General type of bullet or cartridge.
Ammunition specifically for pneumatics is divided into 2 main groups - bullets and
balls. The external difference between them is that the balls have a regular round shape, but bullets have a directional shape, with a clearly defined front and back. In addition, bullets were originally created for rifled barrels, and balls are used mainly in smooth ones - with rare exceptions.
Modern bullets for pneumatics are distinguished by a variety of specific shapes:
hemispherical,
expansive,
flat-headed,
conical,
cap-shaped,
with a core, darts, etc. Balls, in turn, differ primarily in material: lead, steel and copper-plated balls are used in classic pneumatic weapons, and plastic ones are intended mainly for airsoft drives (such drives, we emphasize, are not originally weapons).
Another popular type of ammunition that is not classified as full-fledged combat or hunting ammunition is
Flaubert cartridges. And among the more specific types of bullets/cartridges, we can note charges for cleaning the barrel and pyrotechnic charges, and the latter include both a special type of bullets for pneumatics and blank cartridges.
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Here is a more detailed description of all the types of ammunition mentioned above:
- Bullets. The main difference between modern pneumatic bullets lies primarily in the shape of the head; It is precisely this parameter that in most cases indicates the general type. The most common options today are:
- Hemispherical. The rounded shape of the head provides an excellent balance of characteristics and is considered the most universal: it allows you to maintain both penetrating and stopping effects, and also has a high ballistic coefficient. Thanks to this, hemispherical bullets are the most popular nowadays, and many long-range shooters consider them almost the ideal option for such tasks (although, of course, in practice everything depends on the quality of a particular brand of ammunition).
- Conical. Bullets with a pointed head. This shape of the warhead has a positive effect on flight range and penetrating action. On the other hand, the stopping effect of such bullets is quite low; in this indicator they are inferior to hemispherical ones and, even more so, to expansive ones. Therefore, this type of ammunition is well suited for recreational shooting at medium and long distances, but is used very limitedly for hunting purposes.
- Flat head. The flat head is notable for the fact that it leaves very clear, even holes in paper and other similar materials. In addition, such bullets have a good stopping effect. On the other hand, they quickly lose speed due to high drag. Therefore, this type of charge is best suited for shooting at targets at short distances, up to 10 m; in particular, such bullets are very popular as ammunition for air pistols.
- Expansive. A distinctive feature of all hollow point bullets is a characteristic hollow point or cross-shaped cut (“dum-dum”) in the front part. Thanks to this shape, such a bullet, when hit, seems to “unfold”, increasing in size. This makes it possible to achieve a very high stopping effect - in this indicator, expansive ammunition has no equal. On the other hand, for effective deployment a fairly high speed is required at the moment of impact (from 200 to 280 m/s, depending on the caliber and characteristics of the particular ammunition). However, from an aerodynamic point of view, the shape of this type of bullet does not contribute to either range or accuracy. Therefore, in pneumatics, the main purpose of expansive ammunition is considered to be hunting small game at relatively short distances (ideally up to 20 m) using powerful rifles that provide high initial speed.
- With a core. Bullets that have a relatively hard core in a plastic or lead jacket. The shape is usually close to the conical ones described above, with the head of the bullet being formed by a protruding core. Such ammunition is interesting due to its increased penetrating effect while maintaining stopping power: when it hits a more or less dense surface, the shell remains outside, and the core penetrates deeper. On the other hand, bullets with a core do not differ in accuracy, especially when used in powerful weapons with a high initial velocity. So it makes sense to use them in relatively weak rifles/pistols at short and, at most, medium distances.
- Cap-shaped. Bullets in the form of a characteristic cap or cup, usually with a rounded head (less often with a pointed one). The key advantages of such ammunition are ease of production and low cost (several times lower than, for example, hemispherical or conical bullets). On the other hand, manufacturing accuracy is usually low, and even at relatively short distances the “caps” can produce significant scatter. So, in general, bullets of this type can be recommended mainly for recreational use and for training novice shooters.
Note that the general shape of most of the types of bullets described above can also be different. The most widespread in our time are bullets of the "diabolo" type - with a narrowing in the middle and a characteristic expansion (skirt) in the tail. When fired, such a skirt expands somewhat and is pressed tightly into the rifling of the barrel, thus ensuring stable rotation and an even trajectory in further flight. There are also other variants of the general shape (including the simplest cylindrical), but much less common.
