Let’s Talk About Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22
The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 represents a compelling option in the world of airgun ammunition, particularly for those interested in small game hunting or pest control. These pellets, manufactured by Crosman, are designed for maximum impact and expansion upon striking a target, delivering significant energy transfer.
My journey with airguns began in my early teens, plinking cans in the backyard and graduating to small game hunting on my family’s property. I’ve spent years searching for the ideal pellet: accurate, hard-hitting, and reliably expanding. The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 seemed to tick all the boxes, promising a level of performance I hadn’t consistently found in other expanding pellet designs.
Unboxing the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 revealed a container holding 175 silver-colored pellets. The first thing that struck me was the distinct shape; the pointed tip combined with the hollow point design suggested excellent penetration and expansion capabilities. They felt well-made, and the lead seemed to be of consistent quality.
I’ve used the Gamo Rocket .22 Caliber Pellets and the H&N Hornet .22 Caliber Pellets in the past. While both offered respectable performance, I found the Gamo Rockets sometimes lacked consistent expansion, and the H&N Hornets were a bit pricier. I chose the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 for its promise of consistent expansion at an affordable price point.
Initially, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. The design looked promising, but I knew that real-world performance is what truly matters. I was hoping they would live up to the hype and become a staple in my airgun ammunition arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 was at my usual backyard shooting range, a safe and controlled environment where I can accurately test pellet performance. I tested them with my Crosman Benjamin Marauder .22, a PCP air rifle known for its accuracy and consistent power.
I tested the pellets in both dry and slightly damp conditions, typical of early morning shooting. They loaded smoothly into the magazine and chambered without issue. The accuracy was immediately impressive at 25 yards; I was consistently hitting tight groups, indicating good flight stability.
The only slight issue I encountered during the initial session was with a couple of pellets that were slightly misshapen upon close inspection. This didn’t affect performance significantly, but it was worth noting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 during regular shooting sessions, I can confidently assess their reliability. They have proven to be consistently accurate and effective.
Durability-wise, the pellets themselves are fairly robust, showing no signs of degradation in their storage container. My only concern remains the occasional deformed pellet, but that’s a minor issue. I’ve noticed minimal lead residue in my rifle’s barrel, making cleaning relatively easy.
Compared to my previous experiences with other expanding pellets, the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 generally outperforms them in terms of consistent expansion and accuracy at a similar price. They have become my go-to pellet for small game hunting where legal and ethical.
Breaking Down the Features of Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Crosman. A well-known and respected name in the airgun industry.
- Caliber: .22 Caliber. Common and versatile caliber suitable for a wide range of air rifles and applications.
- Bullet Type: Hollow Point (HP). Designed for expansion upon impact, maximizing energy transfer to the target.
- Bullet Weight: 14.5 grain. A good balance between velocity and energy, providing a stable flight path and sufficient impact force.
- Fabric/Material: Lead. The traditional material for airgun pellets, offering good weight and malleability for expansion.
- Color: Silver. The silver color makes them easily visible in most lighting conditions.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the pellet’s performance. The .22 caliber provides a good balance of power and accuracy, the hollow point design ensures ethical kills on small game, and the 14.5-grain weight allows for both reasonable velocity and sufficient energy downrange.
Performance & Functionality
The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 performs its job admirably. Accuracy is excellent at typical airgun hunting ranges (20-40 yards). Expansion is consistent, creating a significant wound channel and quickly dispatching pests and small game.
The pellet’s strength lies in its balance between accuracy and terminal performance. A potential weakness could be its susceptibility to wind drift compared to heavier pellets, but this is manageable with proper shooting technique. It definitely meets my expectations for a general-purpose expanding pellet.
Design & Ergonomics
The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 boasts a simple yet effective design. The pointed tip aids in penetration, while the hollow point ensures reliable expansion.
The lead material provides ample weight and is soft enough to readily expand upon impact. There is no learning curve associated with using these pellets; they are straightforward and easy to load into any compatible .22 caliber air rifle.
Durability & Maintenance
The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22, being made of lead, will last indefinitely if stored properly in a dry environment. The lead is relatively soft, so care should be taken to avoid deforming the pellets during handling.
Maintenance primarily involves keeping the pellets clean and free of debris before loading them into your air rifle. Regular cleaning of your air rifle’s barrel is also recommended to remove any lead residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22, as they are consumable ammunition. There are no direct customization options for the pellets themselves.
However, the pellet’s performance can be enhanced by using it in conjunction with a high-quality .22 caliber air rifle with a well-tuned scope or other sighting system for improved accuracy. They are compatible with any .22 caliber air rifle magazine designed to handle standard-shaped pellets.
Pros and Cons of Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22
Pros
- Excellent expansion for effective and humane dispatch of small game and pests.
- Good accuracy at typical airgun hunting ranges.
- Affordable price point makes them a cost-effective option for regular use.
- Versatile and suitable for a wide range of .22 caliber air rifles.
- Consistent performance ensures reliable results.
Cons
- Occasional deformed pellets may require inspection before loading.
- Susceptible to wind drift compared to heavier pellets.
Who Should Buy Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22?
The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 is perfect for:
- Small game hunters looking for an ethical and effective pellet.
- Pest control operators who need a reliable and humane solution.
- Airgun enthusiasts who want a good balance of accuracy and terminal performance.
Those who should skip this product:
- Competitive shooters seeking the absolute highest level of accuracy for long-range target shooting.
- Users who require lead-free ammunition due to environmental concerns or regulations.
A must-have accessory is a good quality air rifle scope for maximizing the accuracy potential of these pellets. Also consider a pellet sorting tool to quickly identify and remove any damaged pellets before use.
Conclusion on Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22
The Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable and effective expanding pellet for .22 caliber air rifles. The price is absolutely justified by the pellet’s consistent performance and reliable expansion.
I would personally recommend the Crosman Destroyer Pellet .22 Pointd Expnding /175 DES22 to anyone looking for a versatile and hard-hitting pellet for small game hunting or pest control. Give them a try – you might just find your new favorite airgun ammunition!