The H&N .22 HP Heavy Slug .217 is an exceptional projectile developed for air rifles, offering unparalleled power and precision. Manufactured by H&N Sport in collaboration with Air Hunter Gerhard, this slug is designed to excel at long distances, providing both accuracy and hard-hitting impact, making it ideal for serious shooters and hunters.

Key Features and Specifications

1. Caliber and Size: The slug is available in .22 caliber (5.5mm), with a diameter of .217 inches (5.51mm). This specific size is slightly smaller than the .218 variant, offering better compatibility with barrels that have tighter bore profiles, ensuring a secure fit and optimal accuracy.
2. Weights and Quantities: The H&N Heavy Slug .217 is available in various weights, catering to different power levels and shooting preferences:
   • 34 grains (150 pieces per tin)
   • 36 grains (150 pieces per tin)
   • 38 grains (120 pieces per tin)
   • 40 grains (120 pieces per tin) Each weight option offers different ballistic characteristics, allowing shooters to tailor their slugs to their air rifle’s power output and the distance they intend to shoot. The heavier the slug, the more impact and energy it retains over long distances, but it also requires more power to propel effectively.
3. Performance and Ballistics: One of the standout features of the H&N .217 HP Heavy Slug is its Ballistic Coefficient (BC). A high BC means the slug maintains its velocity and trajectory over longer distances, ensuring that it stays on course with minimal wind drift and drop. This makes the H&N Heavy Slug ideal for long-range shooting, with the ability to hit targets beyond 50 meters with impressive accuracy.

   The slug is also coated with a special lubricant that reduces barrel friction. This helps preserve the integrity of both the slug and the barrel during shooting, ensuring smoother performance and less barrel fouling.

4. Power Requirements: Due to its weight and size, the H&N .217 Heavy Slug requires significant power to perform effectively. A minimum muzzle energy of 25 Joules is necessary, but to achieve optimal results, a power output of 40–60 Joules is recommended. This power range ensures that the slug can maintain a velocity of 900 FPS or higher, which is crucial for maintaining a flat trajectory and ensuring maximum impact upon the target.

   Additionally, air rifles with shorter twist rates—barrels specifically designed for slugs—produce the best results, providing better stabilization and accuracy for these heavy projectiles.

5. Hand-Packed and Inspected: Each tin of slugs is carefully hand-packed and inspected for quality. While the slugs are sold loose in tins, they may show minor transport marks or scuffs, but this does not affect their overall performance. To ensure safe transport, the slugs are packaged with foam padding to minimize any potential damage.

Ideal for High-Power Air Rifles

The H&N .217 HP Heavy Slug is best suited for high-power air rifles that can generate the required velocity and energy. These slugs are perfect for long-range shooting, providing not only accuracy but also significant energy retention, making them effective for hunting and target shooting. They are FAC (Firearm Certificate) recommended due to their high-power requirements.

Conclusion

The H&N .22 HP Heavy Slug .217 offers a new standard in long-range shooting and hunting, providing airgun enthusiasts with a highly effective projectile for accuracy and impact at greater distances. Available in multiple weights, it allows shooters to customize their performance based on their rifle’s power output and intended shooting distance. With a high BC, special lubrication, and a design that reduces barrel friction, these slugs are a game-changer for precision shooting. Ensure your rifle is capable of delivering the required power to maximize the slug’s potential, and you’ll experience unmatched results in terms of accuracy and energy retention.