If you’re just starting with airsoft guns, it can seem like there’s no end to the options available to you. From AEGs to GBBs, different gun styles and a myriad of potential accessories or upgrades, there are countless variations for your potential setup.
With all these options, it’s unsurprising that the importance of the actual thing you’re firing can go unnoticed! Airsoft BBs play a crucial role in your gun’s performance, and there are plenty of options in this area, too.
When buying BBs, make sure you choose a quality, reputable brand to ensure smooth pellets that don’t damage the internals, as well as a more consistent performance. Beyond that, however, how should you go about deciding what weight to roll with?
Why Your BB Weight Matters
BBs are available in various different weights. You can commonly find them ranging from 0.12g to as much as 0.45g, nearly four times heavier than the lighter BBs.
One major reason why BB weight is important is that some weapons simply can’t handle ones that are out of the usual range. A lightweight airsoft pistol will struggle to work with the heaviest BBs, while the most powerful airsoft guns can become damaged if used with very light BBs.
Another reason why BB weight matters is that it can influence the accuracy and FPS of your weapon. There are so many factors that go into how accurate an airsoft gun is, and the weight of the BB is part of that mix.
Is There a Standard BB Weight for Airsoft?
Because the variety of airsoft weapons is so vast, there is no standard BB weight you’ll see across everything on the field. However, a lot of guns are covered by some common BB weights.
The vast majority of airsoft guns, especially standard airsoft rifles and pistols, will use BBs between 0.2g and 0.3g. Lighter weapons, such as pistols, tend to use BBs on the lower end (0.2g-0.25g) while more powerful rifles will be on the higher end (0.25g-0.3g).
Uniquely powerful weapons tend to use heavier BBs than standard. DMRs typically use BBs above 0.3g, while sniper rifles regularly use BBs weighing 0.35g and above.
Use FPS as a Guide to BB Weight
The best way to work out the ideal BB range for your airsoft gun is to first understand its power. In most cases, this is illustrated in FPS (feet per second). Then, use that FPS to give you a base BB weight that should work with your weapon.
Using FPS alone isn’t the perfect guide to choosing BB weight, as there are other things you’ll want to consider, particularly the style of the weapon. Airsoft shotguns, for example, tend to work best with lighter BBs, which provide more of a spread. However, following this guide will give you a good starting point.
| Airsoft Weapon FPS | Recommended Starting BB Weight |
|---|---|
| 0-200 FPS | 0.12g |
| 200-300 FPS | 0.2g |
| 250-350 FPS | 0.25g |
| 310-400 FPS | 0.28g |
| 400-450 FPS | 0.36g* |
| 450+ FPS | 0.4g+* |
*BB weights above 0.3g are generally only recommended for powerful long-range weapons such as DMRs and sniper rifles.
The Advantages of Lighter or Heavier BBs
Once you know roughly what kind of BB weight you should be considering, you can then start to experiment with slightly lighter or heavier BBs to get the performance you want.
The science around how BBs travel at different weights is complicated because there are many factors that play a part.
However, the general wisdom is that lighter BBs fire out of the barrel faster but don’t travel as far, and are more susceptible to being thrown off course. Heavier BBs, on the other hand, are slower out of the barrel but hold more power for longer, meaning they travel further and straighter.
| Lighter BBs | Heavier BBs |
|---|---|
| Faster out of the gun | Carry more power |
| Travel less distance | Travel further |
| More susceptible to drifting off course | More accurate over long distances. |
Understanding the Power Difference Between BB Weights
While a lighter BB escapes the barrel faster, a heavier BB leaves with more power. This is a phenomenon called joule creep and is particularly prevalent in gas-powered weapons, but is experienced across all styles.
Joule creep can cause problems if a gun is chronographed with a lighter BB and then changes to a heavier one. Therefore, if planning to run a heavier BB, you may need to check that your gun is still firing within the acceptable power ranges for your site or skirmish.
What BB Weight Should You Choose?
Generally speaking, most airsoft players are happy with quality BBs in the standard 0.2-0.3g range. If you want to improve the accuracy and power of your shot and are wondering about the impact of BB weight, there are usually other factors at play that you might want to look at first.
That being said, some factors could cause you to consider a lighter or heavier BB. The most common are:
- FPS: As mentioned above, the power of your weapon will be a big factor in what BB weights you consider.
- Gun Type: A light pistol or shotgun tends to lend itself to lighter BBs, while longer-distance weaponry often relies on heavier ammunition.
- Environment: Indoor CQB sites tend to suit lighter BBs, as speed is key and there is little or no wind interference. Outdoor arenas, meanwhile, might need a heavier BB with enough power to punch through shrubs or leaves.
If you’re not sure what weight of BB to run, it’s often best to just ask around your favourite site – speak to people running similar gear to see what they use, and maybe ask if you can experiment with a few lighter or heavier BBs to see the difference in your weapon.
Of course, if you’re unsure, you can always speak to our team here at Surplus Store. We’re always happy to answer any questions and help you get the right equipment to make the most of your airsoft weapon.
