Airsoft Bullets What Are They Made Of
Table of Contents [ ]
What Are Airsoft Bullets Made Of
What Are Airsoft Bullets Made of?
Airsoft bullets, commonly known as plastic or biodegradable BBs, are essential components used in airsoft sports. Even though the exact material vary, the majority of airsoft bullets are primarily composed of some type of plastic. Thus, understanding the material they're made from is crucial, so users can discern the right size and shape for their gun. Let's examine and contrast the 9 most commonly encountered materials for airsoft bullets.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a comprehensive thermoplastic with tight tolerances and superior durability. Airsoft users favor ABS because the pellets maintain their size and shape through extended play. The pellets may also have a glossy apparent and can be airborne up to 400 FPS.
Carbon Graphite
Carbon Graphite pellets are known for their lightweight characteristics and accuracy. They are also noted for their efficient power consumption because the low-density material is easily pushed through the barrel of a gun. Combined with a powerful spring, the pellets can travel at speeds up to 400 FPS or higher.
Polyethylene Glycol Dihemihydrate (PEG)
Also a thermoplastic, PEG is the least expensive airsoft bullet and is mostly used for replicas or basic training models. Although PEG can achieve up to 500 FPS, it is prone to warping and disintegrating quickly.
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is a hybrid of ABS and PEG, with a hard center and spongy exterior. It possesses a desirable combination of accuracy and speed with the capacity to load into magazine-fed weapons relatively quickly.
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
PDMS is an organic material that provides a superior level of elasticity and toughness compared to other pellets. Uniquely enough, these pellets have a low coefficient of friction, enabling them to slide more easily against the inner barrel surfaces.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Resilient and lightweight, PVC is popularly used for its superior performance and accuracy. The pellets are also the least desirable for CQB play due to their bright orange color.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
HIPS is renowned for abrasion and impact resistance; the pellets are known for their very small size, however, they are harder to load into mag-fed weapons.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Highly resilient and cost-effective, HDPE pellets easily align better within the shells of the clip. However, they're prone to weather damage and tend to be heavier than either PEG or ABS pellets.
Biodegradable
Biodegradable airsoft pellets are formulated with the combination of ABS and starch, melting within a set duration of time. The disadvantage is the pellets don't perform as well as other materials, and they'll leave residue behind if used in close quarters play.
Brief Recap
From ABS to biodegradable, each of the 9 materials for airsoft bullets varied in characteristics that should be taken into consideration before purchasing. We have ascertained the benefits and shortcomings to using each material, so users can successfully manage, store, and consistently engage in their airsoft games with confidence.
The right bullet can significantly impact accuracy and speed, which can ultimately enhance your airsoft experience.
Previous Page
Next Page