Beginners Guide   BB Ammunition | |||
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BB - acronym for ball bearing -- specifically related to airsoft it
refers to a round ball of plastic that is fired as a projectile from
an airsoft gun. The most common size is 6mm, as measured by its diameter, but some manufacturers also produce 8mm. The actual size of a 6mm BB is just under 6mm, closer to 5.98mm.
NEVER RE-USE BB's! Choosing your ammunition Ammunition can be largely player's preference, but also determinant on event restrictions and the weapon in which it is intended to be used.
BB mass 0.12g is common ammunition for beginners that are plinking around with springers. The light mass allows the bb to be fired at a higher fps. This increase is offset by the considerable effect wind has on a bb in flight, therefore the range and accuracy are reduced. 0.20g is widely used and often the standard ammunition for measuring an airsoft gun's energy. The mass is able to hold a trajectory better in wind than the 0.12's but with a cost of slight fps loss. Larger mass also means it is easier for these bb's to shoot through brush and undergrowth where 0.12's might be deflected. This ammunition is best for most AEGs and all pistols. 0.25g is also widely used, though typically by more experienced airsoft players that have upgraded AEGs. Again, there is an fps loss due to a higher mass. Expect shooting through leaves to be a breeze. The mass allows a strong trajectory from the gun to the target with less play or adjustment needed for wind. 0.28g is a less commonly produced bb mass. Some players use this in their AEGs but the performance increase is less noticeable than the difference between 0.20's and 0.25's. Some events prohibit AEGs shooting bb's heavier than 0.25g. 0.30g+ is normally sniper class ammunition. Sniper rifles are designed to shoot bb's accurately over long distances. Higher mass bb's mean that the projectile will travel more in the intended path with less deviance due to windage. Sniper rifles are typically more powerful for this reason but are also subject to engagement range restrictions.
Types of BB's Bio-degradable bb's, or bb's that are designed to break-down in the environment faster than typical plastics, are produced by some manufacturers. Beware that these types of bb's have been known to shatter easier on impact than non-bio-degradable ones. Better brands will have a higher quality BB that is less likely to shatter but even normal bb's have this capacity. Glow-in-the-dark bb's, are bb's that are made of the plastic which absorbs light as a form of energy and releases it gradually in the form of light, or a glow, over time. Just like a glow-in-the-dark sticker, these bb's need to be exposed to light before they glow in the dark. Naturally, they are easier to see at night and often used as tracer rounds in night games. Various Colors of bb's are produced by many manufacturers. The most common color is white, followed by black. It is easier to see white bb's in a denser wooded environment and so allows one to more easily see the bb path and make aim adjustments. Colors are normally up to the individual airsoft player but color selection is different for each manufacturer and each bb mass.
Why use high quality bb's?
NEVER RE-USE BB's
When is it okay to use lower quality bb's? <<  Magazines                
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See also these pages for additional information:
Rifles |