Airsoft BBs are available in a variety of weights, sizes, colors, and materials. It’s important to note that without the correct ammo, you’ll not only appear to aim badly but also damage your weapon.
In other words, without the right ammo, your gun will not deliver top-notch performance because:
- It will not be accurate
- It will lack range
- It may not even shoot at all
Our goal is to help you decide what type of BB to use by comparing the different types of airsoft BBs offered by different brands. We’ll also explore the features, pros, and cons of a variety of weights, colors, and materials used in airsoft pellets.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Different Types of Airsoft BBs?
- 0.28 g Elite Force Precision Airsoft BBs—Non-biodegradable
- 0.12 g ThunderBBs Airsoft BBs—Biodegradable
- 0.20 g Black Ops Airsoft BBs—Biodegradable
- 0.28 g Valken Accelerate ProMatch—Tracer BBs
- How to Choose the Best Airsoft BBs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Airsoft BBs
What Are the Different Types of Airsoft BBs?
The following table summarizes the strengths and features of the different types of airsoft BBs available today:
| Product | Strengths | Features |
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Diameter: 6 mm |
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Diameter: 6 mm |
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Diameter: 6 mm |
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Diameter: 6 mm |
0.28 g Elite Force Precision Airsoft BBs—Non-biodegradable
These Elite Force airsoft BBs work effectively from the very first shot. They’re made using high-precision manufacturing, which makes them the best on the market. The precision-focused manufacturing eliminates dimples, seams, and uneven polishing, which makes loading and shooting at your target easy.
You can use this Elite Force 0.28 g ammo in a variety of demanding tactical and military scenarios, especially in environments that require 350 to 450 feet per second (FPS).
These BBs work well in your high-powered AEG, assault rifle, or sniper.
You’ll achieve the highest degree of range and balance.
Pros of 0.28 g Elite Force Premium Airsoft BBs
- Better wind resistance than other BBs
- Exceptional accuracy and stability
- Easy to load and shoot
- Suitable for mid-range and high-end rifles
- Minimal jamming incidents
- Great for military simulation, law enforcement, and police force training
“High-quality, accurate, airsoft BBs. Love the “soda-bottle type” container. Makes reloading super easy and spill-free.”—Joel Watson, Amazon
Cons of 0.28 g Elite Force Premium BBs
- Slightly costly
- The weight can affect the range of less powerful guns
- They don’t decompose
The standard Elite Force airsoft BBs are also available in 0.20 g and 0.25 g, in quantities of both 2,700 and 5,000. You can also check out the biodegradable Elite Force BBs, which are available in 0.20 g, 0.25 g, 0.28 g, and 0.32 g.
0.12 g ThunderBBs Airsoft BBs—Biodegradable
ThunderBBs 0.12 g BBs will offer you high-quality pellets at an affordable price. These 6 mm BBs feature a spherical shape that is double polished to get rid of imperfections and deformities. As a result, they will provide you with exceptional precision and consistency.
ThunderBBs are extremely hard and will not jam your airsoft rifle. They’re recommended for AEGs and GBB gas-powered guns that require 200 to 250 FPS.
These 0.12 g pellets are available in a variety of colors, including white, black, and yellow. The main advantage of using brown ThunderBBs is that your target will not notice them easily. Consequently, you can successfully use them in a sniper role.
Pros of 0.12 g ThunderBBs Airsoft BBs
- Multiple color options
- Lightweight
- Optimal hardness
- Slick
- Perfect for AEGs and GBB guns
Cons of 0.12 g ThunderBBs Airsoft BBs
- Can’t feed into tight bore barrels
- Poor packaging
- Less accurate when it’s windy
0.20 g Black Ops Airsoft BBs—Biodegradable
The Black Ops biodegradable BBs weigh 0.20 g, which has been the industry standard for several years.
We’ve included them on our list because they’ve been tested by several experienced airsoft players in different climates and settings. In this regard, it’s worth mentioning that these Black Ops BBs are a bestseller on Amazon.
