For the well-seasoned Airsoft player, this question may seem obvious, but to the Airsoft beginner, knowing what an Airsoft gun shoots might not be that clear. The reason it may be unclear is that the initials BB means Ball Bearing, and technically a ball bearing is made of metal.
Airsoft guns shoot small spherical plastic pellets, also referred to as BBs. They are normally 6mm in diameter and can also vary in weight, ranging from 0.12 g to 0.40 g. Depending on weapon type, BBs can projectile at speeds of up to 500+ fps.
In addition to the 6mm BB, there is also an 8mm version, but I’ll talk more about that later.
When I first got into Airsoft, I didn’t realize any of this and just bought the cheapest Airsoft pellets I could find – not a smart move. I’ll explain in more detail later.
By the time you’ve finished this article, you should have a good understanding of what an Airsoft gun shoots and which BBs you should buy.
Airsoft BBs: Which Should I Use?
First of all, as mentioned earlier, there are two sizes of BB – 6mm and 8mm. The most common size is 6 mm. This is because most Airsoft gun barrels are between 6.01 and 6.08mm. Alternatively, some Airsoft guns are made to shoot 8mm BBs and these are typically close-range weapons like a revolver.
As a beginner, you should use 6mm, 0.20 g Airsoft BBs as a good starting point. However, if you refer to your operator’s manual, it should give you a specific type to use.
The reason 8mm BBs are used in some close-range weapons is because of their size and weight. An 8mm is obviously bigger and would weigh more than a 6mm BB. This additional size and weight cause more resistance when flying through the air which means it can’t travel so far – not good for long-range shooting.
Secondly, Airsoft BBs come in various weights. The standard weight for an Airsoft 6mm BB is 0.20 g but they can range from 0.12 g to 0.40 g. The reason they differ in weight is that they are made to suit a specific weapon type. For example, a sniper rifle would use 0.30 g or higher. This is because of the power used by an Airsoft gun to fire a BB.
If a lightweight BB, say a 0.15 g, was used by a sniper rifle that has the potential to fire at 400+ fps, there’s a good chance it will shatter the BB inside the rifle. However, if the BB is fired successfully, it won’t travel far or be on target due to its lightweight.
Here is a table of Airsoft BBs and which would be best to use.
| BB Weight (g) | Feet Per Second (fps) | Weapon Type | Shooting Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.12 – 0.15 | up to 250 | Spring Powered or Cheap Electric Hand Pistol | At home |
| 0.20 – 0.28 | between 250 and 375 | Standard Pistols, AEGs, Rifles, Gas Powered | Indoor, Lightweight Outdoor |
| 0.28 – 0.32 | between 300 and 400 | Upgraded AEG’s, Standard Sniper Rifle (Gas and Spring) | Outdoor (Optimum Range) |
| 0.32 – 0.40 | between 350 and 500 | Gas Bolt Action Sniper Rifles | Outdoor |
Something else to think about when buying BBs is the brand. The best piece of advice I can give you is to stay away from the cheap unbranded versions. They tend to be badly made and will damage your Airsoft gun.
Here are some of the best Airsoft brands to buy decent BBs from:
- BLS
- Elite Force
- Nuprol
- KWA
- EMG
- Valken
- ASG Blasters
- G & G
The list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good starting point.
How Many BBs Will You Use In A Game Of Airsoft?
Airsoft BBs are not expensive to buy. You can buy a bottle of 2700 Elite Force 6mm 0.20 g for $8.99 over at Foxairsoft. But, although 2700 might sound a lot, you’d probably need a minimum of two bottles, depending on how trigger-happy you are and for those just-in-case moments. Also, beginners tend to use more as they learn the game.
During a day of playing Airsoft, you should expect to use between 500 and 2000 Airsoft BBs. There are a few factors that determine how many you will use, for example, a sniper will use significantly less than a fully auto rifle. Other things to consider are;
- Game type
- Level of experience
- Weapon type
- Team role
It’s not uncommon to see Airsoft players use in excess of 3000 BBs in a day of Airsoft. So my advice would be to stock up. You can always take them home with you.
Can I Re-Use Airsoft BBs?
Airsoft BBs are made from plastic and although plastic is a tough material, it’s still breakable under stress. When a BB is fired from an Airsoft gun, it’s put under enormous stress, not to mention the stress from whatever object it hits. And for that reason;
Airsoft BBs are not reusable because once a BB has been fired from an Airsoft gun, the plastic becomes weak. The force in which a BB is hit by the piston combined with whatever it impacts could cause small airline fractures. If you were to re-use a plastic BB, it has the potential to explode inside your gun – causing permanent damage.
Re-using BBs could lead to all kinds of problems if used, they could stop your airsoft gun from working or they could cause your Airsoft gun to not fire straight.
Once a BB has been used, it’s just best to leave it alone. Even inspecting a BB afterward might not reveal any visual damage. It’s just not worth the risk.
Biodegradable Airsoft Pellets: Can You Buy Them?
In this modern world, everything is about saving the planet, and quite rightly so. More and more industries are looking into ways of making their products environmentally friendly, and the world of Airsoft is no exception.
You can now buy biodegradable Airsoft pellets that will disintegrate in the environment over time. They’re not as popular as non-biodegradable BBs due to being more costly, but they are just as effective and in my opinion, should be your first choice. In fact, some outdoor Airsoft events request that Biodegradable BBs are used.
Airsoft biodegradable BBs are made from polylactic or polylactide (PLA) – a plastic compound made from natural and renewable resources such as corn or starch. According to highspeedbb’s.com, bio BBs will break down in about 47 to 90 days in an industrial recycling facility.
However, let’s be realistic, BBs are left on the ground in woodlands and fields, so they are never going to make it to a recycling facility. So, after I did some more research, I came across someone who has actually tested Biodegradable BBs in a natural environment.
According to the California Science and Engineering website (downloads a document), it takes a total of 545 days for a biodegradable BB to completely disappear in a biological environment (outdoors in soil etc). While this may seem like a long time, it is still significantly better than non-biodegradable BBs, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Conclusion
Understanding the type of ammunition used in Airsoft guns is essential for beginners to ensure proper performance and to avoid potential damage to their weapons. It is crucial to select the appropriate size, weight, and brand of BBs for your specific Airsoft gun, as recommended by the operator’s manual.
Additionally, beginners should anticipate using between 500 and 2000 BBs in a day of playing Airsoft, depending on various factors such as weapon type, game type, and level of experience. Reusing BBs is highly discouraged due to the potential for damage to the Airsoft gun.
Lastly, opting for biodegradable BBs is an environmentally conscious choice that should be considered, especially for outdoor events.
