Recently, hunting using air rifles has become very popular. Until recently, there was no special literature on the effectiveness of using models of wind weapons, on the correct choice of bullets, which are presented in a large assortment on weapons counters. Without having the necessary information, you can get confused and make a mistake when buying bullets for pneumatics. And this will deprive you of the pleasure of hunting and the obtained trophy.
The optimal caliber for a hunting projectile is considered to be a 4.5 mm pneumatic bullet. This most popular caliber has a large number of bullets manufactured by domestic and foreign manufacturers. Lead bullets for pneumatics (4.5 mm caliber) have individual characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which are important for a fan of air guns to know about.
Light bullets
Most models of air guns are characterized by limited power, which makes it possible to create lightweight bullets and helps reduce their friction in the barrel. Loading low-power rifles requires two types of bullets:
- “Cap”, which has a very low weight (0.545 grams).
- "Shuttlecock." The design of this bullet consists of a head and a shank shaped like a skirt. This gives the ammunition stability during flight. The rifling in the barrel provides the bullet with rotation, which also has a positive effect on the accuracy of hits. “Volanchik” is considered a more progressive option. The efficiency of an air rifle with such a bullet increases as its friction inside the barrel decreases. A bullet with a shuttlecock shape is ineffective when hunting large game.
In terms of their aerodynamic properties, the “cap” and “shuttlecock” are not ideal options. The 4.5 pneumatic bullet represents a compromise between its lethality and accuracy depending on the degree of expansion.
Weight
The weight of balls made from different materials varies slightly. Copper-plated and galvanized steel balls weigh approximately the same. Explosive shot, designed specifically for CO2 pistols, is the lightest, its weight can reach 0.33 g (depending on the core material). The heaviest are lead shells: their weight is up to 0.51 g, but the shape and size of the ball plays an important role here.
It is also worth considering that the weight of the balls may vary even within the same package: during the process of running in the projectiles, the production technology may be slightly disrupted. So sometimes some balls have different diameters and flaws in the form of sagging. We recommend choosing consumables from trusted manufacturers so that this difference is minimal.
The slight difference in ammunition weight is not critical, since air guns are often used solely for recreational shooting.
Expansive bullets
With the improvement of models on the shelves, in addition to standard air rifles, more powerful models appeared. This entailed the creation of new bullets, the weight of which should correspond to the power of the weapon. Bullets weighing 0.67 grams were used in standard wind models. High-power models require the use of heavier ammunition. The heaviest bullets for 4.5 mm air rifles are the result of the appearance of such powerful rifles on the arms markets as the Hatsan and Evanix. Compared to light 0.67-gram ones, expansive ones have worse ballistic performance and accuracy.
Characteristics, description
- Weight is 0.67 grams.
- Speed - 270 m/s.
- Power - 25 J.
The energy and expansion of the 4.5 Edgun air rifle bullet does not make it suitable for small game hunting. A lead product can penetrate right through and take with it the energy that ensures defeat. The result is not a trophy, but a wounded animal. The Czech 4.5 mm Edgun pneumatic bullet has high accuracy, as evidenced by testing using plasticine bars. After the shot was fired and the bar was cut longitudinally, this lead product left an even channel 11 cm long. At the same time, the bullet did not change its direction and was not deformed.
Ricocheting effect
This is the ability of a bullet to change trajectory as a result of contact with solid objects, while maintaining lethality. The harder the material from which the charge is made, the higher the ricocheting effect. In addition, bullets that have a spherical head or a core made of a solid substance are susceptible to it.
When comparing individual characteristics of shots with bullets of the same design from the same weapon, it can be argued that the initial energy of each of them is the same. At the same time, charges of a smaller caliber fly along a flatter trajectory, but larger ones are not so susceptible to drift under the influence of the wind.
Crosman Lead Products
4.5 Crosman pneumatic bullets are considered one of the best 4.5 mm bullets. They have two drawbacks that have negatively affected their popularity. The first is that a large number of fakes have appeared on the arms markets. The second is that very hard lead is used in production, as a result of which friction occurs in the barrel, and bullets for 4.5 Crosman pneumatics lose their power.
Variety of formats
The pneumatic ammunition market provides the shooting enthusiast with a choice of many types and formats. As a rule, the shape of the bullet has a functional purpose, so it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specifics of pellet formats in advance to avoid confusion when purchasing. Most popular bullet formats:
- Flat shaped bullets.
- Bullets in the shape of a hemisphere.
- Conical bullets.
- Bullets with expansive properties.
- Ogival format bullets.
- Spherical bullets.
- Bullets with flash-noise properties.
- Bullets with armor-piercing power.
- Cap format bullets.
- Dart format bullets.
