Air Gun Home :: View topic - Largest calibre air pistol/rifle/pellet that is legal

farri · New Member

Largest calibre air pistol/rifle/pellet that is legal in Canada – under 500 fps

I have been talking to some people who are thinking about the possibility of using a fair sized pellet/Airgun’s for hunting prey that varies in size from about 25 kgs to around 75 kgs.

As none of us have a license (& don’t intend to get one as this hunting get together will only be a few times each year) we would all like to know.

rsterne · Moderator

I have never seen a published caliber limit.... as long as the velocity is under 500 fps with the lightest ammo available for the caliber (talking big bores here) so that if it is ever tested you are not over 500, there shouldn't be a problem.... Don't set up a .357 cal at 495 with 120 gr. bullets, though, because if they test it with a 78 gr. pellet or a 67 gr. roundball you will be well over 500....

The problem is getting enough FPE while staying under 500 fps for larger game, and the penetration to do the job.... 475 fps is only 0.5 FPE per grain, so divide the weight by 2 to get the energy.... for a .45 cal roundball (143 gr.) that is only 71 FPE, and for a .58 cal (293 gr.) it's only 146 FPE (.22 LR power).... and the penetration you could expect is only about 3-4", not really enough IMO.... I wouldn't even consider hunting medium sized game (25-75 kg.) with a non-PAL rifle of any caliber....

Bob

AirGunEric · Site Admin

You would need to check your provincial hunting laws- some provinces do not allow airguns of any caliber/power to be used on game over a certain size.