- Balloons. Balls in general are very inexpensive, but their accuracy and accuracy are also significantly lower than that of bullets. So the main purpose of such ammunition is recreational shooting at short distances. The only exception is airsoft ammunition; among them you can find solutions suitable for sniper shooting over quite significant distances. Be that as it may, these days you can find the following types of balls on sale:
- Steel. The most popular option nowadays. Steel balls, on the one hand, are relatively inexpensive, on the other hand, they are hard, hold their shape well and do not deform even with prolonged shock. On the other hand, for the same reason, steel balls are only suitable for smooth barrels; they cannot be used with rifled ones - the hard material greatly wears out the rifling, and in the worst case, the ball can become completely stuck in the barrel. In addition, some types of steel are not particularly resistant to corrosion; most often this point is not critical, but if ammunition is to be stored in conditions of high humidity, you should pay attention to balls with additional coating, especially copper-plated ones (see below).
- Copper-plated. The balls are usually steel, complemented by a copper coating. This coating performs two main functions. Firstly, it protects the base material from corrosion. Secondly, copper is noticeably softer than steel, which allows the use of such balls even with rifled barrels. However, it is better to consider this possibility as a last resort option - the main area of application of copper-plated balls is still smooth-bore pneumatics.
- Lead. The only type of balls that is without restrictions suitable for use with rifled barrels (if the possibility of shooting balls is even possible in such pneumatics). Soft lead fits tightly into the rifling and hardly wears them out. Of course, such balls are also perfectly compatible with smoothbore pneumatics. True, the softness of the material in some cases turns out to be a disadvantage: from prolonged shaking and hitting each other during transportation, such balls can become deformed, which negatively affects accuracy. On the other hand, this type of ammunition (unlike bullets) is not initially intended for high-precision shooting. Also, the features of lead balls include greater weight than steel and copper-plated ones; This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the specifics of the situation.
- Plastic. Plastic balls are distinguished by their low weight, very low muzzle energy and, as a result, minimal penetrating effect. It makes no sense to use such ammunition in classic air guns, but they are ideal for airsoft. If you have the simplest protection (glasses, clothing covering the body, ideally also gloves and a mask), being hit by such a ball even at close range can be painful, but generally harmless. And thanks to the use of special devices (such as Hop-Up spinning systems), the aimed shooting range can be measured in tens of meters. The standard caliber of airsoft drives is 6 mm; other, larger calibers are also used in some drive models, but extremely rarely. Regarding the balls, it is worth noting that among them there are quite original varieties - for example, “tracers” that can glow in flight when used with a special attachment.
- Darts. A rather unusual type of bullet for pneumatics: they have an elongated shape and plumage in the form of a characteristic brightly colored shank, and darts from one set can have feathers of different colors. The bullet itself usually has a thin pointed nose and a wider body, which acts as a depth limiter upon impact. The fletching, in turn, performs two functions: it stabilizes the dart in flight, and after hitting it, it distinguishes it from the background of the target surface. At the same time, several shooters can comfortably use one target at once - just give each of them darts of a certain color.
One of the key features of darts is that they are reusable. If you use targets made of special materials (in particular, with a rubberized surface), then the bullets after hits can be carefully removed and used again. On the other hand, for other types of purposes (including recreational shooting at cans, boxes, etc.), darts are poorly suited, and not every weapon is suitable for such bullets: you need either a “breaker” or a pneumatic gun with a sufficiently long chamber . Another nuance is that shooting a couple of hundred traditional bullets in itself is easier and more convenient than regularly running to the target for a dozen darts. There are other nuances; in any case, such charges are used only for recreational and prize shooting, and then extremely rarely.
- Flaubert's cartridges. Essentially, the Flaubert cartridge is a small-caliber (4 mm) firearm; however, in terms of ballistic characteristics, such a cartridge is similar to conventional pneumatics, therefore, in many countries, Flaubert weapons are equated to pneumatic ones (4.5 mm caliber) and are sold without special permits. The traditional format of weapons chambered for this cartridge is revolvers; however, nowadays you can find other options - from pocket key fobs to long-barreled carbines. In any case, the Flaubert can be an excellent choice both for recreational shooting and for training novice shooters (in particular, for getting used to the sound of a shot and learning the rules of caring for firearms). For more information about such ammunition, see “Caliber”.