Each format has certain specifics. What the shooter uses pneumatics for should be considered when choosing a format.
Flat format bullets are the most suitable option for sports. When it hits a target (paper), the projectile will leave a hole shaped like a perfect circle. If you use such a projectile within the speed limits that are correct for hardball, penetration when hitting a person is reduced to a minimum. The disadvantage of this format is that the flat bullet encounters the greatest resistance, so effective shooting is guaranteed only at a short distance.
Hemisphere-shaped bullets are the most effective when it comes to long range. This format is the most popular among shooting enthusiasts. The main advantage of the format is its impressive ballistics.
Conical bullets are notable for their highest penetration ability. The downside is that the accuracy is not the best, which is explained by the specific shape of the cone.
Bullets with expansive properties are popularly called expanding cartridges due to their specific properties. This format is characterized by a notch in the upper part of the projectile. Once it hits the target, the cartridge turns to its side, which provides a larger target area. Most popular among hunters. In practical situations, they are used only at close ranges, since the bullet quickly loses speed at long ranges. In terms of ballistics, it is slightly ahead of the previous format of flat projectiles. There are varieties on sale with plastic inserts, which, as the developers assure, will help cope with the speed shortcomings of the cartridge.
Ogival format bullets - this format is similar in appearance to the format of cartridges for military weapons. Notable for its speed performance. It is recommended to use this type of cartridge with more powerful rifles to ensure adequate acceleration of the projectile.
Bullets of spherical format are popularly called “balls”, in the professional environment “BB”. The most popular format among buyers. These bullets perform best when paired with a smoothbore barrel. The number of letters “B” in the name indicates the dimensions of the shot.
“BB” cartridges are made of steel coated with other metals that prevent corrosion, such as zinc or copper. The weight of the cartridge is small (on average 0.3 g), which does not save cartridges of similar shapes from the laws of aerodynamics. The best performance from “BB” bullets can be achieved when shooting at glass targets, since the steel core copes better with this purpose than other metals.
Caliber indicators in spherical bullets are reduced by 10th of a mm compared to the barrel diameter. Steel filling and copper plating make it impossible to fire guns with a rifled barrel. Otherwise, the gun barrel will wear out much faster. For barrels of this type, special cartridges from Gamo have been developed, but these bullets are intended only for certain models of rifles.
Bullets with flash-noise properties are notable for the presence of an explosive charge inside a plastic base. When a flash-noise cartridge hits a target, it produces an explosion. The most popular are flash-noise bullets from the Russian manufacturer “Blik”. Flash-noise projectiles are not recommended for use in conjunction with rapid-fire weapons, otherwise the manufacturer does not guarantee the safety of the plastic base when fired and a premature explosion inside the rifle.
Bullets with armor-piercing power are notable for having the strongest main body. Shooting enthusiasts use these cartridges for recreational purposes (shooting bottles at short and medium distances).
Cap-format bullets are notable for their reduced projectile weight (weights up to 0.2 g are found). Not the best option for sporting or hunting purposes. Professionals use these bullets to detect barriers in high-powered guns.
Dart format bullets are notable for their elongated shape. Made of plastic with a metal head. Used for hunting purposes.
It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with these characteristics of pneumatic bullets in advance before going to the store to purchase. The cost of packaging cartridges of one format or another depends on the pricing policy of the manufacturer. It is recommended to choose the desired name based on personal experience and preferences. Proper selection of a projectile guarantees not only better shooting performance, but also a longer service life of the gun.
Stalker cartridges
Bullets from the manufacturer “Stalker” belong to the category of training cartridges. Can be used for recreational shooting. The ammunition body received a protective layer of copper. Such a coating is necessary to minimize friction, as well as to prevent rust. The shape of the bullet is round and monolithic; depressions and deformations of the cartridge are excluded. Recommended for use exclusively with smooth-bore guns. The ammunition unit has dimensions equal to 4.5 mm in diameter. A standard jar contains 500 pcs. cartridges.
Model name
Advantages:
- Economy option;
- Copper coating;
- An impressive number of cartridges in the bank.
Flaws:
- Suitable for shotguns only.
Review:
“I’ve been using standard balls from Stalker for several years now. Excellent bullets for practice shooting. The reasonable price tag for a package of 500 bullets makes Stalker balls the most optimal for regular shooting practice. I recommend these bullets to beginners and those who want to practice shooting without breaking the bank!”
Asg “BB” bullets
Asg brand cartridges are made of plastic to achieve greater range. The caliber of the unit is 4.5 mm. If we compare bullets of the plastic category with lead bullets, we can note the superiority of the former in terms of speed, accuracy and average accuracy. The main advantages of this form are minimal trauma and the absence of ricochet; in addition, the plastic pill disintegrates into small fractions when it hits a solid object.
