Energy of Airsoft BBs

Airsoft (or softair guns) find their application in the team sport of the same name, in which players belonging to different teams compete against each other. Due to the low muzzle energy (usually less than 1.5 J, even in high-powered models) and the low cross-sectional density, the pain caused by an airsoft projectile, also called a "BB", when it hits the skin is about the same as that of a light bruise - that is why it is possible to shoot at each other with airsoft guns. As a reference value, a standard 0.20 gram 6mm pellet, which is the most common size and weight, has a kinetic energy of 1 J at a velocity of 100 m/s. The calculation of joules and the energy generated by airsoft guns is important because of phenomena such as "joule creep", where the FPS remains the same while the energy of the air gun exiting the barrel of the airsoft gun increases.

Speed of airsoft weapons

The speed at which airsoft guns may be fired varies from region to region. In the United States, the maximum speed of airsoft weapons depends on the type of arena. In Close Quarter Battle arenas, the allowed speed for airsoft weapons is usually around 110 m/s. In outdoor playing fields, the speed is usually regulated by the type of weapon. With a standard 0.20 gram (3.1 grain) bullet, fully automatic airsoft electric rifles (AEGs) are often set at less than 120 m/s, DMR-style semi-automatic AEGs at 120-140 m/s, and manually cocked spring-piston rifles at 140-150 m/s.

In Germany, the permissible velocity often depends on the field of play or is set by the players. It is conceivable to have a general maximum muzzle energy that applies to all weapons, as well as a graduation depending on the type of weapon: For indoor games, the maximum limit is often 0.5 joules. In outdoor games, it is not unusual to have an agreement according to the type of weapon, for example, a backup weapon (pistol) can have up to 1 joule, assault rifles up to 1.5 joule and sniper rifles for snipers up to 2.5 joule, but with a range limit. If the range falls below this limit, the sniper must use his backup weapon. Therefore, it is important that the muzzle energy of good airsoft weapons can be adjusted.

Range of airsoft weapons

The maximum effective range of airsoft weapons with field approval is about 100 meters with a high-powered sniper rifle replica. Most airsoft weapons used for field games have an effective range of about 40-70 m, depending on the intended player role. Most airsoft guns can shoot at speeds of 60-125 m/s, although it is also possible to purchase upgraded internals that allow the gun to shoot up to 170 m/s. In the U.S., the usual limit is 110 m/s. In Ireland, Italy and Japan, the muzzle energy limit for airsoft guns is 1 joule, regardless of the type of game. In the United Kingdom, weapons with semi-automatic rifles and bolt-action rifles are allowed to fire up to 2.5 joules (with a muzzle velocity of up to 158 m/s. Any weapon "capable of firing two or more projectiles in succession without repeated pressure on the trigger" is limited by law to 1.3 joules (at a muzzle velocity of up to 114 m/s). Northern Ireland has a maximum velocity of 100 m/s (330 ft/s) with 0.20 g BBs, without regard to the type of equipment. In Sweden, the legal limit for airsoft weapons is 10 joules for manual weapons and 3 joules for semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons.

How fast does an airsoft bullet fly?

How fast and far an airsoft bullet flies depends mainly on the muzzle energy, the weight of the BB as well as the rubber hardness. In addition, a powerful HopUp system is especially necessary for the range of the weapon. A general list for orientation:

Differences to the ballistics of "real weapons

The ballistics of spring or electrically operated airsoft weapons differ from those of real firearms in that a longer barrel does not always result in better accuracy. The "sweet spot" for barrel length of a spring or electric powered airsoft gun is around 450mm, above which additional barrel length does not improve accuracy. In any case, barrel quality, velocity consistency and hop-up quality design are more important factors in terms of accuracy. Additional barrel length will result in slightly increased velocity if the cylinder size and compression are appropriate for the barrel length. In this respect, airsoft guns behave like their handgun counterparts. However, a longer barrel has the effect of making a gun quieter.

In the case of gas-powered weapons, additional barrel length can, to some extent, result in increased speed and accuracy. Narrower barrels increase speed because there is less space between the BB and the barrel for air to escape. Most commercially available airsoft guns have barrels that are 6.05-6.08mm in diameter , but the best performance is usually achieved with "tightbore" barrels that are 6.01-6.05mm in diameter. However, the tighter the bore, the more likely it is that the balls will jam, and therefore tight barrels must be cleaned and lubricated regularly. It is generally agreed that a high-quality 6.01-6.02-mm barrel offers the highest muzzle velocity, while a high-quality 6.03-mm or 6.05-mm barrel offers the best compromise between performance, accuracy and ease of maintenance. The actual accuracy difference between barrel sizes is debatable and is usually outweighed by barrel consistency. However, with the newfound popularity of high-pressure air-tank (HPA) guns, the opinion spread that barrels with a larger diameter (up to 6.13 mm or 0.241 inch) could provide a more accurate shot. Because of the larger volume of air surrounding the bullet, there is no chance of the bullet coming into contact with the barrel and altering the bullet's trajectory, similar to a musket where the bullet impacts before leaving the barrel.