Jumping into a new sport like airsoft is usually accompanied with being deluged with information. Airsoft BBs, as you may have already guessed, are certainly a part of this information overload and for good reason. There are many different types of BBs that have one thing in common; they can all be used in airsoft guns. That being said, some BBs are better than others for use in various platforms or situations. Let’s explore this.
Since all BBs are roughly 6mm in diameter, we don’t have to worry about this variable changing. However there are two ways the BBs can differ. The first is color and the second is weight.
Most airsoft BBs are white in color, but you will see some variations on your airsoft shop’s shelves. This is really an inconsequential characteristic unless you are looking for glow-in-the-dark “tracer” BBs. These BBs are light sensitive and, when used in conjunction with a tracer unit, allow the BBs to be seen flying through the air in low light conditions. If you are playing in daylight conditions regular BBs will work just fine and save you money as tracer BBs cost more.
Airsoft BBs come in a wide variety of weights. Airsoft guns sold in box stores or in kits that include BBs in the box with the gun are typically very lightweight. These BBs are fine for lower powered airsoft guns and backyard play. These BBs will commonly weigh 0.12, 0.14, or 0.16 grams. These lightweight BBs will not carry well at longer distances.
When stepping up to Close Quarters Battle or CQB, you want to be able to shoot accurately and with enough authority that the opponent can feel the hit through his safety gear. Players engaged in CQB will gravitate towards BBs that weigh between 0.20 and 0.28 grams. In CQB scenarios, the maximum velocity allowed is based on the weight of the BB. A facility will commonly allow no more than 350 feet per second from an airsoft gun shooting 0.20g BBs. This same facility might allow a maximum velocity of 315 feet per second from the same gun shooting 0.28g BBs.
For open field and MILSIM play players tend to gravitate towards heavier BBs due to the longer distances possible on these fields. A heavier BB will travel more accurately when shot from a carbine or rifle style airsoft gun. Airsoft players will often choose BBs that range from 0.25 to 0.36 grams for this style of airsoft play. Once again, maximum velocity will be based on the weight of the BBs used. It is common for the maximum velocity for these heavier BBs to top out at 350 feet per second.
At your local airsoft shop you might see BBs that are 0.32 grams or heavier. Airsoft snipers gravitate towards these much heavier BBs. An airsoft sniper will often use a special airsoft rifle that generates much more power than the typical airsoft gun but can only be used from distances no closer than 100 feet at most fields.
When it comes to airsoft play, don’t try to cheat the system. Using too heavy of a BB or otherwise adjusting the velocity of your airsoft gun over the maximum limits set by the facility is not only unsafe and could lead to fellow players being injured, it is also a good way to get permanently banned from the facility.