Pellet differences

[Dave223]

Ok guys,
  I need some info here, Im sorta new to air rifles and Im finding that like 22, its a cheap and easy way to get trigger time. Im also using air rifles to teach my 10 yo son how to use firearms properly.
  After doing lots of reading all over the web Im left with some confusion about pellet grain and pba ammo. Im trying to buy bulk to save even more money but im not sure what grain I should get.
  Will a smaller grain 177 pellet increase the fps but lower the energy behind it? and a higher grain pellet will do the opposite, correct?
  What about pba ammo? whats it made of? does it really increase the fps like advertised? is it good for hunting birds, etc?
  Ughh, this makes my head hurt!  hehe, Dave

[STUMPJMPR]

I hear the PBA's shoot faster but are not very accurate.  I would stick with lead pellets.  If your going to be hunting I would probably go with a .22 caliber. 

[S.S.]

my personal experience with Performance Ballistic Alloy pellets
has not been favorable. Quite inaccurate in any gun I have tried.
When I have actually hit something, there was no killing power
it seemed. They just zip right through with little effect.
I have tried most of the other gimmick pellets and none preform
better than good old lead. .22 is definitely better than .177.
.22s carry quite a bit more energy. Accuracy is key though.
A squirrel or Rabbit shot through the head would know little
difference between .177 and .22.   

[james]

When I got a RWS 34 I tried some Daisy pellets I had on hand and the accuracy was terrible.  The Daisys shot good in a Daisy (760 I think) but were awful in the RWS.  I got some heavier domed RWS and the 34 shot like it should for the $ I paid for it.  Even air rifles have their preferences so you may have to try different styles or weights for your particular rifle.

[keith44]

Hi Dave223
 
Many debates have ended with many people very mad and still in disagreement about this very topic.  Here is where I stand, and why. 
 
My rifle is an older Beeman, supertuned and very accurate with the right pellet.  It has a switch barrel conversion similar to what is available on the X-cel.  If I shoot lighter than standard (ie non-lead) pellets I run the risk of damaging the piston and compression chamber.  I had the option of having the rifle tuned for max power, max accuracy, or what they called a hunting tune.  A compromise that gives good power and speed with nearly target accuracy.  To do this pellet velocity must be kept below the speed of sound.  With crossman premier domed pellets I shoot 1/2 inch groups at 60 yards with a muzzle velocity of 950 fps.  I have taken squirrels at 55 yards, and rabbits at 45 yards with the .177 barrel.  This is with head shots.  If you are going for chest hits, or nape of the neck hits I would recommend any .22 at a velocity of at least 800 fps at the muzzle (advertised)  and shoot the heaviest pellet that the gun fires accurately.  Your maximum hunting range (to start out with) is the max range that you can keep all shots inside a 1 1/2 inch circle