Do you prefer a .177 air rifle or a .22?

Question

I'm going to get the benjamin sheradin super streak for small game around my house like squirrels, rabbits, the occasional bird nuisance, etc. should i get a .177 or a .22, what do you recommend

Answer 1

The .22 is going to be significantly more deadly, but the .177 is more than enough for the type of game you are describing.

As well, if you are hunting around your house, the .177 is safer and quieter.

Go with the .177 around the house, I use a .22 when I am out in the wild.

Answer 2

First things first. As RW said, some states, like Texas and apparently Florida, have DNR's run by mildly retarded old men who still think of Red Rider BB guns whenever they hear the word air-gun. As a result they don't allow air-guns to be used to hunt small game animals, even though modern high-power air-guns are very capable of cleanly killing small game. In the interest of saving you frustration, check with your state's DNR before you take any air-gun hunting.

As for the .177 or .22 question... Both calibers have more than enough energy to kill squirrels, rabbits, and birds at reasonably ranges such as 30 yards or less (more than that is marginal due to loss in velocity and power).* .177 caliber pellets are typically cheaper and are less likely to over-penetrate, which gets it points if you're also going to target shoot or will be shooting near houses and worry about over-penetration. .22 caliber pellets are heavier, so they retain energy better at longer range (since they have more momentum and lose velocity more slowly). They also tend to deliver more energy. If you were going to be hunting larger small game animals like raccoon I'd definitely recommend you get a .22 caliber. However given that you said you were planning on using this around a house (which brings up other issues, mainly about backstops and knowing what's behind your target...), I'd suggest you look at the .177 caliber.

Answer 3

I would bypass the .177 and .22 air rifle and go for the  22 ruger with hollow point ammo. A small scope and your in business. If noise is an issue(neighbors) make a silencer out of a plastic water bottle.

Answer 4

>>>First things first. As RW said, some states, like Texas and apparently Florida, have DNR's run by mildly retarded old men who still think of Red Rider BB guns whenever they hear the word air-gun>>>>>

   LOL. Very nice. I agree. I say if it's illegal do it anyway and be proud that you're defying your tyranical government's idiotic rules. Your Founding Fathers would be proud.

Answer 5

The fps is is grossly overstated, you'd be lucky to get that velocity with the lightest pellets (Beeman Laser) but it is still a powerful rifle.

I'd go for the .22. The velocity is a mute point once you get supersonic (a little over 1100 fps) as the pellet will tumble. The gun probably can send the 10.5 grain Crosman Premier domed pellets out at nearly supersonic speeds.

You need mass for a good kill. The velocity becomes a mute point at these high speeds. I'd go for the .22 caliber and look for heavier hollow-point or domed pellets. These will take out a squirrel no problem.

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/pellet...

Answer 6

the .22 is better for hunting

Answer 7

22 for fur & 177 for feather is what they say! shot placement is the most important. if you can hit the kill zone, either will work, but i prefer 22 for hunting. just my 2 cents!  

Answer 8

http://www.compasseco.com/air-gun-videos...

Answer 9

I don't know about where you live, but in Florida, neither a .177 nor a .22 calibre air rifle is a leagle gun to hunt ANY game ( including rabbits & squirrles ).

it is my opinion, that if you are old enough, get a .17hmr ot .22lr, rimfire rifle to do your small game hunting with

Answer 10

.22

they rock

Answer 11

As was previously stated, the "claim" of 1500fps is a gross exaggeration

Benjamin Super Streak - .177 - actual numbers(chronograph)

927fps - 10.5gr pellet

1014fps - 8.4gr pellet

994fps - 7.9gr pellet

1300fps - Gamo PBA(5.4gr) - ultra light weight pellet

Notice they are not anywhere near 1500fps even with the lightest weight pellets.

The .22 caliber Super Streak will give you around 800fps with 14.5gr pellets(20.61fpe) - Not anywhere near the 1100fps "claimed".

IMO, you can go either way. Buy the .177 and use the 10.5gr pellets or get the .22 and use 14.5gr. Both would be great for small game hunting.

This site has reviews and a very good article on the Super Streak.

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/benjamin-she...

Airguns

http://www.network54.com/forum/79537

http://www.network54.com/forum/278708

Answer 12

Get a .22 its a better gun.

Answer 13

get a 22. It's much easier/cheaper to get ammo, and will give you a better chance of killing.