Facts about airsoft BBs
Airsoft pellets or BBs are the projectiles that airsoft guns fire. They are measured in gr and come with a variety of different calibers depending on what gun it is used in, such as 6mm, 8mm, 0.12g, 0.20g and 0.23g among others (the larger the number after the decimal point, the lighter/smaller they are).
The most common size of airsoft BBs is 6mm. Airsoft guns use small plastic pellets commonly called “BBs” or “0.12g BB’s”, which weigh 0.12 grams (average) to 0.10 grams (light) per one pellet. The most popular weight range for airsoft guns are 0.12g and 0.20g, with a majority of guns shooting at the former (0.12) over the latter (0.20).
Airsoft pellets are generally measured in grams. If they are above or below this mark, it’s usually because that BB is too light for your gun or too heavy for your gun. If it’s too light, your gun will most likely either not shoot or barely shoot the BB; if it’s too heavy, it will most likely jam or you’ll see the BB bouncing in front of your barrel.
There are many questions about the safety of BB’s, and if airsoft pellets are safe for the environment, and how to properly dispose of them. Understanding how they react with the environment is equally important as learning how to properly use airsoft guns and BB’s.
How much are airsoft BBs?
As of 2013, airsoft BB’s prices vary between $1 per 5000 and $10 per 10000 pellets depending on the brand, weight, and quality. Keep in mind that when buying a larger quantity, you’ll get an extra discount (usually about 15-20%) off of the per box price. Buy BB’s in bulk to save money.
If you are looking for airsoft BB’s, you can find them at your local gun store/range or on internet stores such as Amazon.
The golden rule of airsoft BB’s
I highly recommend getting good BB’s such as premium airsoft 0.25g or 0.30g BB’s because they are not only more consistent than cheap BB’s but they also improve your accuracy while shooting due to their consistency in shape and size. They are also less affected by wind than their lighter counterparts, meaning better performance for longer-range shooting.
With practice, proper hop-up settings, and good BB’s, you should be able to hit a target from about 100 feet away (10-15 yards).
As we now know, airsoft BB’s are measured in calibers, but there are also multiple types of airsoft pellets based on what material they are made of. Here is a full article on what are airsoft BB’s made of.
What are the best airsoft BB’s?
It all depends on what gun you have. Below is a list of recommended BBs for each different airsoft caliber. Although expensive, they give the best performance and are more consistent than most other airsoft BB’s on the market.
6mm BBs
The best 6mm BB for your gun is 0.25g, but it really depends on how powerful your gun shoots in comparison to other guns of the same caliber (6mm). In order to find this out, simply take two full magazines from your gun and weigh them with BB’s. If the magazines together are heavier than 0.25g, you should get a pellet weight from 0.20-0.23g (depending on how powerful your airsoft gun is). However, if it is lighter than that or about equal to that weight, then 0.25g would be the best choice for you.
0.12g BB’s
The lightest weight of airsoft BB is 0.12g, so make sure your gun can support them and that they are actually pretty light (if it cannot or the weight is too heavy, it will jam). If your gun shoots at approximately 300fps or less , then 0.12g BBs would be good because they are lighter and thus travel faster, which is helpful in close quarters or when you are shooting moving targets (such as when you are sniping).
0.20g BB’s
The most popular weight of airsoft BB’s is 0.20g; it falls right between the 0.12g and 0.23g weights, making them a good choice for people who don’t want to be too heavy or too light. If your gun shoots at approximately 350fps, then 0.20g BBs would be better than cheaper BB’s because they are more consistent in shape/size and thus travel better. They also help you to be more accurate due to their weight and shape consistency.
0.23g BB’s
The heaviest weight of airsoft BB is 0.23g, which is great for people who have very powerful guns that shoot at 400fps or more. These heavier BB’s are the most consistent for shooting with accuracy (better than 0.20g BB’s) and the least affected by wind. However, they are more expensive than 0.20g BB’s, so if you have a powerful gun but don’t feel like spending extra money or if your gun is only slightly above average in power, then opt for 0.20g instead of 0.23g.
0.25g BB’s
The heaviest BB weight currently sold by airsoft manufacturers is 0.25g, which is great for people who have very powerful guns that shoot at 420fps or more. These heavier BB’s are the most consistent for shooting with accuracy (better than 0.23g BB’s) and the least affected by wind. However, they are even more expensive than 0.23g BB’s, so if you have a powerful gun but don’t feel like spending extra money or if your gun is only slightly above average in power, then opt for 0.23g instead of 0.25g.
0.3g BB’s
The heaviest BB weight currently sold by airsoft manufacturers is 0.3g, which is great for people who have very powerful guns that shoot at 450fps or more. These heavier BB’s are the most consistent for shooting with accuracy (better than 0.25g BB’s) and the least affected by wind. However, they are even more expensive than 0.25g BB’s, so if you have a powerful gun but don’t feel like spending extra money or if your gun is only slightly above average in power, then opt for 0.25g instead of 0.3g.
General tips on airsoft BB’s
If you are a new airsoft player and your gun shoots below 350fps, then buy 0.12g BB’s. If you aren’t sure how fast your gun is, just check the FPS rating on it.
- Buy BB’s with metal spring/guide rod(s). They look cool and function better as they can be removed if they break (but don’t use metal ones in guns under 400fps because they will quickly wear down your barrel). Also, get high-quality BB’s if possible; they are more consistent in weight, shape and size, allowing for better accuracy and less jammed magazines.
- If you want to choose 0.25g BB’s, it is recommended that your gun can shoot at least 400fps. If not, 0.23g would be a better choice for you (unless your gun is very powerful, such as over 450fps).
- 0.30g – 0.32g BB’s are considered to be the best choice for some AEG rifles that are able to shoot at 350fps or more.
- Never use BB’s made of glass, as they will shatter inside your gun and may cause damage to your barrel and/or hop-up unit.
- 0.42g BB’s are the most popular weight for GBB pistols that shoot between 400 – 500 fps.
- Use 0.43g BB’s if you are having trouble shooting faster moving targets, have a lot of wind, or your pistol shots at 430fps or more.
Conclusion
If you are a new airsoft player, the best choice for you would be 0.20g BB’s. They are affordable and work well in guns that shoot between 350 – 400fps. If you have a powerful gun, it is recommended that the BB weight falls within this range of 0.25g-0.30g (420fps-450fps).