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Air Arms pellets

Air Arms pellets

Recently Air Arms have re-packaged their existing line of pellets in stylish, black lidded tins with yellow writing so they do catch the eye when on the shelf. They have also added some new ones too. They make no secret they work closely with manufacturing giants JSB of the Czech Republic, who use specific dies to produce the AA-branded projectiles to the quality we have come to expect. Design and R&D work is done by Air Arms, not on computer, but on the range to plot trajectory in the traditional way rather than relying on ballistic software.

Good to Group!

The Diablo Field is a typical roundhead design that works equally well in any type of rifle. Both are available in two head sizes .177 (4.51 & 4.52mm) and .22 (5.51 & 5.52mm) - the .177 weighs 8.4grains and the .22 at 16.1grains are always good to group. Granted, some barrels might prefer an alternative brand, but try changing the head size before dismissing these high quality projectiles. For me they’re nigh on the perfect weight and design for any sub 12ft lb air rifle in both popular calibres for target shooting and hunting. There’s also a .25 calibre version (6.35mm & 25.4grains) so watch out for something special coming soon…

The Hunters are available in .22 only. Normally this sort of design shows a pointed head and I was wary until I saw the actual shape. It’s more of a truncated cone and all the better for it too! Using my .22 calibre BSA Ultra Tactical MS, the Hunters proved to be highly accurate. These are true hunting slugs that seemingly retain more energy delivering a mighty whack at sensibly airgun hunting ranges. They weigh the same as the Diablos, but I’d wager the weight leans percentage-wise slightly towards the head as opposed to the Diablo’s where there’s equilibrium of balance from tip to the back end of skirt.

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Getting’ Heavy

The Diablo Field Heavy is also only available in .22 calibre and weighs 18grains. Now you’d think an extra two-grains wouldn’t make that much difference but considering many successfully use .22 Diablo Fields in 22-24ft lb air rifles, I feel it’s a sensible addition to their range. Not only for FAC-rated use up to 26-28ft lb, but shot from a 12ft lb gun I’d certainly consider them for ratting and feral pigeon clobbering!

Outdoor range evaluation is more my thing as you’re almost shooting in a hunting environment. However, the Field Heavies shot from my custom Theoben Rapid MkII putting out 30ft lbs didn’t blow out and showed a much flatter trajectory without loss of accuracy out to 60yds+. I had access to use a variable power, .22 calibre, hi-power Air Arms Classic, set to run at 26ft lbs and the balance of power as I call it (muzzle energy combined with pellet weight) really hit home.

If your hi-power air rifle is running under 28ft lbs, try these and if you’re not surprised at the accuracy out to 75yds and the energy retention at the target - blame me, not Air Arms. Incidentally, the company tested them at 34ft lbs and still have faith in them which due to my own findings I can well believe.

For: Old or new Air Arms pellets offer a lot
Against: Not a lot
Verdict: Well worth consideration

PRICES:
Diablo .177 (tins of 500) £8.37, .22 (tin of 500) £10.66. 
Hunter .22 (tin of 500) £10.66  
Diablo Field Heavy .22 (tin of 250) £6.38    
Diablo Field (tin of 350) £12.53  
Neoprene Pellet Pouch £1.60

  • Air Arms pellets - image {image:count}

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  • Air Arms pellets - image {image:count}

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  • Air Arms pellets - image {image:count}

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