Model name
Advantages:
- Increased speed indicators;
- Increased accuracy rates;
- Reduced injury rates.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for all types of shooting.
Review:
“I use these cartridges for training purposes, as they are less dangerous than lead ones. The absence of ricochet allows the use of bullets of this type at any distance. Recommended for shooters interested in shooting safety!”
Stalker bullets “Energetic Pellets” series
The Energetik Pellets series from the Stalker brand are cartridges made from lead using traditional technologies. The range of application of the series includes hunting, since the caliber of such bullets is intended only for high-power shotguns. The permissible firing distance ranges from 15 to 50 m. The Energetik Pellets series belongs to the category of expansive cartridges equipped with a stopping action. The diameter of the unit is 4.5 mm with a weight of 0.85 g. The shape of the cartridge is spherical, the upper part is truncated.
Model name
Advantages:
- Firing range;
- Brand reputation;
- Stopping effect.
Flaws:
- Not the cheapest option.
Review:
“I use this series for hunting purposes. The cartridges perform excellently. Long range shooting is impressive. I recommend the Energetik Pellets series to all lovers of hunting and long-range shooting.”
Ammo from Gamo “Round” series
The Round series cartridges from Gamo are made of lead, the caliber is 4.5 mm with a unit weight of 0.53 g. The uniqueness of these pellets lies in the possibility of their use in conjunction with a gun with a rifled barrel. Shooters know the rule - BB format cartridges are unacceptable in conjunction with a rifled barrel, so the Gamo company invented a special subtype of balls that can be used with such weapons. It is allowed to use cartridges from the “Round” series for entertainment and professional purposes. The cartridges of this series cope with those targets that their flat-format counterparts and even diabolos cannot cope with. A standard can carries 500 units of ammunition.
Model name
Advantages:
- Possibility of use with a rifled barrel;
- Copes with many purposes;
- A large number of units in the bank.
Flaws:
- Not the cheapest option.
Review:
“I’ve been using Round cartridges for almost a year. During this time I have never been disappointed in them - the bullets cope even with strong bottles. In addition, pellets from Gamo show excellent results over long distances. I recommend it to anyone involved in professional shooting!”
Fractional bullets “BB” from Gletcher
Shot cartridges from Glatcher are bullets made of steel, designed for use in conjunction with a smoothbore gun. The bullet caliber is 4.5 mm with the unit being completely monolithic and the one-piece structure balanced in weight and dimensions. Glacier bullets are universal in terms of interaction with weapons. These pellets perform well both in combination with Russian and foreign guns. The greatest results are visible if you combine these cartridges with a gun from Glatcher, since the developer designed the ammunition primarily for his own guns. The packaging of the cartridges is a separate plus, since the manufacturer thought through many aspects when loading the gun and equipped the can with a dispenser design for maximum shooter comfort. It is highly not recommended to reload already shot shot, otherwise the manufacturer cannot guarantee the safety of the shooter.
Model name
Advantages:
- Ammo quality;
- Convenient dispenser in a package;
- Compatible with many types of smoothbore guns.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
Review:
“I have been using fractions from Glatcher for a long time and can give a strong recommendation. When choosing from fractional cartridges, you can hardly find something more convenient than the packaging from Glatcher. The cartridges are suitable for hunting purposes. Would recommend to anyone looking for quality shotgun ammo!”
Products from Ilandler & Natermann
In hunting farms, problems caused by pest birds often arise. Crows are the biggest nuisance. In the fight against them, the company Ilandler & Natermann invented special 4.5 mm caliber bullets, which are called Crow Magnum (translated from English as crow). Selecting 4.5 caliber pneumatic bullets for crow hunting. Experts recommend choosing the products of this company. Crows differ from other birds in their high endurance, and it is not advisable to use conventional hollow-point bullets against them. They will simply pierce the pest right through, allowing it to fly another couple of tens of meters until the end comes.
In addition to being highly expansive, 4.5 Magnum pneumatic bullets are capable of causing a water hammer upon impact, causing shock in game. Crow Magnum lead products have an inherent stopping effect. In their shape they are similar to 4.5 Barracuda pneumatic bullets.
The difference is that the Ilandler & Natermann lead product has a larger cylindrical recess in the head than the Barracuda. And, therefore, the diameter of the wound is larger.
Characteristics of the Crow Magnum bullet
The bullet weighs 0.58 grams. The product is characterized by low trajectory flatness and accuracy, which is confirmed after firing ten shots. From a distance of 50 meters, the accuracy is 5-6 cm.