- Pyrotechnic. This term can be applied to two types of ammunition. Most often we are talking about special bullets for pneumatics, which are also called “explosive”, “flash-noise” and “sighting”. This bullet contains a special substance that, when it hits a hard surface, produces a bright flash and a loud sound. In addition to being entertaining, such shooting also has a very practical meaning: thanks to the flash, the location of each hit is clearly visible (hence the name “sighting”). However, it is worth keeping in mind that “explosive” bullets cannot be loaded into powerful rifles - a strong shock during a shot can lead to detonation right in the barrel. Specific restrictions on this matter for different brands of bullets should be clarified separately.
In addition, pyrotechnic cartridges also include blank (without a bullet) cartridges, most often designed for pistols and produced in a standard 9 mm caliber. Such cartridges can be used in starting, gas, traumatic (rubber bullet) and combat pistols for various tasks: giving signals, scaring away dogs or wild animals, distracting the attention of intruders, etc. In addition, blank charges are great for developing certain skills shooting (in particular, correct reaction to the sound of a shot and control of recoil).
— For cleaning the barrel. Bullets used to clean the barrels of air guns - from dust, moisture, excess oil, metal shavings from ordinary bullets, etc. Essentially, they are felt wads that are soaked in a cleaning agent, loaded into the barrel and fired (in addition to specialized cleaning agents Acetone or alcohol can be used for this purpose). However, it is worth keeping in mind that such a procedure cannot replace full cleaning with a cleaning rod; however, it is well suited for quickly removing small dirt, as well as for final cleaning of the barrel after using brushes and other harsh products. More detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special manuals; Here we only note that bullets for cleaning the barrel need to be loaded several at a time. This allows you to create the necessary resistance in the barrel so that the weapon does not fire empty (for many rifles this is extremely undesirable).Caliber is the general size of ammunition that determines compatibility with a specific weapon. For pneumatics, the caliber is determined only by the nominal size of the bullet/ball; in other types of weapons and pyrotechnics (“flauberts”, starting pistols, etc.), the length of the cartridge case can also be taken into account.
The main calibers used in modern pneumatics and other similar weapons are:
4 mm Flaubert,
4.5 mm,
5.5 mm, 6 mm,
6.35 mm. Larger calibers - 7.62 mm and
9 mm - are noticeably less common.
Before considering the features of the above options, it is worth clarifying one nuance. Quite a significant number of pneumatic bullets in our time have a caliber designation that differs from the nominal one by hundredths of a millimeter. This is especially noticeable for 4.5 mm: among such ammunition one can find, in particular, the markings
“4.46 mm”,
“4.48 mm”,
“4.49 mm”,
“4.51 mm”,
“4, 52 mm" and
"4.53 mm". Bullets of 5.5 mm caliber, in turn, can be designated
“5.51 mm” and
“5.52 mm”. These differences are fundamental mainly for professional shooters engaged in high-precision shooting from premium rifles: many such shooters determine the actual size of the barrel of their weapon with an accuracy of one hundredth of a millimeter and try to select bullets that best match this size. For simpler tasks - such as recreational and training shooting at close and medium distances - these differences can be ignored: for example, for similar purposes in a 4.5 mm rifle, you can use all options from 4.46 mm to 4.53 mm.
Now let's look at each of the main calibers in more detail.
— 4 mm (flaubert). Although Flaubert’s original cartridge had a caliber of 5.6 mm, it was the 4 mm version that became most widespread in the post-Soviet space. This is due to the fact that with such a caliber, such a cartridge has very low muzzle energy (comparable to charges fired from 4.5 mm caliber pneumatics) and almost zero lethal force - this, in particular, allows it to be used in shooting galleries and shooting ranges originally designed for pneumatics. As a result, in some countries, “Flaubert” is not considered a firearm at all, and weapons for it are sold either without special permits at all, or under simplified rules. However, the legal status of such cartridges may differ markedly from state to state; so even if you freely bought a “Flaubert” and its charges in one country, this does not mean that such cargo can be legally imported into another.
- 4.5 mm. The smallest of the calibers widely used in pneumatics, it is also the most popular. Among professionals and enthusiasts it is known as the “children’s” - as opposed to the “papal” 5.5 mm and the “grandfather’s” 6.35 mm. However, such a condescending name does not correspond to reality: a huge number of rifles and pistols are produced under 4.5 mm, including quite powerful and long-range ones. However, the lethal and stopping effect of such ammunition is indeed very weak. So for hunting purposes they are used only for small game such as birds and small rodents, and the main use of 4.5 mm pneumatics is recreational, training and sports shooting. On the other hand, for the same reasons, pneumatic weapons of this caliber are sold freely in many countries, without special permits.
