Everyday about two people post topics asking which weight of bb is best for their M9, or sniper rifle or whatever. So I've made this general guide so you don't have to ask that question.

BB Weights

.12-These are the lightest bb. They are less accurate because they can be blown by the wind or drift off course, but they are light enough to be used by low powered guns.

.2-Most average to good guns take these bbs. They are heavy enough not to be affected by the wind very much and are quite accurate. They slightly lower the fps of the gun but the bb weight increases inertia (ask Battlepriest) so they accually INCREASE the "punch" of the gun. Also, .2g bbs are made much better quality than .12 because they have to stand up to AEG internals.

.23-Almost as heavy as a .25, commonly used in more expensive or upgraded AEGs.

.25-The heaviest "common" bb. These significantly lower the fps of the gun but dramatically improve accuracy and resistance to wind. A favorite of snipers, although sometimes used in upgraded AEGs.

Heavier BBs-There are a few bbs heavier than .25. These include .33 and .45. Snipers sometimes use these but they aren't as frequently used on people because they hurt so much. Nothing but a sniper rifle can send these very far.

Metal BBs-Metal bbs are associated with .117 caliber bb and pellet guns but 6mm metal bbs are available. These aren't safe for airsoft use because they can break the skin. Some snipers use alluminum bbs.


So now that you know about the bb weights, what bbs does your gun need? Here's a guide:


Spring Pistols
150-250fps-.12
250-280fps-.12 or .2. .2 will have better accuracy but a little less range.
280fps+-.2g

Spring Rifles
150-250fps-.12
250-280fps-.12 or .2. .2 will have better accuracy but a little less range.
280fps+-.2g

LPEGs (low powered electric guns)
.12 ONLY! I've tried using .2g bbs with these guns. They just pop out of the barrel and hit the ground at about 25 feet away.

AEGs
280-330fps-.2g
330fps+ (upgraded)-.2 or .23, .25 if it's a super custom upgraded gun.

Snipers
Cheap/starter sniper rifles-.2 or .23
350fps+-.25 or heavier

Just to cover some common newbie guns so that there's no confusion:

UHC MP5 SD3-.12 or .2. .2 have better accuracy but slightly less range.
UTG shotguns-.2 or .23 I use .2s with mine but they curve up a little. I think .23s would be perfect.
UTG Sniper-.23 or .25
Super 9 (eek!)-.2
Cybergun pistols from D!ck's or Wal*Mart-.2g only.

Gun Damage
There have also been a lot of people asking if using the wrong weight bbs will damage their gun. The answer is no. The bb weight affects range, accuracy, and fps but as long as the bbs are 6mm they can't damage a gun. What will damage a gun is dirty bbs, damaged bbs, or low quality bbs. Since .12g bbs are mostly for cheap springers they are generally lower quality than the other bb weights. So if you put .12s in your AEG they won't hurt it, unless they are low quality. If they are they could shatter inside, or jam up and damage the gun. Also, don't use a bb that is deformed (even slightly), scratched, or dirty.

NOTE-a lot of guns with fixed hop-up say to use .12 or .2 gram bbs. If you use .12s they will work fine, but aren't accurate enough for me. They tend to curve as they near the target. .2g bbs are noticably more accurate but they reduce the fps of the gun and you will see them curve down just a little. I suggest you use .2g bbs for these guns. Don't let anyone tell you "all springers suck dude never use .2s for a springer it's a waste of money!"

This post has been edited by triggerhappy: Mar 4 2006, 05:42 PM