Testing using plasticine bars indicates that the 4.5 Magnum pneumatic bullet quickly loses its initial velocity. A plasticine block cut lengthwise after a shot has a channel, the length of which is 5-6 cm. The location of lead particles in it suggests a tendency for these bullets to deform in the block. But at the same time, the diameter of the channel is twice as wide as the diameter left by other bullets for 4.5 pneumatics.
Reviews from owners of air rifles using Crow Magnum indicate the high effectiveness of these bullets for shooting game at a distance not exceeding forty meters.
Lead products of the Tula enterprise Taiga LLC
At the Tula plant, using German equipment and technology from Collin, bullets for pneumatic 4.5 “Shmel” are produced.
- The head of the bullets has a semicircular conical shape. This enhances their penetrating qualities at long distances.
- Lead products are characterized by high stability in flight.
- The initial speed exceeds 190 m/s. Recommended for air rifles with a speed of at least 190 m/s.
- Weight - 0.68 g.
- Bullet type: pneumatic pointed.
- Caliber - 4.5 mm.
- The pack contains 400 pieces.
These bullets are intended for 4.5 pneumatics for hunting game birds. Tula lead products are effective in the fight against crows and small rodent pests.
Which bullets are better?
Every year, new versions of bullets with different designs and shapes appear on gun counters. There is no single assessment when choosing lead ammunition for air rifles.
- During outdoor activities, it is recommended to use ogive-shaped bullets. They are applicable in very powerful blowguns with an initial speed of at least 300 m/s. This is because the structure of ammunition is very similar to the design of projectiles used in firearms. Ogival-shaped bullets are not recommended for use in rifled weapons, as this will lead to damage to the barrel.
- Flash-noise bullets are equipped with explosive charges in their head. Upon contact with the target, detonation occurs, which does not entail any serious consequences. Damage upon impact is minimal. The hit is accompanied by a visual and audio signal. This type of bullet is used for entertainment purposes.
- Lead bullets with a conical head. Used for hunting large animals. The product has high penetrating power and poor shooting accuracy.
- Expansive lead bullets are intended for hunting. The design of the head of these ammunition has a recess that creates a void in the bullet. After hitting the target, the warhead breaks due to the void, and the bullet is deformed, which increases the diameter of the lesion. An expansive bullet does not leave wounded animals in the hunt.
Penetration ability
This characteristic of a bullet implies its ability to hit a target after overcoming an obstacle. Designers are trying to increase penetration power by adding cores made of stronger material to bullets, or by increasing their initial flight speed. But the penetration power of a charge is inversely proportional to the damaging effect.
A bullet with high penetrating power, hitting a target that is not sufficiently protected, will simply pierce through it without having the necessary stopping effect. For this reason, gunsmiths try to achieve a balance between these two characteristics.
What should you consider when buying bullets for 4.5 pneumatics?
- Hunting requires the selection of lead products that provide a compromise between expansiveness and accuracy. For an air rifle using 4.5mm pellets, long range is considered to be distances greater than forty meters. In this case, it is recommended to use lead products that have a solid dome head. But there are cases when hunting takes place at distances not exceeding forty meters. At this distance, bullets with a characteristic deformation of the head section will be ideal. Such bullets, according to hunters, have a weak destructive effect, but are highly accurate, which is important when shooting at short distances. The main thing is to hit the game in its vital organs.
- If a lead bullet with an expansive action is not available, you can use any other bullet, loading it into an air rifle with the tang first. At the same time, acting as expansive, such ammunition greatly loses accuracy. Therefore, loading is effective only in cases where shooting is carried out at short distances.
- When hunting large game, a lead bullet with a hemispherical head is ideal. Lead and antimony are used in its production, which improves its strength.
- When purchasing 4.5mm bullets, you need to remember that this lead ammunition comes in a variety of shapes. Their weight can reach 1.05 grams. Not every air rifle can shoot such products. The heaviest bullets, having a caliber of 4.5 mm, are intended only for weapons that can impart acceleration of up to 300 m/s.
Taking into account all the nuances and subtleties when selecting lead ammunition for air rifles, you can select the necessary bullet option for each hunt, which will have a positive impact on the quality of shooting.
Gamo pneumatic bullets - how to choose?
When choosing products such as 4.5 Gamo pneumatic bullets, you need to decide on the purpose of their use, and be sure to know the muzzle energy of the gun or pistol. The measures taken to keep the pneumatics in working condition will affect the performance. Be sure to take into account not only the type and shape of the projectiles, but also their weight.
Everyone should choose bullets for themselves, because even the same models of shotguns and pistols can show different results. Weather and environmental conditions can affect the quality of shooting. Be careful and follow the recommendations of manufacturers and sellers, which will allow you to avoid a decrease in speed and damage to your gun or pistol.
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