Last updated July 26, 2026 · By Nick Hall. Part of our complete air rifle guide.
Airguns fire three very different projectiles, BBs, pellets, and slugs, and picking the right one matters as much as picking the rifle. Use the wrong ammo and even a great air rifle will shoot poorly. Here is how BBs, pellets, and slugs differ, and when to use each.
Quick Answer: BBs are round steel balls for cheap plinking, but they are inaccurate and can ricochet. Pellets are waisted lead “diabolo” projectiles that are far more accurate and are what you want for target shooting, pest control, and small-game hunting. Slugs are solid, bullet-shaped lead projectiles that hold energy better at long range, best used in powerful PCPs and big-bores. For almost all air rifle shooting, use pellets.
BBs: Cheap Plinking Only
BBs are round steel balls, usually .177 caliber, designed for cheap, high-volume plinking in BB guns and some multi-purpose air rifles. They are inexpensive and fun, but the round shape and steel construction make them inaccurate beyond short range and prone to ricochet off hard surfaces. Never use steel BBs for hunting, and be careful about your backstop. If a gun is rated for both BBs and pellets, shoot pellets when accuracy matters.
Pellets: The All-Purpose Choice
Pellets are the workhorse airgun projectile. Their waisted “diabolo” shape, a hollow skirt behind a solid head, creates drag-stabilized flight that is far more accurate than a BB and safer against ricochet because lead deforms on impact. Pellets come in several head styles for different jobs:
- Domed (round nose): the best all-around choice, accurate and aerodynamic. The default for hunting and general shooting.
- Wadcutter (flat nose): punches clean holes in paper, ideal for target shooting at close range.
- Hollowpoint: expands on impact for more knockdown, popular for pest control and small game at moderate range.
- Pointed: designed for penetration, though often less accurate than domed pellets.
Slugs: Long-Range and Big-Bore Power
Slugs are solid, bullet-shaped lead projectiles with no diabolo waist. They are heavier and more aerodynamic than pellets, so they hold velocity and energy far better downrange, which makes them the choice for long-range PCP shooting and for big-bore airguns hunting deer and hogs. The trade-off is that slugs need enough velocity and the right barrel twist to stabilize, so they shine in powerful PCPs, not in low-powered guns. Finding the exact slug your barrel likes is key to accuracy. See our best big-bore airguns guide for slug-slinging rifles.
Which Should You Use?
- Plinking cans on a budget: BBs (or cheap pellets).
- Target shooting, pest control, small-game hunting: pellets, domed for general use.
- Long-range PCP shooting or big-game hunting: slugs, in a rifle powerful enough to stabilize them.
Pellets, BBs & Slugs FAQ
What is the difference between BBs and pellets?
BBs are round steel balls for cheap plinking, but they are inaccurate at range and can ricochet. Pellets are waisted lead diabolo projectiles that are far more accurate and safer against ricochet, and they are what you want for target shooting, pest control and hunting.
Are slugs better than pellets in an air rifle?
Slugs hold velocity and energy better downrange, making them better for long-range PCP shooting and big-bore hunting. But they need enough velocity and the right barrel to stabilize, so pellets remain the better choice for most air rifles and general shooting.
Can any air rifle shoot slugs?
No. Slugs need a powerful rifle, usually a PCP, and a barrel that stabilizes them well. Low-powered spring and CO2 guns generally shoot pellets far more accurately than slugs.
What pellet head shape is best?
Domed pellets are the best all-around choice for accuracy and hunting. Wadcutters punch clean holes for close-range target work, hollowpoints expand for more knockdown on small game, and pointed pellets aim for penetration but are often less accurate.
Are steel BBs safe to shoot?
BBs are fine for supervised plinking with a proper backstop, but their steel construction makes them prone to ricochet off hard surfaces, so eye protection and a safe backstop are essential. Never use BBs for hunting.
Should I use pellets or slugs for hunting?
For most airgun hunting, use domed or hollowpoint pellets in the right caliber. Slugs come into play for long-range shots and big-bore hunting where their retained energy matters, in a rifle powerful enough to stabilize them.
Match your ammo to your caliber with our .177 vs .22 vs .25 guide, then dial it in with how to sight in an air rifle.
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