CO2 cartridges

An air gun gives a hunter a cheap, quiet way to shoot often. It needs gas to run. This category holds CO2 cartridges for air pistols and rifles: 12 g capsules and 88 g cylinders from Umarex and Borner, all filled with compressed carbon dioxide and compatible with standard CO2 systems.

Why hunters use CO2 air guns

A CO2 air gun works as a private shooting range at home. An accurate shot with a hunting rifle grows out of hundreds of repetitions: steady hold, controlled breathing, a clean trigger press. You can train all of that in the yard with an air pistol, and one 12 g capsule covers a full practice session.

Between seasons, when driven hunts are over and the high seat waits for autumn, regular target practice keeps your hands steady. The habit carries over the moment you pick up your rifle again. Pellets cost next to nothing, the report is quiet, and your skill keeps growing every week.

Cartridge types in this category

The range covers two capacities: 12 g capsules for pistols and 88 g cylinders for more powerful air guns. Both Umarex and Borner supply them, and the Umarex 12 g capsules also come in a five-piece pack. Your choice depends on your gun's design and on how much you shoot.

12 g capsules for pistols

The standard 12 g capsule fits most CO2 pistols and revolvers. It sits in the grip or the magazine, gets pierced when you tighten the screw, and powers roughly one training session. This category stocks both Umarex and Borner 12 g cartridges, so you can test which one runs most consistently in your gun.

88 g cylinders for rifles

The Umarex 88 g cartridge and the Borner 88 g cylinder are made for CO2 air rifles and other guns that take the larger format. One cylinder lasts far longer than a 12 g capsule, which suits long practice sessions and shooting with the family at the homestead.

Five-piece packs

The Umarex 12 g five-piece pack is the practical choice if you shoot regularly. A small reserve means you never stop in the middle of a series, and a handful of capsules takes less room in your range bag than a box of ammunition.

Matching the cartridge to your gun

Check your gun's manual before ordering: it states the cartridge capacity the gun accepts. The 12 g and 88 g formats are standardised, so an Umarex capsule will run in other makers' guns built for that format. The one thing to watch is capacity, since an 88 g cylinder will not fit a pistol grip.

How to choose a CO2 cartridge

Pick your cartridge by the capacity your gun accepts and by how much you shoot. Pistols almost always take a 12 g capsule, while more powerful rifles run on the 88 g cylinder. If you train every week, a bigger pack pays off. The steps below keep the choice simple.

1. Find the cartridge capacity in your gun's manual: 12 g or 88 g.
2. Judge your shooting volume. Occasional plinking calls for single capsules, regular training for the five-piece pack.
3. Pick a maker. Umarex and Borner fill their capsules to the same standards, so try both and keep the one your gun runs most evenly on.
4. Stock up before cold weather, because gas pressure drops as temperature falls and each capsule gives fewer shots.

Practical advice for shooting outdoors

CO2 pressure depends directly on temperature, and outdoors you will notice it fast. On a warm day the gun shoots evenly, while near freezing the pellet velocity drops visibly. When you plan pre-season practice, pick the warmer part of the day or shoot under a roof.

A few habits from the field help. Do not leave a pierced capsule in the gun for weeks, because the seals lose elasticity and start leaking gas. Unscrew the cartridge after a session and store the gun without pressure. Keep capsules in a cool place away from direct sun, and never leave them in a hot car on the way to the range. A drop of gun oil on the tip of a fresh capsule keeps the seals working longer.

Umarex and Borner

Two makers are present in this category. Umarex is one of the best-known names in European airgunning, and its capsules are filled to a tightly controlled weight, which gives shot-to-shot consistency. Borner offers the same 12 g and 88 g formats, compatible with standard CO2 systems. Having both here lets you compare how your gun behaves on each.

You will find more airgun accessories in the neighbouring categories: optical sights help you see the target clearly, targets and target holders are handy for backyard practice, cleaning products keep the barrel in shape, and magazines and other parts complete the kit. If you are unsure which cartridge fits your gun, write to us and we will advise.