Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Air Guns Domed vs. flat head pellets for hunting?

Traditionally I have always used flat head pellets for my pest bird control, most of my shots are long range though. I tried hollow points, pointed too. In the end, the flat head and domed pellets seem to be the most accurate at long distance. The flat heads really put shock/killing power into the pest birds, amazed that they shoot so well considering that they have poor aerodynamics with the flat head. I bought the domed on my last purchase as I thought they would be better at penetration and aerodynamics.

I currently shoot the .177 caliber in both of my airguns as this has a flatter trajectory over the .22 that I used to use. I prefer the RWS brand, have had good luck with the Czech made stuff too. Anyone find the flat heads better for pest control over the domed?

Most match .177 fodder has a BC of 0.010. Great for punching paper at 10 m. 8.44 grain JSB Exacts are more than double that (0.021 - 0.029). I use the Exacts in my 124D sporter and 300S for outdoor field target and swatting starlings. Run that B/C data though JBM Ballistics to answer your query....

I just use the one most accurate in a particular gun.

There's not much difference in ballistics at practical pellet gun distances.

I do prefer domed or pointed for penetration, but will still choose a flat point if that's what the gun likes.

For small pest birds, I don't think it makes any difference. When hunting larger small game such as rabbits and squirrels, the domed seems to penetrate better. I like flat heads for targets because they leave cleaner holes in the paper.

Other than at very short range, I've never gotten the accuracy out of wadcutter pellets that I have domed or pointed. But I agree with Snyper, I'd just use whatever shot the best out of my gun.

I've used both on rock chucks, the flat points definitely smack at close range but I opt for the Hollowpoint Diabolo 's like Croman Premiers for better down range punch. I often shoot out to 50 yards or so. I much prefer the .22 over .177 for any hunting purpose. (Sample size 1,000+)

Thanks for the info, guys. Montivigant...the info on the specs of the domed pellet has made me decide to reorder when I run out. My pest control has been very active lately, Spring time is like that with the birds being all antsy and my RWS domed pellets have really been putting them down,

I mostly use my Daisy 901 multi-pump as it is more accurate and quiet over my RWS 34. But I like the RWS 34 for trips to the range and if a crow should come by, have had the rifle for 7 years and never killed a bird with it as that spring sure affects the accuracy at distance, and yes I do use the artillery hold. I wish Daisy would put out a 901 in .22, could use the greater hitting power of that bullet, and the 901 is easy on the wallet too.

Flat heads plane in the wind, domes less. Generally you can get a higher weight in a dome. and that also helps with wind. In a 177 I use 10 grainers, and 18 in a 22. The 177 is a Walther LG300 Dominator, and the 22 is an Air Arms SL500. Neither like flat heads. I shoot silhouette, so the ram is at 45 yards.
In the house I shoot a Walther LG400 in 177, but it is made for flat heads, 10 grain domes are less accurate, but it is only 570fps with 8 grainers.