Perhaps you were seeking a definitive answer to the best pellet for a BSA air rifle. However, there are many variables to take into consideration first. Starting with what are the power sources for the air rifle.
Types Of Power Sources: BSA Air Rifles
BSA produce three variations of power sources for their air rifles. Firstly there is the manual springer air rifle. Next, they have the gas ram technology filled with pressurised nitrogen for consistent power. Finally, there is the PCP range of air rifles powered by compressed air.
BSA Models
Currently, BSA is building and selling 15 different models of air rifles in the PCP range. Just two models in the gas ram technology range and six in the springer selection. Of course, that does not include the older models that are not produced anymore; BSA has been producing air rifles since 1936. Here is a link to the BSA prefix codes, identifying the year that model was created.
The Best Pellets
Well, the obvious answer would be BSA pellets perform better in BSA air rifles, but do BSA make their pellets? The rumour is no, they do not, and they are probably manufactured somewhere in Germany. Before answering the question, we must consider what you are shooting at.
What’s Your Target
The type of target will determine the type of pellet which is best suited to that activity.
Hunting
The best pellets for hunting are dependant on a number of factors. The starting point for short to medium range would be a hollow point pellets. The BSA Interceptor would be a good first choice to try. Meduim to longer distances some (not all) wadcutter pellets are designed for accuracy. The Blue Star Pellets are designed specifically for this purpose, and the BSA Red Star pellets. Pointed pellets can also be good for long range hunting, as can slugs. Want to know about slugs? read our post on slugs vs pellets.
Target Shooting
The first choice has to be wadcutter as they have a flat front face and so give a clean, crisp hole in a paper target. The Blue Star is suitable, or for serious competition shooting the BSA Target – Competion pellet. The QYS match grade pellets should also be given some serious consideration.
Field Target
BSA recommend their BSA Red Star for field target shooting. The domed / diablo pellets are good for FT because the shape is designed for stability resulting in accuracy. Other great choices would be the H&N Field Target Trophy,
Plinking
You can use any type of pellet for plinking but you still want a degree of accuracy otherwise it become demoralising if you keep missing the target. For plinking cost will become a consideration so we have written a post on, are budget pellets worth the money?
Conclusion
I know there is no exact answer to whats the best pellet for a BSA air rifle, just because its a BSA riflle it does not mean that BSA Pellets will perform the best. Every BSA air rifle manfucatred will have a slight difference even with the same model. One pellet could shoot perfect in one BSA R10 TH and not necessarily in another one. We recommend that you test with a sample pellet pack, you are looking for the most consistent grouping at a set distance. It could also be the case at different distances other types of pellets will perform better.
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