BBs

Airgun Ammo: BBs

BBs were once the most common airgun ammunition in the USA. A BB is a small ball, typically made of steel with a copper or zinc plating, of 4.5 mm/.177″ diameter. Lead “Round Balls” are manufactured in numerous calibers too; these are often 4.5 mm/.177″ diameter and designed for use in .177 caliber rifled guns normally used for shooting pellets. Steel BBs can be acceptably accurate at short distances when fired from properly designed BB guns with smoothbore barrels. Lead number 3 buckshot pellets can be used in .25″ caliber airguns as if they were large BBs.

BBs are still used today in many airguns, especially airgun pistols. Due to their “hardness” a BB does not engage the rifling in guns with a rifled barrel and are slightly undersized compared to their more accurate counter part the pellet. Shooting BBs in guns with rifled barrels is not advised as the hardness of the BB can potentially damage the rifling and make shooting pellets through the same gun less accurate. However, guns that shoot only BBs can still be fun to plink with and can have reasonable accuracy at closer distances.

It is important to note that when shooting this type of ammunition, due to it’s hardness, the chance of ricochet increases. Make sure to always wear protective eyeware and do not shoot at hard objects or targets!

If you have an airgun that shoots BBs and you are looking to buy ammo please check out some of our favorite brands listed below!

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Our favorite brands of airgun BBS:

Crosman BBs On Amazon

Daisy BBs On Amazon

Air Venturi BBs On Amazon

Umarex Hornady BBs On Amazon

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Learn More About The Different Types Of  AIRGUN AMMO

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HOW AIRGUNS ARE POWERED

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