I use Wad cutter pellets thru my Gamo shadow 1000. I never have a problem with these thing penetrating. Every squirrel I have shot with these ends up falling to the ground before they knew what hit them. If you gun doesn't have the speed or energy DON'T use wadcutters. The magnums are good but doesn't do the job as quickly. They both work equally as well for head shots but I always end up with body shots.