Ensuring safety while enjoying airgun shooting in your backyard or garden can be tricky. Although no pellet (or airgun) is risk-free, specific ammo and practices reduce hazards like over-penetration, ricochet, and noise. This guide covers key considerations and recommends pellet types that can be better suited for backyard plinking or pest control.
1. Choose a Lower-Caliber & Lower-Power Setup
- Calibre Selection: Most backyard shooters stick to .177 or .22. A lower calibre travelling at modest velocities is less likely to travel far or cause excessive damage if a shot misses or ricochets.
- Power Level: High-powered airguns (even in .22 or .25 calibre) can carry significant energy and pose additional safety concerns. Consider an airgun with moderate muzzle velocity if your goal is casual plinking or light pest control.
2. Pellets That Help Reduce Over-Penetration
- Wadcutters: These flat-headed pellets are popular for target shooting because they cut neat holes in paper. Their shape can also reduce over-penetration on soft targets.
- Hollow Points: The hollow cavity expands the pellet upon impact. Expansion helps transfer energy to the target instead of carrying it beyond, which can be beneficial for pest control and may reduce ricochet hazards.
- Frangible Pellets: Typically made from composite materials that shatter on impact, frangible pellets minimise the risk of ricochet. They can be more expensive but are worth considering if safety is paramount.
3. Materials & Ricochet Risk
- Lead vs. Non-Lead: Lead tends to deform on impact, which can lower the odds of ricocheting. Non-lead pellets (often tin-based) are more eco-friendly but can be harder, raising ricochet potential if your backstop isn’t adequate.
- Avoid Steel BBs: BBs are small steel spheres that don’t deform, making them notorious for ricochets. For backyard shooting, a pellet is almost always a safer option.
4. The Importance of a Proper Backstop
Regardless of which pellet you choose, a reliable air rifle backstop or pellet trap is vital for safety:
- Material Choices: Old carpets, thick plywood, or dedicated pellet traps filled with rubber mulch can effectively stop pellets.
- Neighbours & Noise: A well-constructed backstop and mindful shooting habits go a long way toward preventing damage and complaints.
5. Recommended Pellet Examples
- Crosman Premier Hollow Point (.177 or .22): Known for consistent quality. Hollow points help reduce pass-through.
- RWS Hobby (.177): A classic target pellet that deforms quickly, helping minimise ricochets.
- H&N Field Target Trophy Green (Lead-Free): A solid lead-free option that delivers accuracy. Note potential ricochet if you don’t have a robust backstop.
- JSB Exact Diabolo (Domed): A versatile, well-regarded pellet. Domed pellets are a good all-rounder if you’ve got a solid pellet trap.
6. Safety & Legalities
- Local Regulations: Check if it’s legal to discharge airguns in your area. Some local authorities restrict airgun use within city limits.
- Protective Gear: Eye protection is a must. While airguns are typically quieter than firearms, you may also consider hearing protection if you’re shooting high-powered spring or gas-piston rifles.
- Respectful Shooting: Always ensure you’re aiming safely, and be conscious of neighbours who may be sensitive to noise or the idea of airguns in the vicinity.
Final Thoughts
No projectile-shooting activity is entirely free from risk. Still, by combining proper pellet selection (especially wadcutters, hollow points, or frangible) with a robust backstop and lower-powered airgun, you can enjoy backyard shooting with much greater peace of mind. Make sure you understand and follow local laws, and always practice responsible shooting habits to keep yourself, your property, and your neighbours safe.
Remember, wherever you shoot, you must ensure that all of your pellets remain within the boundary of the land to which your shooting permission applies.