What is good for crow popping out to around 30 to 40 yards? Have been reading about the Beeman R11 but haven't seen one. Need to stay below $400.
Crow busting is one of my favorite things to do during the spring, summer and fall.
I have found that the crow can be one tough old bird. I have had them fly away after taking solid body hits with .22 lr hollow points(not good for neighbor relations in the face of West Nile Virus that is plaguing the country). Pellet rifle wise I use at least a .20 or even better a .22 caliber as the larger pellet has more striking area when using wad cutter type pellets(
which delivers more shock to the birds system). If your shooting at distances over 25 yards then I would switch over to a good hollow point pellet(
Beeman Crow Magnum is our personal favorite) again for the shocking power. I have found that pointed or domed pellets do not expand very much thus acting like a solid rifle bullet. Lots of penetration and little shock. As for the power needed for taking crows out to 45 yards you need a velocity rating of at least 750 fps. in whatever .22 caliber rifle you choose. By the way a good air rifle approved scope will make the hitting of those crows at 40 - 45 yards so much easier.
Before recommending a certain make or model rifle is the $400.00 budget you stated include scope, mounts and rifle? Lawdog
