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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!
ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY BB's IN TIGHTBORE BARRELS!
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
BB's are classified primarily by their mass. The standard measurement of a BB is in grams.
They come in various massses ranging from 0.12 grams to 0.32 grams and higher. The size
of the bb is the same for each mass, but the density is different.
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, glow-in-the-dark, various colors
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.
COST
Cost varies between manufacturers and bb masses. BB's with smaller masses like 0.12g
will be cheaper to purchase than the same quantity in 0.20g. This is due to the increased
density of the bb which means more dense material needs to be fit into the same
dimensions. Expect the price of sniper ammunition to be much higher per bb. Retailers
often sell bbs for less when they are purchased in larger quantities. Special colors
and features like glow-in-the-dark will cost more as well.
Why use high quality bb's?
High end manufacturers will be more expensive but the tolerances are smaller
and so bb's perform consistently well. A good quality bb will be very very smooth,
to the point that one cannot see or feel the line where the bb has been molded.
Qualtiy bb's increase the life of an inner barrel and a barrel's accuracy.
Tightbore barrels demand high quality bb's because the smaller inner diameter has
smaller bb specification tolerances. BB's outside of these specifications are
more apt to jam.
NEVER RE-USE BB's
NEVER re-use BB's. Period. Using bb's that have already been fired or picked up
off the ground, will tear up your inner barrel even if there are no visible flaws
or dirt on the bb.
When is it okay to use lower quality bb's?
Low-quality bb's mean low-quality performance and an increased risk of jamming.
Cheap guns may fire cheap bb's but they still have the capacity to jam.
Realize that even medium quality bb's can increase the performance of a
low-end gun.
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