If you’ve been to our shop, you’ve probably seen the wide variety of bb’s we carry. So how do you know which bottle to pick up?
Let’s go over the
options that are available, and find the right one for you.
Biodegradable vs. Non Bio BB's
First of all, there are two main types of BB’s which are Biodegradable, and non-biodegradable. Typical plastic airsoft bb’s that are not biodegradable can create a field full of bb’s in no time. They’ll sit there for many years and are not great for the environment. Alternatively, Bio BB’s can degrade a lot quicker than non-bio. It may take a few months, but the plastic will eventually break down. For this reason, many outdoor fields require that you use only biodegradable ammo.
So, is there any acceptable time to use nonbio?
Yes, and that’s when playing indoors. Bio bb’s need moisture to degrade, and they won’t get that inside of an indoor field. If you’re playing indoors, there’s nothing wrong with saving a couple bucks and using non bio. However, if you’re playing at an outdoor field it’s absolutely worth an extra couple dollars to keep the environment clean.
Do Bio BB's Affect Performance?
A common question we get is if bio bb’s affect performance in any way. The answer is no, as long as you buy a quality brand. The difference between bio and non-bio is indistinguishable if you’re buying from our recommended brands. Some lower quality brands of bio ammo create a powdery residue that can jam up your gun. Avoid this cheap ammo and be sure to use bb’s that will keep your gun clean and happy.
What weight airsoft ammo should I use?
Aside from choosing bio or non-bio, you’ll also need to pick the correct weight. There are options ranging from a lightweight .20g bb, to heavy weight .43 bb’s. The right option for you will depend on the gun you’re using, as well as the field you’re playing at.
If you’re playing at an indoor field you can get away with using lighter bb’s, as there’s no wind to mess with your shot. For indoor play, I’d suggest these .20g or .25g bb’s. If you’re playing outdoors, you’ll get much better range and accuracy if you use .25g, .28g bb’s, or even .32g bb’s. I personally prefer .28’s for outdoor play with my AEG’s. If you’re using a marksman rifle, you’ll definitely want to use .28g or .32g bb’s for a bit more range and tighter groupings.
Lastly, on the heavier end you have .36g and .43g bb’s. These are ideal for bolt action sniper rifles, as you’ll want maximum wind resistance and accuracy. These heavier bb’s may not work as well in some AEG’s, unless they have a modified hop up that can handle heavier rounds. Most AEG’s are designed out of the box to work best with .20g bb’s to .28g.
There are many other weights available, but the ones I have listed are the most common.
Tracer BB's
The last type of bb’s you’ll see are tracer bb’s. These are designed to glow in the dark, and typically come in either a red a green color. It’s important to note they don’t glow on their own very well, you’ll need a tracer unit which has a UV light inside of it. This essentially “charges” the tracer bb’s and gives them a laser like effect. I’d recommend these ASG tracers, which are available in red and green.