Air rifles have come a long way from the BB guns of childhood. Among the most popular calibers is the .177, known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, availability, and affordable ammunition.
While not as powerful as larger-caliber rifles like the .22, .25, or .30, a well-placed shot from a high-quality .177 air rifle can take out small to medium-sized game cleanly and ethically. But exactly what can you hunt with a .177 air rifle?
Understanding the .177 Air Rifle
The .177 caliber is the smallest common pellet size, typically firing at 800–1,200 feet per second (FPS) depending on the rifle. It’s widely used for:
- Target shooting
- Plinking
- Pest control
- Small game hunting
Its small size and high velocity mean it delivers excellent penetration with relatively low kinetic energy, depending on pellet weight. That makes shot placement very critical.
Best Small Game for .177 Air Rifles
The 177 will work with pest control, which includes small rodents such as rats and mice, which can be taken out cleanly via a headshot.
The .177 will also work on invasive bird species such as sparrows and starlings. Small game like squirrels and rabbits can also be taken out, but one has to be closer to it (ideally 20-25 yards) and place the shot properly.
What .177 Pellets Are Best for Hunting?
Pellet selection is critical for effective and humane hunting. The .177 caliber offers various pellet types, each with its advantages.
The shape of the pellets will affect the penetration of the 177, with the domed pellets, such as the JSB Match Diabolo, offering the best penetration on the target.
Heavier .177 pellets, like the H&N Baracuda Match, have more energy retention over longer distances, but a slower velocity, often lower than 800 FPS. Heavier pellets can be used on squirrels and rabbits with great efficacy.
What is the Effective Range of a .177 Air Rifle?
The effective range of a .177 air rifle depends on its power source (spring, gas piston, PCP, or CO2), type of pellets, purpose, and even the type of rifle used. The Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is one example of a rifle that’s popular for its great performance and high muzzle velocity (1250 Fps) at a budget-friendly price.
Longer-barreled air rifles allow more time for air pressure to accelerate the pellet before it leaves the barrel, which increases muzzle velocity. Higher velocities, often around 800–1,200 feet per second, produce flatter trajectories, allowing more accurate shots at longer distances.
Too long, a barrel, however, and you get diminishing returns or even a drop in velocity due to air resistance or pressure drop-off.
The type of pellets, specifically their shape and design, has a significant impact on the effective range of an air rifle. Domed/pointed pellets maintain trajectory better than wadcutters, giving them a better effective range.
Lighter pellets travel faster but lose energy quickly. They are also mostly affected by wind drift, which gives them a lower effective range. Heavier pellets, conversely, retain energy better at longer ranges.
Given all of these considerations, you can achieve precise hits up to 50–70 yards in target shooting. However, for hunting purposes, maintaining accuracy and sufficient energy for a humane kill is best kept within 30–40 yards for small game. Beyond this range, pellet drop and wind drift become more significant, reducing effectiveness.
Can You Hunt Turkey With a .177?
No, you cannot ethically or legally hunt turkey with a .177 air rifle in most regions. Turkeys are large, tough birds (15–30+ lbs.) with dense feathers and bones, and a .177 (even at 1200fps) lacks the energy for a clean kill. In the U.S.A., most states prohibit air rifles for turkey hunting, but where air rifles are allowed, there is a minimum caliber requirement, mostly a .25.
Can the .177 air rifle kill a fox?
While a high-powered .177 air rifle could potentially kill a fox with a perfectly placed shot, say a headshot from 10 yards, it is not an ethical or reliable choice.
Foxes have thicker hides, denser muscle, and more resilient bone structures than small game, making them more difficult to dispatch humanely with this caliber. Even at close range, a .177 pellet may lack the penetration and energy needed for a quick kill.
For humane fox hunting, a larger caliber such as .22 or .25 air rifles, or a firearm, is strongly recommended. Using the right tool for the job ensures safety, legality, and ethical hunting practices.
Is a .177 air rifle good for hunting small game?
Yes, the .177 air rifle is well-suited for hunting small game such as squirrels, rabbits, pigeons, and starlings.
Its higher velocity offers a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit moving or distant targets accurately. The smaller pellet size can penetrate effectively when combined with precise shot placement, especially in vital areas. However, for consistent humane kills, it’s important to stay within 30–40 yards.
Pellet type also plays a key role, with hollow points or domed pellets delivering better energy transfer. Overall, when used responsibly, the .177 air rifle is an excellent, versatile choice for small game hunting and pest control.
Which is better, .177 or .22 caliber air rifles?
The choice between .177 and .22 caliber air rifles depends on the purpose. A .177 offers higher velocity and flatter trajectory, making it ideal for target shooting and small, fast-moving game. It’s generally more accurate over longer distances due to reduced pellet drop.
In contrast, a .22 delivers heavier pellets with greater impact energy, making it better for hunting medium-sized pests or ensuring humane kills at closer ranges.
While .177 excels in precision and range, .22 offers superior stopping power. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to whether accuracy at distance or knockdown power is your primary priority.
Conclusion
The 177 can mostly be used for hunting small game, which includes rodents and invasive bird species. The hunter, however, should practice proper shot placement most of the time because the .177 doesn’t match the energy of larger pellets such as the .22 and the .25. The type of pellet and air rifle used should also be a consideration when you want to know what to hunt with your .177.
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