Small Game - Pellets .177 or .22

Hey.. Holly ... stuffin's.

How did you go about notching/modding those hollow points?

Your .177 cal UK rifles standard energy limit of 12 ft lb (approx 800 - 850 ft/sec at the muzzle) spring piston is lethal for a 1 1/2" dia. large rabbit kill zone up to 30 yards range for certain.  The reason the .177 cal. approx. 7.8 gr. wt pellet would have kill impact is because the shot in the kill zone is delivering 5ftlb of energy at approximately 500 - 550 ft/sec terminal velocity.  To kill a jack rabbit requires 4 or 5 ft lb. A smaller rabbit would be like a squirrel requiring 3 ft lb at 450 ft/sec terminal velocity. Be cautious of the risk of only wounding the rabbit because the certain kill zone with any air rifle whether it is standard energy or magnum is head shot placement. Also your practice at 20 yd and 30 yd shots on paper targets to learn the rifle's, the pellets and your own marksmanship limit. cheers

[hunter220]

By using a sharp razor blade to cut an x on the hollow portion of the CM

[London177]

Thanks JP for the advice. I did get some today although they are quite expensive here in the UK. But as I got a few thousand £'s back pay I can afford it :)
Before I knew what was what I had assumed I needed the heaviest pellets out there but now I know better.
By the way how do those bunnies taste from the west coast?
Best wishes,
Alan

[London177]

How do you like the Talon Mike? Also what weight are the Crow Magnums?
regards,
Alan

[London177]

Excellent! First class idea :)

[London177]

Hi :)
Thanks for the info'
I am going for head shots only so if I miss I will hopefully miss the rabbit completely and not just cause a wound that will cause suffering and  a lingering death. I did meet a fellow recently who told me he only does "body shots" with his .22 as this is suffient. Hmmm. I am not so sure.
I know my limits and 30 yards is very tops for me.
Thanks again,
Alan :)

[longislandhunter]

You can take a rabbit with a good body shot,,, the key word there being "good" body shot,,,, but I'd go for the head shot everytime if it's available..

Jeff