The PelletMD

[daryasarang]

Accuracy in airgun shooting is a science — and like all good science, it starts with measurement. While scopes, shooting rests, and trigger technique often steal the spotlight, the humble pellet remains one of the most overlooked yet critical factors in shot consistency. At pelletMD, we believe every pellet has a story — and this report is our effort to read between the grooves.

This analysis dives deep into the anatomy of .177 caliber round head pellets, focusing on two of the most essential yet variable parameters: weight and head diameter. Using precision instruments and a structured protocol, we aim to uncover the micro-level inconsistencies that can lead to macro-level misses on the target.

Is your group spread due to bad form — or bad ammo? This is your diagnosis report.

[daryasarang]

As physicians of precision, we at pelletMD believe that every flyer has a pathology — and the best way to diagnose is by getting back to the fundamentals. While most airgun shooters focus on scopes, rests, or technique, the true culprit of inconsistent accuracy may often lie in the patient itself — the pellet.

This report is not a review. It’s an autopsy.

In this first volume of pelletMD’s Diagnostic Series, we examine the dimensional and mass pathology of .177 caliber round head pellets — scrutinizing head diameter and weight with the same diligence a pathologist uses on biopsy slides.

Why? Because a 0.01 mm deviation in head size may seem benign — but on the range, that’s a metastasis in your group size.

This is the clinical documentation of every pellet's vital signs. Welcome to the PelletMD.

[daryasarang]

Tools Used:

Digital Precision Scale (Accuracy: ±0.01 grains)
Calibrated using 50g standard weights.


Mitutoyo Micrometer (Accuracy: ±0.01 mm)
Specifically zeroed before each measurement session.
Measurements were taken at the widest part of the pellet head, ensuring even jaw pressure.


Measurement Protocol:

Identification: Each pellet was numbered sequentially (1–50).

Weighing: Pellets were placed gently on the calibrated scale. Readings were recorded in grains.

Head Diameter Measurement: Each pellet was positioned and aligned to ensure accurate jaw contact. The widest cross-sectional diameter of the head was recorded in millimeters.

Defect Noting: Any visible deformations, lead dust, or manufacturing irregularities were noted under comments.

🌡 Environmental Control:

Measurements were conducted in a static indoor setting at ambient room temperature with low humidity to minimize environmental variation.

[dev]

This is a fantastic effort. Please include the Precihole Wadcutters and some RWS Match pellets if possible.
Play on sire.

[daryasarang]

This is a fantastic effort. Please include the Precihole Wadcutters and some RWS Match pellets if possible.

Surely will do that . My immediate plan is to finish the domed [round heads] ones first, and once that’s complete, I’ll move on to other pellet profiles. Your suggestion is spot on—Precihole Wadcutters and RWS Match pellets definitely deserve a proper deep-dive, and I’ll make every effort to include them in the upcoming reports. Thank you again for the encouragement—feedback like this really keeps the project moving forward.

[daryasarang]

Next up on the examination table: the QYS Streamlined.

These pellets come with a reputation that borders on legendary—whispered about in clubs, praised in matches, and often compared against the very best. But reputations alone don’t win competitions. So, as always, we’ve weighed, measured, and scrutinized them under the PelletMD lens. What follows is less myth, more microscope: the raw numbers on weight, head size, and consistency, and whether the Streamlined really earns its place in the pantheon of match-grade ammo.

A remarkable 96% of QYS Streamlined 9.56 grain pellets fall within ±0.1 grain of the mean weight and 98% are within ±0.05 mm of the mean head diameter, demonstrating industry-leading consistency in both dimensions. Such precision exceeds typical standards and ensures extremely tight shot groups for competitive and precision shooters.

The batch is “Surgical grade”, suitable for competitions.

[daryasarang]

G. Smith & Co. manufacture .177 caliber airgun pellets, blending European machinery, imported lead, and meticulous quality control. First up in our deep dive: the High Impact Domed pellet, where we separate the hype from the hard data. Precision, consistency, and a little nerdy fun—here’s what the numbers actually say.

[dev]

G. Smith & Co. manufacture .177 caliber airgun pellets, blending European machinery, imported lead, and meticulous quality control. First up in our deep dive: the High Impact Domed pellet, where we separate the hype from the hard data. Precision, consistency, and a little nerdy fun—here’s what the numbers actually say.

This used to be my favourite make at one time. Then they became difficult to find in the North.