Caliber Considerations for Long-Range Air Rifle Hunting: Tips and Techniques for Success

Long-range hunting with an air rifle requires more than just a powerful gun. The right calibers affect accuracy, energy retention, and target impact. Selecting the right air rifle caliber for hunting can make the difference between a clean, ethical shot and one that fails to deliver sufficient stopping power. Understanding how caliber affects trajectory, pellet weight, and velocity is necessary for long-range shooting.

This guide breaks down how different air rifle calibers perform at long range and provides guidance on selecting the right pellets.

Why caliber choice matters for long-range hunting

Most air rifles can handle short-range hunting just fine, but as the distance increases, things get tricky. Long-range shooting requires pellets that remain stable in flight, resist wind drift, and retain sufficient energy to impact with force, promoting ethical hunting.

Here’s how different pellet gun calibers affect performance:

• .177 caliber – Fast and accurate but loses energy quickly. It’s best for small games at closer distances.
• .22 caliber – A good balance of speed and impact, making it a solid choice for mid-to-long-range shots.
• .25 caliber – Slower but carries more energy, making it practical for larger games at extended distances.

Each of these calibers has its strengths and weaknesses, but for long-range hunting, most hunters opt for .22 or .25 caliber because they retain more energy downrange.

Pellet weight and shape: Finding the right combination

Pellet selection matters just as much as caliber. Lighter pellets move fast but are more affected by wind, while heavier pellets maintain stability but require more power.

Best pellet types for long-range hunting

Choosing the right pellet type is just as important as selecting the right air rifle calibers for hunting. Different designs impact accuracy, penetration, and energy retention at extended distances.

• Domed (round-nose) pellets – The best option for long-range accuracy. Their aerodynamic shape helps maintain a stable flight path and reduces wind resistance, allowing them to retain energy more effectively over distances of 50 yards or more.
• Hollowpoint pellets – Expand on impact, making them effective for small-to-medium game hunting. However, they lose velocity faster than domed pellets, limiting their effectiveness beyond mid-range distances.
• Pointed pellets – Designed for deep penetration, these pellets can be useful for tougher game. However, their pointed tips make them less stable at long ranges, causing slight accuracy issues in windy conditions.

For long-range hunting, heavy domed pellets provide the best mix of accuracy, impact, and consistency.

How different calibers perform at long-range

Each air rifle caliber has unique characteristics that affect its performance for hunting at extended distances.

.177 caliber: Best for precision, not power

The .177 caliber is known for its speed and accuracy. It shoots flat and works well for small game hunting at short-to-mid range. However, past 50 yards, the lightweight pellet loses too much energy to be effective for hunting.

• Best for: Small game like birds and squirrels within 40 yards.
• Downside: Too little stopping power for larger game at long distances.

.22 caliber: Balanced for long-range hunting

The .22 caliber is one of the most popular air rifle calibers for hunting because it offers good velocity with strong impact power. It’s effective up to 75 yards when paired with the right pellet and scope.

• Best for: Rabbits, raccoons, and other small-to-medium game.
• Downside: Drops more at long distances compared to .177, requiring holdover adjustments.

.25 caliber: Heavy-hitting at long-range

The .25 caliber is slower than the .22 but retains energy better, making it the best choice for long-range air rifle hunting. It delivers consistent impact on larger game like foxes or groundhogs at 75+ yards.

• Best for: Larger, small game that needs more stopping power.
• Downside: Requires a powerful air rifle to shoot effectively at long distances.

Long-range hunting tips for air rifle shooters

• Adjust for pellet drop – Heavier pellets drop faster. Learning how much to aim above the target (holdover) is key.
• Practice wind compensation – Wind affects lighter pellets more. Shooting in different wind conditions helps you learn how much to adjust.
• Use a rangefinder – Knowing the exact distance to your target helps with holdover adjustments.
• Shoot from a solid rest – Using a bipod or resting on a stable surface improves accuracy.
• Check power settings – Some air rifles allow adjustments. Increasing power can help with long-range shots but may reduce shot count.

Final thoughts

Long-range air rifle hunting is all about precision, power, and the right gear. Pellet gun calibers like .22 and .25 are the best choices for extended distances, as they retain energy and hit harder than .177. With the right setup and technique, hunters can confidently take shots at 50+ yards, making long-range air rifle hunting effective and rewarding.