Getting my first pcp this year. Most likely going to be the Brocock Sniper Magnum now I’m just debating which caliber. Going to be hunting raccoons and small game at longer ranges using slugs. Would love to hear from you experienced hunters!
.22 or .25 for beginners
- Thread starter Castin’Catchin’ 26
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If strictly hunting? The .25, if hunting, mixed in with lots of plinking or target shooting? A .22. With your choice of a magnum PCP, pushing slugs over 900 fps? At those energy levels, you would have to use the same considerations as when using a rimfire .22 rifle. With airguns in many instances and though counterintuitive, “less power” equals “more” opportunities at critters.
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I strated with the 22 went 25 and never turned back, not anymore expensive or loud and much better knock down power
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I don’t understand. Less power equals more opportunity? Can you put that in perspective for me.
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How’s the trajectory with a .25? Will I have to hold over considerably more at say 100 yards? Vs a .22
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The hoop house at the farm, which I’ve taken hundreds of pest birds and a few rats. Was off limits to my Bantam Sniper HR, even with the TP at its lowest level. Shooting at roosting starlings in the barn rafters? No way, it would punch holes through, so again, off limits. There is a place for the magnums, but they are not as versatile as you might think. It all really depends on the kind of pestling or hunting ”you” are doing. I came to my opinions through actual field use and blowing lots of setups and missed opportunities. For me there was the “theory“ of how I would pest and the “actual practice” in the field, in and around buildings, equipment and livestock.
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To be frank trajectory sucks with all of them lol. The BC difference between the 22/25 slugs is pretty small so assuming your velocity is similar your trajectory will be pretty close. But the slug will allow you a higher and more consistent BC vs a pellet. The 25 is better overall, but Im sure I could hit a ground squirrel at 200 yards with a decent 22 cal setup. As far as the lower power giving you more opportunities L.Leon is referring to the safety aspect of using slugs. You can pretty safely shoot a 22 cal Hades up into a tree without worrying too much about hurting somebody, but a slug is a whole different story. You need to have a good backdrop before taking a shot. Property damage is something to consider too. If you can turn down your rig to 20-30ft-lbs with a pellet you likely wont break anything that your target is standing on.
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I could see two reasons. 1) you're using less air, so you have more shots per fill. 2) using less air, so it's easier to moderate the noise. . . so you're less likely to scare off your prey with a missed shot.
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I have two of each. One of my 25s is tuned to shoot 20 grain H&N FTTs about 870 and one of my 22s shoots 21 grain H&N Baracuda Match about 835 fps. So they have nearly identical fpe, about 32. I don't notice any significant difference in the effect on game. But the 22 is much newer, I've only killed 4 squirrels with it so far. The 25 has killed 18. 15 of 18 squirrels hit with the 25 were pass throughs and only 2 of 18 ran at all and they didn't get far. None of the 4 hit with the 22 ran at all and all were pass throughs. Shots were a mixture of brain shots and body shots with both. Not the most data in the world but I think if you have a 22 at over 30 fpe it will kill small game quickly at reasonable ranges with good shot placement. I am very confident a 25 will too but I'm not sure there is a big difference. But it is easier to get the energy up on a 25 if your want to. But I don't think you need to for small game.
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hunting at longer ranges isnt a good plan to start with, and an expensive gun to drag through the bushes and bang around isnt either ... but for hunting, yeah a .25 is the way to go ..
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Won’t be shooting long range to begin with but rather learn my rifle with time. Reason I’m going with the Brocock is because of its rigidity. Been trying hard to find bad reviews on it believe me but can’t seem to find any. Seems like my feed back been towards .25 so far might lean towards it. Thanks for your input!
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Brocock Sniper XR Review/Camp/Hunt
Last month I was one of the fortunate few to receive the Brocock Sniper XR that are New for 2020. These New model Brocock rifles now feature a side-lever over the old style bolt action design. I wa…
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That’s because BRK Brococks are super solid PCPs that perform afield and off the bench. Unbox, few patches down barrel, mount scope, sight in. Then go hunt… drama free for the shooter, dramatic results on targets, pests and game.
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I've got a few 22's and only keep one 25 around now a days.. I've been hunting with air for a very long time and prefer the 22.. just a personal thing I guess... basically what I'm saying is... No matter the caliber you choose... Practice practice practice... Get to know it... (As with any hunting rig) shot placement it the key. Learn/know it's limits. Main thing is have fun.. (you might want to consider a rifle that you can swap calibers... Don't like a 25.. not a problem buy a 22 kit... Don't like a 22 or 25 get a 30 cal kit)
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For that particular airgun I would pick .25cal as well. They have a used one at AOA for $1299. That's the one I would buy.
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Eddie,
I agree with all the advice you have received here as well. For your described shooting need a .25 is a very capably caliber for all the reasons described, and the Brocock Sniper is an awesome choice. Enjoy.
Patrick
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