BBs

Copper, Steel, Lead BBs

Pyramyd AIR has a wide variety of bb gun ammo. They are available in a variety of different metals, including steel, copper-plated, and zinc plated. Some steel bbs have an anodized finish, which makes them have less friction, providing more velocity, greater distance, and better accuracy.

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What Are BBs?

BBs are smooth and round balls made out of metal and are a tiny bit under .177 caliber - usually around 4.35mm in diameter. BBs are made specifically for air-powered guns with smoothbore barrels. BBs are suitable for light recreational shooting, entry-level fun, and select competitions. Although metal BBs look fairly simple, there are a lot of options when it comes to finishes. Some have a zinc or copper coating, while others may have anodized finishes that will help produce increased velocity and reduce friction. Some BBs are designed to flatten or shatter on impact for fewer ricochets and added safety.

Remember: Always follow safety measures and wear eye protection - ricochets may occur.

Choosing the Right BBs

There are many different BBs available. Each .177 BB serves the same purpose but is made with different materials for different purposes., Some are designed to increase speed, decrease friction, or decrease the chance of ricocheting. Remember, BB guns are not toys and can be dangerous, so always consider safety as a priority with eye protection, especially for the ricochet.

Here is how to make a selection based on your needs:

Plinking & Fun Shooting: Standard steel BBs or zinc-plated
Training & Indoor Use: Low-ricochet copper-coated lead BBs or frangible (break apart upon impact and limit ricochets)
Cold Weather: copper-coated BBs (for reduced fouling and improved function).
Gun Longevity & Maintenance: copper-plated BBs (for corrosion, friction, and buildup).

Note: Metal BBs for BB guns are not the same as plastic airsoft BBs for airsoft guns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BBs in a pellet gun?

Only if the air-powered gun manual specifies it can use both. Most pellet guns have rifled barrels, which can be damaged by steel BBs.

Are copper-plated BBs worth it?

Yes, especially for CO2 and semi-auto BB guns (non-airsoft). They reduce internal wear, feed more reliably, and perform better in cold conditions.

What are frangible BBs?

They are designed to shatter on impact, minimizing the risk of ricochet. These lead-free bbs are ideal for steel targets and indoor ranges.

Can I reuse BBs?

No. Reusing metal BBs can cause jams, misfeeds, and serious damage to your air powered gun.

Beginner's Guide to Air Gun Ammo

Learn about common types & their purpose!

Types of BBs

BBs for BB guns are typically round balls made of steel or other metal alloys. Some are frangible, which means they disintegrate on metal targets and do not ricochet tiny bits of metal. Other types of bb gun ammo flatten on impact with a hard target which means they won't ricochet. Many people prefer lead-free bb ammo because of the health-harming impact of lead.

In regards to caliber, all steel BBs state they are .177 caliber/4.5mm, but in reality, they are smaller than that. They are more like 4.35mm in diameter (0.171 to 0.173-inches) these days. The weight of bb gun ammo ranges from 5.1 to 7.4 grains.

Why do many people prefer copper-plated bbs?

Copper is a soft metal that doesn't react with lead, so copper-coated steel BBs are an improvement over copper-free steel BBs. The copper coating of Pyramyd AIR copper-plated steel caliber BBs is 5 microns thick, which is thinner than the width of an average human hair. Copper-plated steel BBs can be used in steel, brass, or copper air guns without hurting the copper finish (the copper coating will not flake off). The copper plating is so thin you cannot see it with the naked eye. .177 caliber, copper-plated steel BBs are made by first making copper-free steel BBs, then copper is applied to the steel.

What are some advantages of copper bbs?

Copper plating prevents fouling from adhering to the copper-plated steel surface and keeps your air gun cleaner. Copper plating also seals the bore of your barrel from oxygen, moisture, and dirt. BB air guns that use copper-plated steel BBs work better in cold weather as copper is a thermal conductor that conducts heat away from the chamber, breach, and hammer faster than any other metal. Also copper expands 20 times more than steel when heated and contracts 20 times more than steel when cooled, which helps it draw heat away much faster than other metals. But copper plating does have a downside. Copper-plated BBs are a little more expensive than copper-free BBs, but for many air gun enthusiasts, copper plating is worth every penny.

Pyramyd AIR copper-plated steel BBs for BB guns are an added advantage for cold weather shooting. When you shoot copper-plated steel BBs, your gun will stay cleaner longer and will shoot better when it is cold out.

Shop bbs for bb gun ammo at Pyramyd AIR.