medium-weight, which makes them accurate for shooting at medium distances.
- The controlled expansion means they perform well on impact.
- The 225-count pack offers a good amount of pellets for practice and hunting.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a heavier pellet for longer-range shots.
- The pointed tip, while good for penetration, might not be ideal for all types of target practice.
For hunters and shooters seeking reliable performance, these Haendler & Natermann Hornet pellets deliver. They offer a good balance of accuracy and stopping power for their intended use.
4. Rheinisch-Westfalische 2317409 RWS Superpoint Extra Air Gun Ammo .177 Field Line
Rating: 8.5/10
Take your air gun adventures to the next level with the Rheinisch-Westfalische 2317409 RWS Superpoint Extra Air Gun Ammo. This ammo is designed for serious shooters who demand performance in both hunting and target practice. Its unique cone-shaped nose helps it pierce through targets with ease, making it a reliable choice for various shooting scenarios. Plus, it keeps your air rifle cleaner, so you spend more time shooting and less time cleaning.
What We Like:
- The cone-shaped nose gives these pellets great penetration power.
- They are excellent for both hunting small game and hitting bullseyes at the target range.
- These pellets leave very little residue in your air rifle’s barrel. This means less cleaning for you!
- You get more trigger time and less maintenance time.
- The .177 caliber pellets weigh 8.2 grains, offering a good balance of speed and power.
- The .22 caliber pellets weigh 14.5 grains, providing more impact for larger targets.
- You get a generous 300 pellets in a .177 caliber tin.
- The .22 caliber tin comes with 200 pellets, enough for many shooting sessions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for penetration, the cone shape might not be ideal for all types of target shooting where extreme accuracy at very long distances is the only goal.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, so it’s good to stock up when you find them.
For air gun enthusiasts looking for dependable and effective ammo, the RWS Superpoint Extra is a solid choice. You’ll appreciate the performance and the reduced cleaning needed to keep your rifle in top shape.
5. Crosman Premier LHP77 .177-Caliber Hollow Point Pellets
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for some airpower adventures with the Crosman Premier LHP77 .177-Caliber Hollow Point Pellets. These metallic pellets are designed for fun and serious shooting. They are a great choice for recreational shooting and can even help you with small game hunting. Each tin comes with 500 pellets, so you’ll have plenty to practice with.
What We Like:
- These are .177-caliber pellets, which is a common size.
- The hollow point design helps them expand on impact.
- They weigh 7.9 grains, making them a good balance of speed and power.
- You get 500 pellets in each tin, which is a lot of shooting fun.
- Crosman is a trusted name in airgun products.
- They are great for recreational use and small game hunting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging may vary, which could be a bit confusing for some.
- While good for small game, these might not be ideal for larger game.
Overall, the Crosman Premier LHP77 pellets offer a solid shooting experience. They are a reliable option for anyone looking to enjoy their air rifle.
Choosing the Right .177 Pellets for Squirrels
When you’re looking for .177 pellets to humanely dispatch squirrels, accuracy and power are super important. You want to make sure you hit your target cleanly and effectively. This guide will help you pick the best pellets for the job.
Key Features to Look For
- Weight: Heavier pellets generally fly straighter and hit harder. For squirrels, pellets between 10 and 14 grains are usually a good choice. They have enough weight to penetrate and stop the squirrel.
- Shape: Different pellet shapes work best for different things. For squirrels, pointed or hollow-point pellets are often recommended.
- Pointed Pellets: These are good for penetration. They can push through fur and tissue to reach vital organs.
- Hollow-Point Pellets: These expand on impact. This creates a larger wound channel, which can lead to a quicker dispatch.
- Accuracy: You need pellets that group well. This means they fly in a tight pattern when shot from your air rifle. Good accuracy means you can aim for the head or vital chest area with confidence.
- Consistency: Each pellet should be made the same. This means they have the same weight and shape. Consistent pellets help your air rifle shoot accurately every time.
Important Materials
Most .177 pellets are made from lead. Lead is a soft metal. It deforms easily on impact, which helps with expansion and penetration. Some pellets are made from lead-free alloys. These are becoming more popular because they are better for the environment. However, lead-free pellets might not always perform as well as lead ones for hunting small game.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improve Quality:
- Tight Tolerances: When manufacturers make pellets with very precise measurements, they are higher quality. This means they are more uniform.
- Good Lubrication: Some pellets have a light coating. This can help them fly smoother and reduce friction in the barrel.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make better pellets. They have experience and good quality control.
- Reduce Quality:
- Deformed Pellets: Pellets that are bent or misshapen will not fly straight. You should always inspect your pellets before shooting.
- Inconsistent Weight: If pellets in the same tin weigh very different amounts, your shots will be unpredictable.
- Poor Quality Control: Some cheaper pellets might have rough edges or other flaws. These can affect accuracy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Hunters often choose .177 pellets for squirrels because they are effective for pest control and for harvesting meat. You need to be a good shot to use them effectively. The goal is a quick, humane kill. This means aiming for the head or the heart/lung area.
- Pest Control: If squirrels are damaging your garden or attic, .177 pellets can be a good solution.
- Hunting: In areas where it’s legal, some people hunt squirrels for food. .177 pellets are suitable for this purpose.
- Practice: Even if you don’t hunt, practicing with good pellets can improve your shooting skills.
Remember to always check your local laws regarding air rifle hunting. Safety is also very important. Always treat your air rifle as if it were loaded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are .177 pellets good for killing squirrels?
A: Yes, .177 pellets can be effective for dispatching squirrels when used with a powerful enough air rifle and good aim. They offer a balance of accuracy and stopping power for small game.
Q: What is the best weight for .177 pellets for squirrels?
A: Pellets between 10 and 14 grains are generally recommended. Heavier pellets tend to fly straighter and deliver more energy.
Q: Should I use pointed or hollow-point pellets for squirrels?
A: Both can work. Pointed pellets offer good penetration, while hollow-point pellets expand on impact for a larger wound channel, potentially leading to a quicker dispatch.
Q: Can I use lead-free pellets for squirrels?
A: Yes, lead-free pellets are an option. However, they may not always perform as effectively as lead pellets in terms of penetration and expansion.
Q: How important is pellet accuracy for squirrel hunting?
A: Pellet accuracy is extremely important. You need to be able to make precise shots to ensure a humane kill, usually by aiming for the head or vital chest area.
Q: What factors make a .177 pellet high quality?
A: High-quality pellets have tight manufacturing tolerances, consistent weight and shape, and often a good lubrication coating. Reputable brands usually offer better quality.
Q: What makes a .177 pellet low quality?
A: Low-quality pellets might be deformed, have inconsistent weights, rough edges, or poor overall manufacturing. These issues hurt accuracy.
Q: Can I use any .177 air rifle for squirrels?
A: Not all .177 air rifles are powerful enough for humane squirrel dispatch. You need an air rifle with sufficient muzzle velocity (FPS) and energy (foot-pounds) for effective hunting.
Q: Where should I aim when shooting a squirrel with a .177 pellet?
A: The most effective aim points are the head (just behind the eye) or the chest area, targeting the heart and lungs. This ensures a quick and humane kill.
Q: Are there any legal restrictions on using .177 pellets for squirrels?
A: Yes, it’s crucial to check your local and state laws. Regulations vary widely, and hunting small game with air rifles may be restricted or require specific permits.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.