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What airgun pellets to choose depends on your shooting purpose, type of air rifle, and distance. The right diabolo pellet can significantly improve your accuracy and shot consistency. In our shop you will find a complete selection of pellets in all calibers, and in this guide everything you need to make the right choice.
Quick Pick
- Most versatile: Domed, medium weight → JSB Exact
- Target shooting 10 m: Wadcutter, light → JSB Match
- Field Target / PCP: Domed, heavier → JSB Exact Heavy
- Pest control: Hollow Point or heavy domed → JSB Hades
Who This Guide Is Not For
This article focuses on classic lead diabolo pellets for air rifles. You will not find information about:
- BB ammunition - steel BBs have different properties and applications
- Plastic pellets - cheap training ammunition with lower accuracy, suitable only for basic practice
- Airsoft BBs - have their own specifics, see airsoft category
- Slugs - skirtless projectiles for powerful PCP air rifles above 40 J
Note: Diabolo pellets are sometimes incorrectly called "air rifle bullets." The technically correct term is diabolo pellet or airgun ammunition.
Types of Diabolo Pellets by Head Shape
What types of diabolo pellets exist? The head shape determines how the pellet behaves in flight and upon impact. Each type has a specific application.
Flat Head (Wadcutter)
Wadcutter diabolo pellets create precise round holes in paper targets. This makes scoring easier and is the standard in Olympic shooting at 10 meters according to ISSF regulations.
- Pros: Clean holes in targets, high accuracy at short range
- Cons: Loses energy quickly, unsuitable beyond 20 meters
- Best for: Target shooting up to 20 meters, indoor ranges
Domed Head (Round Nose)
The most versatile type of diabolo pellet. According to tests by Hard Air Magazine, domed pellets offer the best consistency at all distances. At the 2011 Field Target World Championships, 90% of competitors used domed pellets from the JSB brand.
- Pros: Stable flight up to 100 meters, versatile application
- Cons: Less clean holes in targets compared to wadcutters
- Best for: Field Target, pest control, long-range shooting
Pointed Head
Pointed diabolo pellets offer maximum penetration. According to Pyramyd Air, they provide better penetration in both hard and soft targets. However, accuracy decreases at longer distances.
- Pros: High penetration power, better material penetration
- Cons: Lower accuracy than domed, over-penetration risk
- Best for: Hunting small game with dense fur, shorter distances
Hollow Point
Hollow point diabolo pellets expand upon impact and transfer more energy to the target. Proper expansion requires a velocity above 300 m/s (1000 FPS). Below this velocity, they behave like regular pellets.
- Pros: Maximum energy transfer, quick dispatch of pests
- Cons: Requires high velocity, lower accuracy at longer range
- Best for: Pest control up to 25 meters
Pellet Shape Comparison
| Shape | Accuracy | Range | Penetration | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wadcutter (Flat) | Highest | Up to 20 m | Low | Target shooting |
| Domed (Round Nose) | High | Up to 100 m | Medium | All-purpose |
| Pointed | Medium | Up to 40 m | High | Hunting |
| Hollow Point | Medium | Up to 25 m | Maximum | Pest control |
Pellet Weight and Its Impact on Performance
The weight of a diabolo pellet directly affects velocity, energy, and trajectory. The optimal weight depends on your type of air rifle.
Basic Principles
According to tests by Pyramyd Air, different rules apply to different types of air rifles:
- Spring-piston air rifles: Best performance with light to medium-weight pellets (7-9 grain for .177)
- PCP air rifles: Energy increases with pellet weight. A PCP .177 produces 16 ft-lb with an 8gr pellet, but 19 ft-lb with a 16gr pellet
- CO2 air rifles: Prefer lighter pellets due to lower pressure
Why Heavier Is Not Always Better
According to Crosman, pellet velocity is key. Transitioning from subsonic to supersonic speed (above 340 m/s) causes flight instability. Most diabolo pellets perform best at velocities of 250-290 m/s (800-950 FPS).
Recommended Weight by Caliber
| Caliber | Spring-piston | PCP | Average weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 mm (.177) | 7-9 gr | 8-16 gr | 8-10 gr |
| 5.5 mm (.22) | 14-16 gr | 15-21 gr | 15-18 gr |
| 6.35 mm (.25) | 25-28 gr | 25-35 gr | 25-30 gr |
Important: Very light pellets can damage a spring-piston air rifle. The minimum recommended weight for a .177 spring-piston air rifle is 6.9 grain.
Airgun Pellet Calibers
There are three most popular diabolo pellet calibers. You can find the complete ammunition selection in the airgun pellets category.
4.5 mm (.177)
The most popular caliber in the world. It offers a flatter trajectory and more ammunition per dollar. Ideal for target shooting and recreation. Browse the selection in the 4.5 mm pellets category.
5.5 mm (.22)
Greater impact energy for pest control. The heavier projectile resists wind better at longer distances. Browse the selection in the 5.5 mm pellets category.
6.35 mm (.25)
The largest commonly available caliber. Requires powerful PCP air rifles. Suitable for hunting larger pests. Browse the selection in the 6.35 mm pellets category.
Caliber Precision
Diabolo pellets are manufactured in various head diameters (e.g. 4.50 mm, 4.51 mm, 4.52 mm). For maximum accuracy, choose a diameter that matches your barrel. Most air rifles shoot best with pellets 0.01-0.02 mm larger than the nominal caliber. To determine the ideal diameter for your rifle, we recommend the JSB test kit.
Choosing Pellets by Purpose
Target Shooting (Indoor)
For shooting at 10 meters, choose light wadcutter diabolo pellets. Clean holes make scoring easier. Recommended brands: JSB Match, Gamo Pro Match.
