Ammunition

Ammunition for compressed air weapons can be divided into three categories: Diabolo, spring bolts and steel round balls (BBs). The latter are also known from soft air pistols. In contrast, the standard BB size for air guns is only 4.5mm. They therefore shoot a smaller caliber than soft air weapons with 6mm.
The best-known type of ammunition for compressed air weapons are the so-called diabolos. These are available to order from us in different variants.

Diabolos for air guns - pointed head & flat head variants

As already mentioned, diabolos are available in different versions. The most striking is certainly the shape of the head. A distinction is made here between pointed, round and flat-headed diabolos. Flat-headed diabolos are the standard ammunition for airguns. Over time, they have established themselves as the preferred variant for competitions, as they leave the cleanest holes in targets. However, they only have sufficient accuracy at short range in enclosed spaces. Pointed-head diabolos are less sensitive to wind and are relatively accurate up to 25 m.

Ammunition for air guns is not a consumable in the casual sense, but a precisely manufactured component that works directly with the barrel, valve, and energy output. Especially in the 4.5 mm (.177) to 5.5 mm (.22) range, shape, material, and weight determine how reproducibly a weapon works. Small differences that seem trivial at first glance become clearly apparent on the target.

Compressed air projectiles must be guided, stabilized, and accelerated as evenly as possible. Any deviation—whether in head size, skirt, or weight—has a direct impact on precision and consistency.

4.5 mm and 5.5 mm calibers – design differences

4.5 mm pellets are light, fast, and sensitive. Due to their low weight, they react strongly to irregularities in the barrel or to minimal deformations. Their advantage lies in their flat trajectory and high velocity, their disadvantage in their susceptibility to dispersion when manufactured inconsistently.

5.5 mm pellets have more mass. This stabilizes flight, reduces speed fluctuations, and ensures more consistent energy transfer. At the same time, the load on the barrel and system increases, which is why clean workmanship is particularly important here.

Materials – soft, coated, or hard

The majority of compressed air ammunition is made of lead or lead alloys. Lead is soft, dense, and easy to shape. It adapts to the barrel and seals reliably. The disadvantage is abrasion, which makes regular barrel cleaning necessary.

Coated projectiles combine a lead core with a polymer or copper coating. This reduces friction and barrel contamination. At the same time, it slightly changes the weight and can affect the fit in the barrel. Not every weapon reacts to this in the same way.

Tin or lead-free bullets are significantly lighter. They reach high speeds but tend to fly unsteadily, especially over longer distances. Their hardness puts more strain on the barrel, which can be problematic for non-approved weapons.

Steel bullets play a minor role in the field of precision air guns. They are hard, difficult to control, and only suitable for specially designed systems.

Projectile shapes – more than just appearance

The shape of the projectile influences guidance, stabilization, and energy transfer.

Flat head (wadcutter)

Clean hole patterns on targets, short distances, high guidance stability. They quickly lose speed over longer distances.

Round head (domed)

Balanced shape for stability and consistent flight. They are considered precision-friendly, especially in 5.5 mm.

Pointed head

Lower air resistance, but often poorer barrel sealing. Precision varies greatly depending on the barrel.

Hollow point

Larger frontal area, higher energy transfer. The open tip makes them susceptible to deformation in the magazine or when loading.

No shape is fundamentally superior. The decisive factor is how well it harmonizes with the barrel.

Weight – stability versus speed

In 4.5 mm caliber, typical weights range between 0.45 g and 0.70 g. Light bullets accelerate faster but are more susceptible to wind. Heavier variants fly more smoothly but require consistent energy delivery.

In 5.5 mm, weights are usually between 0.90 g and 1.30 g. The higher mass ensures more stable flight but requires clean valve control and sufficient energy.

A common mistake is to assume that heavier is automatically better. In reality, the weight must match the system. A weapon with uneven energy delivery often benefits from heavier projectiles, while consistent systems can also fire light ammunition accurately.

Head size and manufacturing tolerances

The head size is one of the most important factors. Even differences of a few hundredths of a millimeter change the resistance in the barrel. A head size that is too small leads to poor sealing, while one that is too large increases resistance and deforms the bullet.

High-quality ammunition is sorted by weight and size. Cheaper varieties have greater variation, which is directly reflected in uneven hits.

Behavior in the barrel and wear

Soft bullets adapt well but leave deposits. Hard or coated bullets reduce deposits but increase mechanical wear. Regular cleaning is necessary regardless of the material to ensure consistent results.

Ammunition

Diabolos for air guns - pointed head & flat head variants

4.5 mm and 5.5 mm calibers – design differences

Materials – soft, coated, or hard

Projectile shapes – more than just appearance

Weight – stability versus speed

Head size and manufacturing tolerances

Behavior in the barrel and wear

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