5.5 mm (.22) Airgun Ammunition

5.5 mm (.22) Airgun Ammunition: Power, Accuracy and Versatility

5.5 mm (.22) is the second most popular airgun calibre in the world and has become the preferred choice for many air rifle shooters. The heavier projectile delivers more retained energy than .177 while maintaining excellent accuracy, making it ideal for powerful PCP air rifles as well as spring-powered and gas ram airguns.

At SEM Jacht & Schietsport you'll find an extensive range of 5.5 mm airgun ammunition, including pellets, slugs and BBs from leading manufacturers. Whether you are looking for affordable training ammunition or premium projectiles for maximum precision, you'll find the right option for your airgun.

Why choose 5.5 mm (.22)?

The .22 calibre offers an outstanding combination of power, stability and accuracy. Thanks to its heavier projectile, it retains energy better than .177 while offering an enormous selection of ammunition for virtually every type of airgun.

• More energy than 4.5 mm (.177).
• Excellent accuracy at short and longer distances.
• The preferred calibre for many powerful PCP air rifles.
• Available in a wide range of projectile weights and designs.
• Suitable for recreational, target and precision shooting.

Which air rifles are available in 5.5 mm?

Virtually every major airgun manufacturer produces air rifles chambered in 5.5 mm (.22), making it one of the most versatile calibres available.

Popular examples include:

• FX DRS, Impact, Panthera, Crown and Maverick.
• Air Arms S400, S410, S510 and TX200.
• Weihrauch HW100, HW95, HW97K, HW80 and HW77.
• Daystate Alpha Wolf, Delta Wolf, Red Wolf and Huntsman.
• BSA R12, Ultra CLX and Scorpion.
• Gamo Hunter, Whisper, CFX and G-Magnum.
• Hatsan AT44, Flash, BT65 and Factor.
• Diana 34, 48, 54 AirKing and Stormrider.
• Benjamin Marauder and Cayden.
• Selected Crosman spring-powered and PCP models.

Pellets or slugs?

The 5.5 mm calibre offers several different projectile types.

• Pellets are the most versatile choice and suitable for almost every .22 airgun.
• Slugs feature a higher ballistic coefficient and are designed for powerful PCP air rifles capable of stabilising them.
• BBs should only be used in airguns specifically designed for BB ammunition.

Always check whether your air rifle is suitable for slugs before using them, as not every barrel is designed for this type of projectile.

Projectile weight and accuracy

Projectile weight is measured in grains (gr). The ideal weight depends on your air rifle, its power output and your intended shooting distance.

Common weight ranges include:

• 13 to 16 grains.
• 18 to 22 grains.
• 25 to 27 grains.
• 30 to 34 grains.
• 40 grains and heavier for specialised slugs.

Lighter pellets generally produce higher velocities, while heavier projectiles retain energy more effectively at longer distances. Many PCP shooters test different weights to achieve the best possible accuracy.

Leading 5.5 mm (.22) ammunition brands

SEM Jacht & Schietsport stocks premium 5.5 mm airgun ammunition from trusted manufacturers.

• JSB Match
• H&N Sport
• RWS
• Gamo
• FX Airguns

These manufacturers produce high-quality pellets, slugs and BBs for virtually every .22 calibre air rifle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5.5 mm the same as .22 calibre?

Yes. 5.5 mm and .22 calibre are two different designations for exactly the same calibre.

Are slugs better than pellets?

Not necessarily. Slugs perform exceptionally well in powerful PCP air rifles, while pellets remain the best choice for most spring-powered and many PCP airguns.

Which projectile weights are the most popular?

Pellets between approximately 15 and 22 grains are among the most commonly used. Slugs are also available in considerably heavier weights.

Can every .22 air rifle shoot BBs?

No. BB ammunition should only be used if the manufacturer specifically states that your airgun is designed for it.

Why is .22 so popular for PCP air rifles?

It offers an excellent balance between retained energy, accuracy, ammunition availability and a wide choice of projectile weights.

Why choose SEM Jacht & Schietsport?

SEM Jacht & Schietsport offers one of the largest selections of 5.5 mm (.22) airgun ammunition. From affordable training pellets to premium match ammunition and modern PCP slugs, our experts are happy to help you choose the right projectile, weight and ammunition for your air rifle.