Target Shooting (Outdoor)
For distances of 25-50 meters, choose medium-weight domed diabolo pellets. They resist wind better and maintain a stable trajectory. Recommended brands: JSB Exact, Umarex.
Recreational Shooting
For plinking cans and informal fun, affordable pellets are sufficient. Recommended brands: Gamo Hunter, Kvintor.
Best Pellets for Pest Control
What are the best pellets for hunting? For pest control, choose heavier domed or hollow point diabolo pellets with higher impact energy. Hollow point pellets work well at distances up to 25 meters. For longer distances, prefer domed pellets. Recommended brands: JSB Hades, JSB Exact Heavy. Be sure to check your local regulations regarding airgun hunting, as laws vary by country.
Field Target Competitions
In FT competitions, the standard is domed diabolo pellets from the JSB brand. At the 2011 Field Target World Championships, 90% of competitors used them. Recommended: JSB Exact, JSB Exact Heavy.
Airgun Pellet Brands
The quality of diabolo pellets varies significantly between brands. Consistency of weight and diameter directly affects accuracy.
JSB (Czech Republic)
JSB Match Diabolo is a Czech brand founded in 1991 in Bohumin. According to Hard Air Magazine, JSB Exact Premium is "the most consistent pellet ever tested." JSB uses lead with a certified purity of 99.97% and performs manual output inspection. The Match series requires a maximum spread of 1.5 mm at 10 meters.
JSB is a market leader - the Czech brand enjoys an excellent reputation among competitive shooters worldwide and is widely regarded as the "best" diabolo pellet for both sporting and hunting applications.
- JSB Match: Premium series for competitive shooting
- JSB Exact: Excellent value for money for FT and hunting
- JSB Exact Heavy: Heavier variant for PCP air rifles
- JSB Hades: Hollow point for pest control
Gamo (Spain)
Gamo offers a wide range of diabolo pellets for various applications. From affordable models for recreational shooting to premium series. The Spanish manufacturer combines good availability with accessible quality.
- Gamo Pro Match: For target shooting
- Gamo Hunter: All-purpose diabolo pellet
- Gamo Rocket: With increased penetration
Kvintor (Russia)
Kvintor produces diabolo pellets with a good price-to-quality ratio. The Russian manufacturer offers interesting special shapes for various applications.
Umarex (Germany)
Umarex is known primarily as an air rifle manufacturer but also offers high-quality diabolo pellets. The German brand guarantees consistent production and wide availability.
Brand Comparison
| Brand | Consistency | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| JSB (Czech Republic) | Highest | Medium | Competitions, hunting, FT |
| Gamo (Spain) | Medium | Low | Recreation, training |
| Kvintor (Russia) | Medium | Low | Recreation, special use |
| Umarex (Germany) | High | Medium | All-purpose |
How to Test Diabolo Pellets
Every air rifle has its own preferences. A pellet that is accurate in one rifle may be inaccurate in another. Testing is essential.
Testing Procedure
- Buy sample packs - Start with small packages (125-250 pcs) from different brands
- Shoot groups - Fire 5-10 shots at a target from a stable rest at 25 meters
- Measure the spread - Measure the group diameter (center-to-center)
- Compare - The smallest group = the best pellet for your air rifle
Tips for Accurate Testing
- Use a stable rest or shooting bench
- Test on a calm day or at an indoor range
- Let the barrel cool between groups
- Always test at the same distance
Storing Diabolo Pellets
Proper storage extends the lifespan of diabolo pellets and maintains their accuracy.
- Dry environment: Moisture causes lead oxidation
- Room temperature: Extreme temperatures deform soft lead
- Original packaging: Protects against damage and contamination
- Do not contaminate with oil: Oil on pellets reduces accuracy
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What diabolo pellets for a beginner?
Start with medium-weight domed diabolo pellets. They are the most versatile and forgiving of technique errors. Recommended: JSB Exact or Gamo Hunter.
Why do my pellets fly differently than my neighbor's?
Every air rifle has individual preferences. The combination of barrel, power, and pellet is unique. Test different brands and weights.
Can I use the same pellets in a spring-piston and PCP air rifle?
Yes, but the optimal weight differs. Spring-piston air rifles prefer lighter pellets, PCP prefer heavier ones. For the best results, test different weights.
How to recognize high-quality diabolo pellets?
High-quality diabolo pellets have consistent weight and diameter. Top brands like JSB have a weight variation below 0.5 grain. Cheap pellets can have a variation above 1 grain.
How much do high-quality diabolo pellets cost?
JSB Exact costs approximately €1.20 per 500 pieces (~€0.024/pc). Premium JSB Match approximately €1.80 per 500 pieces. Budget-friendly Gamo comes to about €1 per 500 pieces.
Are lead diabolo pellets dangerous?
Lead is toxic if ingested or if dust is inhaled. Wash your hands after shooting. Do not handle pellets while eating. With normal use, they do not pose a health risk.
Next Steps
Have you chosen the right pellets for your air rifle? Browse the complete airgun pellet selection in our shop, or continue with further equipment:
- How to choose an air rifle? - Complete guide to choosing an air rifle by application
- How to improve shooting accuracy? - 7 practical tips for better hits
- What scope for an air rifle? - How to choose optics for precision shooting
- Air rifle accessories - Complete accessories guide (PCP pumps, scopes, suppressors, targets)
This article is based on tests by Hard Air Magazine, Pyramyd Air, and other specialized sources. The statistics provided are current as of January 2026.