It all depends on the power and caliber of your gun. If you have a high powered .177 gun, then pointers may not be the best choice for birds. Overpenetration can be just as bad as under penetration.I'd probably use some RWS Super "H" points, or some Crow Magnums to handle birds. Unless you are using a lower powered gun or a .22 cal, then I'd probably use either a Beeman kodiak, or a Copperhead Pointer. Both have excellent ballistic coeffecients and carry their energy well downrange. This is all for birds though. If you want to shoot squirrels or rabbits, I'd stick with a pointer or dome. And beyond all that, I would probably use the pellet that groups the best at range out of my barrel, despiteits design.