What Are Airsoft Pellets Made Of?

In the airsoft world, pellets remain a point of contention among hobbyists. Some of the most frequently asked questions by the airsoft community center around the composition and makeup of airsoft pellets. What are airsoft pellets made of? What affects their size, shape, and efficiency? What discounts players can get on purchasing pellets? This article will answer these questions and more.

What Materials Are Used to Make Pellets?

Pellets for airsoft guns are typically made of either plastic or biodegradable materials. Plastic pellets are the most commonly used pellets among airsoft players. This is because plastic pellets damage less of the internal parts of any airsoft gun compared to biodegradable pellets. The most common type of plastic pellets are 6mm and 8mm-based pellets. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Biodegradable pellets are considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic pellets. They are made from non-toxic materials such as cornstarch, flour, and natural wax that fits the general guideline of biodegradable materials. However, biodegradable pellets may still cause some damage to the internal parts of airsoft guns, so many airsoft players tend to shy away from them.

What Affects Size and Shape?

The size and shape of the pellets are largely determined by the manufacturing process. The pellets are usually created using a combination of injection molding and press molding. Injection molding is used to create higher-hardness pellets with a smoother surface texture, while press molding is used to create lower-hardness pellets with a rougher surface texture. The pellets then go through a process of cutting and polishing to reach their final size and shape.

What About Efficiency?

The efficiency of a pellet depends on a variety of factors, such as its weight, shape, size, and the air pressure used in the gun. The heavier the pellet, the more pressure it requires to shoot accurately. Similarly, a pellet with a smooth, aerodynamic shape will fly further than a pellet with an irregular, unconventional shape. The size of a pellet, on the other hand, affects its velocity; larger pellets typically have less velocity than smaller pellets.

Where to Buy Pellets?

There are a variety of places where airsoft players can purchase pellets. Sporting goods stores typically sell pellets of all shapes and sizes, as well as biodegradable pellets. Airsoft retailers also often carry large quantities of pellets, and typically offer discounts for bulk purchases. Additionally, online stores often provide a large variety of pellets at competitive prices, and ship them directly to customers' doorsteps.

Final Word

Pellets are an essential part of the airsoft community, and understanding their composition and efficiency is key for any successful airsoft experience. Plastic pellets are the most popular pellets among airsoft enthusiasts, but biodegradable pellets are also available and offer a more environmentally friendly alternative. The size and shape of the pellets depend on the manufacturing process, while the efficiency of the pellets vary depending on their weight, shape, size, and air pressure. Customers can purchase pellets from a variety of sources, ranging from sporting goods stores to online stores. Ultimately, the choice of pellet is up to the airsoft player, and understanding the composition and makeup of airsoft pellets is an important part of making the right choice.