The Different Types of Airgun Pellets Explained: Domed, Hollow Point and Wadcutter Pellets
If you’re new to airgun shooting, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: What type of airgun pellet should I use?
The answer depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Different pellet designs are created for different purposes, whether that’s target shooting, plinking, competition shooting, or pest control.
In this guide, we’ll explain the three most common types of airgun pellets—domed pellets, hollow point pellets, and wadcutter pellets—and help you decide which is best for your air rifle or air pistol.
Why Does Pellet Choice Matter?
Many shooters focus on choosing the right airgun but overlook the importance of selecting the right pellet.
The shape, weight, and design of an airgun pellet can affect:
- Accuracy
- Velocity
- Energy transfer
- Flight stability
- Effective shooting range
Even the most accurate air rifle can produce poor results if paired with the wrong pellet. That’s why experienced shooters often test several pellet types to find the best match for their setup.
What Are Domed Pellets?
Domed pellets, also known as round-nose pellets, are the most popular and widely used type of airgun ammunition.
Their rounded head creates less drag during flight, allowing them to remain stable and accurate over longer distances.
Many shooters consider domed pellets the best all-round choice because they perform well in a wide variety of situations.
Advantages of Domed Pellets
- Excellent long-range accuracy
- Superior flight stability
- Good energy retention
- Suitable for most air rifles
- Available in a wide range of calibres and weights
Best Uses for Domed Pellets
- Target shooting
- Precision shooting
- Plinking
- Pest control where legal
- General recreational shooting
Are Domed Pellets the Most Accurate?
In many air rifles, yes.
Because of their aerodynamic design, domed pellets are often the preferred choice for shooters seeking the best accuracy at medium and longer distances.
What Are Hollow Point Pellets?
Hollow point pellets feature a hollow cavity in the front of the pellet.
This design is intended to increase expansion on impact and transfer more energy to the target.
While hollow point pellets can be effective at shorter distances, they generally lose stability faster than domed pellets as range increases.
Advantages of Hollow Point Pellets
- Increased impact energy
- Designed to expand on contact
- Effective at short to medium ranges
Best Uses for Hollow Point Pellets
- Pest control where legal
- Hunting applications where permitted
- Short-range shooting
Do Hollow Point Pellets Improve Accuracy?
Not usually.
Most shooters find domed pellets provide better overall accuracy. Hollow points are designed primarily for energy transfer rather than maximum precision.
What Are Wadcutter Pellets?
Wadcutter pellets are easy to identify because of their flat front.
They were originally designed for competitive paper target shooting and remain the preferred pellet for many indoor shooting disciplines.
The flat nose cuts a clean, round hole through paper, making scores easier to judge.
Advantages of Wadcutter Pellets
- Clean holes in paper targets
- Excellent short-range accuracy
- Ideal for indoor shooting ranges
- Popular for 10-metre competitions
Best Uses for Wadcutter Pellets
- Paper target shooting
- Indoor ranges
- Competition shooting
- Practice sessions
Are Wadcutter Pellets Good for Long-Range Shooting?
No.
Because their flat front creates more air resistance, wadcutter pellets lose velocity more quickly and are generally less effective beyond short distances.
Domed vs Hollow Point vs Wadcutter Pellets
| Pellet Type | Accuracy | Range | Energy Transfer | Best For |
| Domed | Excellent | Long | Good | General shooting and accuracy |
| Hollow Point | Good | Short to Medium | Excellent | Pest control where legal |
| Wadcutter | Excellent at short range | Short | Moderate | Paper target shooting |
Which Airgun Pellet Is Best for Beginners?
For most beginners, domed pellets are the easiest recommendation.
They provide reliable accuracy, work well in most air rifles, and perform effectively across a variety of shooting disciplines.
If your primary goal is punching paper targets at an indoor range, wadcutters may be a better option. For legal pest control applications, many shooters prefer hollow point pellets for their impact characteristics.
How to Find the Best Pellet for Your Air Rifle
Every airgun is different.
Two identical rifles can sometimes produce different results with the same pellet. The best approach is to test several pellet brands, weights, and designs to determine which delivers the tightest groups from your rifle.
Factors to consider include:
- Pellet shape
- Pellet weight
- Shooting distance
- Airgun power level
- Intended use
Many experienced shooters keep several pellet types available depending on the activity they’re undertaking.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right airgun pellet can significantly improve your shooting experience. Understanding the differences between domed, hollow point, and wadcutter pellets will help you achieve better accuracy, consistency, and performance.
For most shooters, domed pellets offer the best all-round solution. Wadcutter pellets remain the favourite for paper target shooting, while hollow point pellets are commonly used for pest control where legal.
If you’re unsure which pellet is best for your airgun, visit Crackshot in Newton Abbot. Our experienced team can help you select the right air rifle ammunition and find the perfect pellet for your shooting needs.
Check out some of these:
Rangemaster Sovereign Airgun Pellets – .22/5.5 Approx. 500 Per Tin –
JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy Diabolo .22 Pellets – Accuracy & Impact
H&N Baracuda 8 Pellets – Accuracy & Performance
Watch the video below to find the best pellet for your air rifle – The Different Types of Airgun Pellets Explained
How to find the best pellet for your air rifle – Fieldsports Channel