Let’s just be clear here: when we say “wrong” airsoft ammo, that could have a few connotations.

You can shoot .20g, 6mm BBs out of an airsoft sniper rifle rated at 400 FPS. It’s not technically the wrong ammo, but it’s still not a good idea.

That’s why there are so many different types and weights of airsoft ammo. Different strokes for “different airsoft guns,” so to speak.

With that in mind, here are 4 big signs you’re not using airsoft ammo that’s matched wisely to your airsoft gun.

1.Airsoft BBs are shattering in the barrel
If you pull the trigger, hear a dreadful sound, and shreds of plastic shrapnel exit the barrel, you’ve got yourself a problem and it’s probably ammo.

Unless there is some horrendous defect with the airsoft gun itself, your issue is you’re using ammo that’s just too light for the gun. In other words, the gun is too powerful and destroyed the BB before sending the remains out of the muzzle.

This is only likely to happen with very light ammo and very powerful AEGs or sniper rifles. If it does, take the gun apart, remove any scraps of plastic that might remain in the hop-up, reassemble, and start shooting heavier BBs.

2.Shots are visibly falling short of the target
If you’re confident your hop-up is properly adjusted, and your shots just can’t “go the distance,” the pellets are probably too heavy for the airsoft gun.

Shots that dip and fail before reaching the target are probably just too much for the gun to hop. This can be a problem with less powerful GBB pistols, for instance.

The solution? Step down the weight slightly. If you’re shooting .36g’s or .30’s, maybe give .25’s a try.

3.Shots are dipping, rising, or yawing well before reaching the target
If your shots are dipping, start paying closer attention. It doesn’t automatically mean they’re too heavy for the gun. If they’re rising or yawing, too, it could be a sign that they are actually too light - the exact opposite problem.

Shots that rise inexplicably as if floating on the air, or otherwise respond to the wind, likely indicate airsoft ammo that is too light for the gun. So, too, do shots that yaw. Yawing is when the shots curve unexpectedly off of their trajectory.

This happens with lighter airsoft ammo because the pellets lack the density to cut through the wind or air. Upping the BB weight and tunning your hop-up system can often solve all of these problems in one fell swoop.

4.You chronographed the airsoft gun and FPS ratings are too low
Finally, if you chrono the gun with your airsoft ammo and the FPS readouts are way below what they should be, well, then, you’re probably using ammo that’s too heavy.

Heavier ammo is more difficult for an airsoft gun to fire, especially if it lacks the power. We call this “hopping,” BBs, and if they’re too heavy, they won’t leave the muzzle with adequate velocity to deliver advertised FPS ratings. Lower the weight.

Airsoft Ammo and Quality: What You Need to Know (Yes, They Affect Accuracy)

The following features of airsoft ammo will also impact accuracy and overall quality.

●We can’t believe we’re saying this, but make sure it’s the right size: the vast majority of airsoft guns shoot 6mm BBs. Some shoot 8mm BBs. Be sure you get the right size

●Seamless, one-piece design: Airsoft ammo should be one solid piece of material (typically plastic) and should have no seams.

●Airsoft ammo should be polished: Polished airsoft ammo is faster, more aerodynamic, and more accurate.

●No internal flaws: Some cheap ammo may have voids or inclusions that affect both weight and density. Avoid them.

●Biodegradability is a plus: Finally, many airsoft fields will only let you play over biodegradable BBs, A.K.A. “bio BBs.”

Wait, Maybe It’s Not the Airsoft Ammo
Please note that airsoft ammo itself is not always responsible for inaccuracy and problems with shot string and shot placement. The following factors can also affect them.

●Get a tight bore barrel
Cheap inner barrels that don’t create a decent seal around the BB can adversely impact accuracy. Upgrading to a tight bore barrel may be able to help.

●Upgrade to stainless steel (sorry, brass)
Some factory inner barrels are made from brass. Over time, brass can corrode, creating slight imperfections on the bore surface that can throw off the spin of a BB, hindering accuracy.

●The bucking could be worn
Your hop-up system contains a small piece called the bucking, which actually imparts backspin to the BB. When these wear, the hop-up’s efficacy decreases. Consider replacing it if you’ve had the airsoft gun for a while and accuracy is starting to suffer.

●Did you forget to adjust the hop-up?
Finally, it’s important to remember that your accuracy probably won’t be that great till you dial in your hop-up, no matter what ammo you’re shooting. Do that first, then come back to this guide.

Need New Airsoft Ammo?
We carry a wide range of high-quality airsoft ammo on our website, all at great prices and covered by a price match guarantee.

Check them out via the link above and if you have any questions about weight or size you need answered, contact our customer service team at 800-581-6620.