What Are Airsoft Pellets Made Of?

Airsoft is an iconic sport that has a global fan base. The game pits two opponents against each other in what is like a fast-paced version of a military-style simulation. With its strategic and tactical elements that require both physical and mental skill, it's no wonder why it continues to gain popularity.

At the heart of every Airsoft battle is its main weapon, the Airsoft gun, which is powered by air. This air-powered weapon uses small plastic or metal pellets called BBs. But what are these pellets made out of?

Plastics

The most common material used for Airsoft BBs is plastic. This choice reflects the easy accessibility of the material compared to other materials. Plus, lightweight plastic pellets can be shaped into any shape and size while still remaining inexpensive.

The two main types of plastic pellets used in Airsoft are biodegradable and non-biodegradable. The non-biodegradable pellets are typically made of ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. ABS is an extremely durable plastic that can withstand the strong airshoot of an Airsoft gun. The biodegradable BBs, on the other hand, are made of PLA. Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable material that breaks down in the environment without leaving toxic residues.

Metals

Metal pellets, while not as common as plastic Airsoft BBs, are another option. Metal Airsoft BBs can be made from brass, copper, or steel and are usually preferred by more experienced Airsoft players.

Using metal BBs gives Airsoft players a few advantages over plastic pellets. For starters, metal BBs are heavier which helps them reach their targets more accurately. Not to mention, metal BBs don't deform as easily as plastic pellets do.

Brass and Copper Airsoft BBs

Brass and copper Airsoft BBs tend to be the preferred type of metal pellets. This is mainly due to the fact that they don't require any additional lubrication. Both brass and copper are softer metals, which means that they produce less friction. This prevents any type of jamming, which can definitely be a pain to deal with in the middle of an intense Airsoft battle.

Steel BBs

On the other hand, steel BBs are a harder metal that isn't usually preferred in Airsoft. While steel does provide the benefit of increased accuracy, it also has its drawbacks. Steel pellets are heavier and more costly than other types of Airsoft ammo. More importantly, steel BBs can increase the friction rate of the barrel which may cause jamming, so they need to be heavily lubricated.

Other Materials

Apart from plastic and metal BBs, there are also other materials that are used in Airsoft. These include ceramic, paint, and rubber pellets. Each of these materials has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Ceramic BBs are the most expensive type of Airsoft BBs and are typically used by snipers. The advantage of ceramic BBs is that they have increased accuracy and velocity. The downside is that they can be quite brittle and are not always budget-friendly.

Paint BBs are an entertaining addition to the game of Airsoft. As the name suggests, they are filled with colored paint and are designed to quickly mark opponents when they are hit. However, paint BBs are generally not as accurate as plastic and metal BBs.

Finally, rubber BBs are growing in popularity in Airsoft. These pellets are designed to be biodegradable, lightweight, and provide more safety than conventional BBs. However, rubber BBs tend to fly farther and faster than conventional BBs, so they're not always the best choice for close-range battles.

In Summary

Airsoft is a fast-paced game that requires both physical and mental skill. At the heart of the game is the Airsoft gun, which is powered by air and uses small plastic or metal pellets called BBs. Plastic and metal are the two most common materials used for Airsoft BBs. Plastic pellets are usually made of ABS and biodegradable PLA. Meanwhile, metal pellets can be made from brass, copper, or steel. Other materials including ceramic, paint, and rubber are also used for Airsoft BBs although they have their own shortcomings. No matter which type of material is chosen, Airsoft players should have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each type before making their airsoft pellet purchase.