Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets Review

First Impressions of Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets promise a blend of affordability and performance for air rifle enthusiasts. As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor and tactical gear, including extensive work with air rifles, I was eager to see how these pellets would stack up against more premium offerings. The Apolo brand isn’t exactly synonymous with high-end precision, so my expectations were tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, yet the hollow point design hinted at potentially impressive expansion and energy transfer.

My interest in these pellets stemmed from a specific need: an affordable and effective option for pest control in my backyard. Squirrels and the occasional rabbit have become a nuisance, and I needed a pellet that could humanely dispatch them without breaking the bank. The hollow point design immediately grabbed my attention. Could these inexpensive Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets really offer decent accuracy and expansion?

Upon receiving the tin, my first impression was neutral. The pellets were simply packaged and the overall appearance was unremarkable. Compared to, say, JSB Exact Jumbo Diabolo pellets which boast near-perfect consistency and visual appeal, the Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets looked quite basic. I also had some H&N Baracuda Hunter hollow points on hand, which have a slightly more refined shape, but cost significantly more. I chose to try the Apolo pellets first because the price point makes them an appealing entry-level option, and I was curious to see how they would perform relative to pricier competitors.

My initial thought? They seem… adequate. I wasn’t blown away, nor was I immediately disappointed. Time would tell if these Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets would live up to their potential.

Real-World Testing: Putting Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets was my backyard shooting range, a modest setup allowing for shots out to 30 yards. Conditions were fairly mild, with a slight breeze and temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. I used my Gamo Swarm Magnum .22 air rifle, a reliable and relatively powerful platform, as my test rifle.

The first few shots were… inconsistent. Groupings at 10 yards were about 1.5 inches, expanding to nearly 3 inches at 25 yards. It definitely took some getting used to; finding the right hold and breathing technique was crucial to minimize inconsistencies. After roughly 50 shots, the Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets settled in a bit, showing a slight improvement in grouping size at 25 yards. I also noticed that some pellets required a bit more force to seat in the breech, suggesting minor inconsistencies in sizing.

There weren’t any catastrophic failures, but the inconsistent sizing and somewhat erratic accuracy were a bit of a surprise. I had hoped for better performance straight out of the tin.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use and a few hundred rounds downrange, the Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets revealed a clearer picture of their performance. The initial inconsistencies remained, but I learned to work with them.

Durability-wise, the pellets held up decently. I didn’t observe any significant deformation or damage during handling or loading. Cleaning my air rifle after each shooting session revealed a normal amount of lead residue; nothing out of the ordinary. Compared to my usual JSB pellets, the Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets definitely require more frequent adjustments to my scope. They don’t offer the same level of consistent trajectory.

While they might not be my top choice for long-range precision shooting, their affordability makes them a viable option for casual plinking and short-range pest control.

Breaking Down the Features of Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets

Specifications

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets are designed with a specific purpose in mind: expansion upon impact. Their technical specifications are as follows:

• Caliber: .22 BR Remington. This common caliber makes them compatible with a wide range of air rifles.
• Projectile Caliber: .224 Caliber. This dimension is crucial for proper barrel engagement and accuracy.
• Number of Rounds: 250. The tin provides a decent quantity for a good amount of shooting.
• Dimensions: 1.00 X 3.00 X 3.00 in. The compact tin is easy to store and transport.
• Quantity: 250, 10. This may indicate the pellets are packed in groups of 10.
• Height: 1 in. This further describes the small tin.

These specifications indicate a standard, lightweight .22 pellet designed for general use. The hollow point is the key feature here, intended to increase the pellet’s diameter upon impact, delivering more energy to the target.

Performance & Functionality

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets perform adequately for their intended purpose – short-range shooting and pest control. Accuracy is acceptable out to 25 yards, though not on par with higher-end pellets.

The hollow point design does contribute to noticeable expansion upon impact, making them a more humane choice for dispatching small pests. One definite weakness is consistency; pellet weight and shape vary slightly, leading to inconsistencies in trajectory. However, the cost is a major strength. They perform reasonably well for the price.

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets meet my minimum expectations for backyard pest control but don’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these pellets is fairly simple: a classic diabolo shape with a hollow point. The materials used are standard lead, as expected for air rifle pellets.

The pellets are easy to handle and load into my air rifle. There’s no real learning curve involved; anyone familiar with air rifles will find them easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that they are lead pellets, durability isn’t a primary concern. They are designed to be fired, not to withstand significant abuse.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply keep your air rifle clean after use to prevent lead buildup in the barrel.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets themselves don’t offer any customization options. They are what they are – basic lead pellets.

However, their performance can be enhanced by using a good quality air rifle with a properly zeroed scope. They are compatible with any standard .22 caliber air rifle.

Pros and Cons of Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets

Who Should Buy Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets?

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets are perfect for: backyard pest control, recreational plinking, and novice air rifle shooters looking for an affordable option. These pellets are ideal for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness over pinpoint accuracy.

Those who should skip this product include competitive target shooters or hunters requiring extreme precision. These pellets are not suited for situations where consistent, tight groupings are essential.

A must-have accessory would be a quality air rifle scope to help compensate for any pellet inconsistencies.

Conclusion on Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets

The Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets offer a decent balance of affordability and functionality. While they may not win any awards for accuracy or consistency, they get the job done for short-range plinking and pest control.

The price is definitely justified, especially for those new to air rifles or those who shoot frequently and need to keep costs down. I would personally recommend them as a budget-friendly option for casual use.

Ultimately, the Apolo .22 Hollow Point Air Rifle Pellets are a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable and reasonably effective .22 caliber pellet. Pick up a tin and see for yourself!