Is .22 or .177 quieter?

By Published On: 18 March 2022Categories: Air Gun Ammunition

A .177 air rifle pellet is usually quieter than a .22 air rifle pellet and may prove more effective for small mammal hunting.

10 Related FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a .177 and a .22 calibre air rifle pellet?

A: The difference between a .177 and a .22 calibre air rifle pellet is that the .177 pellet is smaller in diameter than the .22 pellet. The .177 pellet also generally has a higher muzzle velocity than the .22 pellet, which means it will travel faster and have more kinetic energy upon impact.

Q: How loud is a .177 rifle?

A: The exact decibel level depends on the rifle and ammo used as well as its calibre. That being said, tests find .177s to fire at roughly 76 decibels while .22s fire at around 80. That may not seem like a big difference, but decibel measurements aren’t linear; 80 decibels is twice as loud as 70, and four times as loud as 60. 70 decibels is about the noise level of a battery powered drill or a dishwasher.

Q: Which is better for hunting, a .177 or a .22 air rifle?

A: The answer to this question depends on what you are hunting. If you are hunting small game, such as rats, the .177 pellet may be more effective because it is smaller and travels faster. If you are hunting larger game, such as rabbits or squirrels, the .22 pellet may be necessary because it is larger and has more kinetic energy. If keeping quiet is important, then pick a .177 instead.

Q: How can I make my air rifle quieter?

A: You could try using a silencer or sound moderator. Another option is to use subsonic pellets which will reduce the noise of your air rifle. Finally, you could try shooting into softer surfaces like sand or hay bales, which will help to muffle the noise.

Q: What is a silencer for an air rifle?

A: A silencer, also known as a sound moderator, is a device that attaches to the muzzle of an air rifle and helps to reduce the noise of the gunshots. By trapping and redirecting the gases that are expelled when the pellet is fired, a silencer can help to reduce the noise by up to 30 decibels.

Q: Where can I buy a silencer for my air rifle?

A: You can purchase a silencer from The Wolfman! Because of UK law, the shipping of moderators and certain other gun parts is restricted, we send them via our own Airgun Delivery Service. Upon delivery, you will need to present a photo ID before receipt.

Q: Can I make my own silencer for my air rifle?

A: No. Even if you could physically make one, it isn’t recommended because air rifles can be dangerous; it’s best to leave manufacture of any parts to experts, who use precise machinery, experience, and quality materials.

About the Author: The Wolfman Store

After over 30 years experience in the Airgun trade, The Wolfman Store are delighted to announce our new website, enabling us to supply direct to the shooting community for the first time. Combining a vast stock of established favourites with exciting products new to the UK, The Wolfman Store will be striving to provide unparalleled service at the most competitive prices.

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