Airsoft Standard Spring & AEG Shotgun Shells

Shaped like real 12-gauge shells, these hold roughly 30 BBs and feed into tri-shot spring or gas shotguns. The shell itself doesn't hold gas, the gun's own internal mechanism cycles and fires the BBs, with the shell acting purely as a BB carrier and feeding device.

Airsoft Gas-Chamber and Shell-Ejecting Shotgun Shells

Used in realistic shell-ejecting shotguns, these shells store green gas or CO2 along with a charge of BBs directly inside the individual shell body, ejecting a spent-looking casing when you pump or cycle the action. This is a meaningfully different and more involved system than the standard spring/AEG shell design above.

Airsoft Revolver Shells

Revolver shells are individual metal cartridges where a single BB sits at the tip. The revolver's cylinder holds a set of these fake bullets, which either transfer gas from the frame or contain their own small internal gas reservoir, depending on the specific revolver design.

Airsoft Shell Compatibility

Standard 30-round plastic shells are not interchangeable with gas-ejecting shell systems, even when both are technically ""shotgun shells."" Always verify whether your specific replica requires proprietary gas shells or standard mag-tube style shells before ordering, since using the wrong type simply won't function in your gun.

Airsoft Shell Maintenance

Never use WD-40 on gas shell O-rings, it degrades rubber over time rather than protecting it. Use a silicone or Teflon-based lubricant instead to keep seals supple without breaking down the rubber material.

What to Look for in Airsoft Shells

A few details determine whether a shell works with your specific replica.

Shell System Match

Confirm whether your gun uses standard spring-fed shells or a true gas-ejecting shell system before ordering, since the two are not interchangeable.

Propellant Type

For gas-ejecting shells specifically, confirm green gas or CO2 compatibility, since not every shell is rated for both.

Lubricant Compatibility

Stick to silicone or Teflon-based lubricants on any gas shell seal, and avoid petroleum-based products like WD-40 entirely.

Airsoft Shell FAQ

Do all airsoft shotgun shells hold gas?

No. Standard spring/AEG shells are purely BB carriers, the gun's own mechanism cycles the shot. Only gas-chamber, shell-ejecting shotguns use shells that genuinely store propellant.

Can I use standard shells in a shell-ejecting shotgun?

No. The two shell systems are not interchangeable. Confirm which type your specific replica requires before ordering.

Why shouldn't I use WD-40 on my gas shells?

WD-40 degrades rubber O-rings over time. Use a silicone or Teflon-based lubricant instead to protect the seals properly.

How do revolver shells work?

Each shell holds a single BB at the tip and either transfers gas from the revolver's frame or contains its own small gas reservoir, depending on the specific design.

How many BBs does a standard shotgun shell hold?

Standard spring/AEG shells typically hold around 30 BBs, matching the classic tri-shot shotgun design.