These airsoft pellets have also been extensively tested in different types of airsoft guns. The triple-polished finish prevents the BBs from bubbling or breaking inside your gun, which guarantees consistency and accuracy regardless of the type of gun and battlefield.
You can use them at a CQB site, especially if there is no wind, or in an airsoft gun that requires less than 350 FPS.
Pros of 0.20 g Black Ops Airsoft BBs
- Great range, power, and accuracy
- Withstands the abuse of all airsoft guns
- Allows for long-range shooting
- Highly visible white-colored BBs
- Triple-polished pellets that don’t bubble or break easily
- Long-lasting quantity
Cons of 0.20 g Black Ops Airsoft BBs
- Slightly costly
- Poor packaging—poor lid design
0.28 g Valken Accelerate ProMatch—Tracer BBs
The 6 mm Valken Accelerate ProMatch 0.25 g airsoft BBs are precision-grade quality. They’re spherical and polished to perfection to eliminate imperfections and provide a smooth finish.
These tracer BBs emit a green glow as they fly through the air, which makes them easy to track. They’re suitable for indoor airsoft games that require less than 350 FPS. They’re also available in 0.20 g.
Pros of 0.25 g Valken Tracer BBs
- Smooth
- Increased flight path
- High luminosity green glow
- Great for indoor and CQB games
- Balanced weight
- Easy to point out enemy positions
- Easy to load and store
- Meets ASTM Standard F2679
Cons of 0.25 g Valken Tracer BBs
- Give away your position
- A bit pricey
- Can only be used during night games
How to Choose the Best Airsoft BBs
It’s important to consider these factors when selecting airsoft pellets:
Airsoft BB Weight
Airsoft ammo is available in a variety of weights, including:
- 0.12 grams: They’re lightweight, cheap, and suitable for close-range shooting that requires less than 250 FPS.
- 0.20, 0.25, and 0.28 grams: You can use these mid-range airsoft BBs in low-powered airsoft guns at close range, and high-powered guns over a longer range. The required FPS is 300 to 450 FPS.
- 0.30 to 0.43 grams: These are the heaviest and most stable ammo. Heavy ammo has a more consistent trajectory, but you can only use them on powerful rifles. The required FPS is 380 and above.
Airsoft BB Size
It’s important to consider the size of your airsoft pellets before making a purchase. They’re often available in 6 mm and 8 mm sizes.
To find out what size ammo you need, check the specs of your airsoft gun. The standard size is 6 mm.
Airsoft BB Color
Airsoft ammo is available in bright and dark colors, with white being the most common. A BB’s color does not affect its performance, only its visibility.
- Bright pellets: Easy to see and allow you to see where they are hitting.
- Dark-colored pellets: Harder to spot, making it difficult for your target to locate you. However, you won’t be able to see where the pellets are going.
- Tracer BBs: They glow in the dark, making them great for nighttime airsoft games.
Airsoft BB Material
Your ammo’s material is critical because it determines its durability and hardness. Airsoft pellets are made from two different types of materials:
- Biodegradable BBs: They are made of polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) and decompose over time.
- Non-biodegradable BBs: They’re made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which takes years to degrade.
Airsoft BB Quality
Ensure your pellets are free of bubbles, cracks, or deformities to maximize performance. A smooth, round, and even finish on high-quality BBs offers the following benefits:
- Shooting accuracy
- Consistency
- Minimal jams
- Extended gun lifespan
You can assess your ammo’s quality based on:
- Hardness: Avoid BBs that break easily
- Smoothness: Ensure your ammo is smooth enough to move through the barrel
Frequently Asked Questions About Airsoft BBs
How Do I Know Which BBs to Use?
Ensure you check your rifle’s user manual or specific requirements before buying your pellets.
Do Tracer BBs Work During the Day?
They don’t work during the day. They’re visible at night, which is why you should use them at night.
How Long Do Biodegradable BBs Take to Decompose?
According to a 2014 study conducted in California, they take over 545 days to decompose.
