1. What Exactly Are BBs?

• BBs are small, spherical pellets used as ammunition in BB guns and airsoft guns.
• In airsoft, they're typically made of plastic and measure about 6 mm in diameter—though 8 mm versions exist. The most common weights range from 0.20 g to 0.25 g, but options span from as light as 0.12 g right up to hefty 0.40 g+ pellets.
• In BB guns, BBs are usually metallic—commonly steel balls around 4.5 mm in diameter, zinc- or copper-plated for improved corrosion resistance.

2. Why Do Weight and Material Matter?

• Weight affects trajectory and stability—lighter BBs accelerate faster but are drifted more by wind; heavier ones remain truer in flight but require more power to fire.
• Some BBs are biodegradable, made of plant-based resins like PLA—great for outdoor play where cleaning up isn't possible.
• Other specialised varieties include tracer BBs (which glow mid-flight) and marker BBs (coated with powder to visibly mark targets), each with caveats depending on compatibility and safety.

3. Safety First

• At sufficient speed, BBs can penetrate skin—typically around 136.7 m/s for a 0.20 g pellet. That's why fields enforce muzzle velocity limits, minimum engagement distances, and mandate protective eye and face gear.
• High-quality, smooth-surfaced BBs reduce the risk of barrel jams or damage to your gun’s internals.

4. Choosing the Right BBs

To keep your shots accurate and your setup in one piece:

• Match BB weight to your gun’s power and hop-up settings. Low-powered guns typically suit 0.20–0.25 g, while sniper setups favour 0.30 g+.
• Use non-tracer, non-metal BBs for general airsoft use—lighter, safer, and cheaper to replace.
• Opt for biodegradable rounds if you’re skirmishing outdoors without clean-up options.

5. Bonus: Slingshot Ammo Alternatives

If you’d like to diversify your shooting fun, consider Milbro slingshot ammo tubs—ideal for traditional slingshots or even DIY target practice setups. Explore their range here: Milbro Slingshot Ammo Tubs

Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

BBs are more than just tiny plastic balls—they’re precision-dependent, safety-conscious tools for various recreational uses. Whether you're swapping to Milbro slingshot ammo for a different experience or fine-tuning your airsoft ballistics, know your BBs, match your weight, and always keep safety front and centre.