- 5.5 mm. A caliber known among pneumatic fans as “papal.” It is found mainly in PCP type rifles (with pre-pumping), it allows you to achieve muzzle energy of up to 48 J, thanks to which it can even be used for hunting medium game like a hare or black grouse; and the aimed shooting range of such a bullet can reach 70 m. It is worth considering that although bullets of this caliber are sold freely in many countries, pneumatics themselves may already fall under the category of hunting weapons, available only with special permits.
- 6 mm. Standard caliber of plastic balls used in airsoft drives; For more details, see “Type - balls - plastic”.
- 6.35 mm. The caliber is known among fans of pneumatics as “grandfather’s”. Many believe that this particular caliber provides the optimal balance between the lethal and stopping effect of a bullet on the one hand and the weight of the weapon and air consumption on the other. A 6.35 mm bullet can be given a muzzle energy of 70 J or higher, due to which the effective firing range reaches about 70 - 80 m. Such ammunition is quite suitable for hunting medium and even large game: with a certain skill and the appropriate weapon with this caliber, you can “take "even roe deer or wild boar. In many countries, 6.35mm airguns are available only with special permission, although bullets can be sold freely.
- 7.62 mm. Quite a rare caliber in air guns; used mainly in PCP rifles. Allows you to achieve even greater muzzle energy than 6.35 mm, making it excellent for hunting medium and large game. However, effective shooting with such ammunition requires significant air consumption, which is why the weapon for it turns out to be heavy and expensive, and also has a small supply of shots at the gas station. It is because of this that this caliber is not popular.
- 9 mm. The 9 mm caliber is found in two types of ammunition. The first is classic pneumatic bullets, intended mainly for hunting medium and large game. Such bullets have an excellent lethal and stopping effect, but creating an effective weapon for them is associated with even greater difficulties than the 7.62 mm described above. Therefore, such ammunition is even rarer.
The second type of 9 mm ammunition is pyrotechnic charges in the form of blank cartridges for starting, gas and traumatic pistols. This cartridge has a full powder charge, but instead of a bullet, the cartridge case is closed with a plastic shell, which is destroyed when fired. Thanks to this, ammunition of this type reliably reproduces all aspects of shooting (sound, flash, recoil, operation of the pistol’s automatics), except for the actual flight of the bullet. For more information on the use of pyrotechnic cartridges, see “Type”.
The weight of one bullet or ball.
Both light and heavy shells have their advantages and disadvantages. So, a small weight allows you to achieve a high initial speed, but it is quickly lost due to air resistance. Conversely, a heavy bullet "starts" slower, but retains speed longer. However, in fact, such nuances are necessary mainly for professionals and enthusiastic enthusiasts — hunters, athletes, fans of high-precision shooting, etc. If bullets are bought for entertainment, initial training and other tasks that do not require special accuracy, you can not pay much attention.
As for specific weight values, they are directly related to the caliber. So, bullets of the most popular 4.5 mm caliber in our area with a weight
of up to 0.3 g and
0.3 – 04 g are considered very light,
0.4 – 0.5 g and
0.5 – 0.6 g are light,
0 ,6 – 0.7 g and
0.7 – 0.8 g — medium,
0.8 – 0.9 g and
0.9 – 1 g — heavy, and the most massive may
exceed 1 g in weight. In turn, balls of the same caliber rarely exceed 0.5 g in weight. For larger calibers, respectively, the numbers are larger: the weight of a 5.5 mm bullet can reach 2.5 g, 6.35 mm — 5 g, 9 mm — 10 g .
The amount of ammunition in the package.
Due to their small size and low cost, bullets and balls for pneumatics are usually sold in large quantities: packages
up to 250 pcs inclusive are considered small,
250 – 500 pcs are considered medium, and in separate sets there are
more(up to 2000 pcs and more). However, this is true only for the most popular caliber 4.5 mm — charges of larger calibers are supplied in much smaller batches. In addition, the only exceptions are darts, which are usually sold in 10-12 pcs (for details, see "Type").
In turn, Flaubert's cartridges and pyrotechnic charges in the form of blank cartridges are also sold in relatively modest quantities — from 10 to 200 pcs in the first case and most often 50 pcs in the second.
Anyway, one large pack is usually cheaper than several small ones with the same number of charges. And it is convenient to take small batches of ammunition “for testing”.
