Why Pellet Weights Need to be Considered

The weight of the pellets you use for your airsoft guns greatly affects trajectory, accuracy, and distance. In airsoft games especially, you want your pellets to go as far and as accurate as possible. While the airsoft gun itself plays a major role in determining accuracy, it is important not to dismiss the effects of the pellets themselves.

The two most popular weight types are .12g and .20g. Low end guns, such as basic spring and electric pistols, primarily utilize .12g pellets, although most do function with .20g ones. The reason for this is that .12g pellets put less strain on the internal systems of these guns.

For higher end airsoft guns, .20g and .25g are the best options. While .12g BBs initially have greater velocities than weightier pellets, they decelerate faster and are more susceptible to external environmental factors. Heavier BBs are more stable and are generally more accurate than lighter pellets, but at too high a weight their velocity is not great enough for significant distance to be achieved. In airsoft games, you will rarely find anyone using .12g pellets, as they are vastly inferior to .20g and .25g ones.

Weights beyond .25g should not be used in standard airsoft guns, although they are appropriate for airsoft sniper rifles. For example, the standard weight for a quality sniper rifle is .30g. As the weight of an airsoft pellet increases, so must the specifications of an airsoft gun. To support a .30g BB, an airsoft gun must be very high quality, and depending on the gun, may even need upgrades.

The heaviest pellet that you will probably never see in your life is .88g. Besides being incredibly slow, they are made of steel and thus cannot be used in airsoft games. If you ever come across one, the best advice to follow is to avoid being hit at all costs.