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Avoid the Most Common BB Mistakes

Your BBs are the only part of your setup that actually travel downrange. Understanding a few basics will save you money, protect your gear, and make your first games a lot more fun.

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Common Pitfalls

BB mistakes new players make

A little knowledge goes a long way. These are the patterns we see over and over again with first-time players and rental guns.

  • Buying the absolute cheapest, unbranded BBs. These are more likely to be oval, have seams, or contain bubbles — which can jam, shatter in the barrel, or send shots in random directions.
  • Mixing different BB weights in the same mag. Your hop-up is tuned around a weight. Mixing 0.20g and 0.28g BBs in the same mag means the first half of the mag hits differently than the second.
  • Ignoring field rules about bio vs non-bio. Some fields require biodegradable BBs. Showing up with the wrong BBs can mean buying an emergency bag at the field or not playing at all.
  • Leaving BBs loose in pockets or dirty containers. Dirt and lint on BBs end up in your mags, hop-up, and barrel, which causes misfeeds and accuracy issues.
  • Using heavy sniper BBs in low‑power CQB guns. If your gun can’t lift 0.36g–0.48g properly, heavy BBs can drop short and feel “broken” when the problem is just mismatched weight.
Safety & Reliability

What makes a good BB?

Regardless of brand, there are a few characteristics that tell you you’re holding a safe, reliable BB.

  • Shape and surface. Spherical, seam‑free BBs with a smooth polish feed more reliably and interact more consistently with hop-up buckings.
  • Consistent diameter. Tight tolerances (for example 5.95 ± 0.003–0.005 mm) reduce fliers and random curveballs once you get past CQB distances.
  • Clean, bubble‑free core. Internal voids can change weight distribution and cause shots to curve or drop unexpectedly.
  • Material choice. ABS is common for standard BBs, while PLA+ bio blends are used where fields require biodegradable ammo.

How Black Hole™ approaches this

  • Match-grade tolerances on Singularity Pro and UltraMatch to reduce fliers at long range.
  • Double and triple polish on core lines to keep feeding smooth and hop-up contact consistent.
  • Bio options for fields that care about their grounds, without giving up performance.
Choosing a Weight

A quick guide to BB weights

You don’t have to become an expert overnight. Start close, then fine‑tune as you play more.

  • 0.20g–0.25g: Great for rentals, indoor CQB, pistols, and new players who are still learning hop-up and ranges.
  • 0.25g–0.30g: The “everyday field” range for most AEG and HPA rifles. Good balance of range and stability.
  • 0.30g–0.32g Bio: Ideal for outdoor fields that require biodegradable ammo but still want consistent performance at distance.
  • 0.36g–0.48g: Heavyweights for DMR and sniper platforms. Only choose these if your gun is tuned to lift them properly.

Black Hole™ starting points

For most AEG field rifles, start with HyperNova 0.28g as an everyday 6mm BB, then adjust up or down based on field limits and how your rifle feels.

Next Steps

Put this into practice

Once you avoid the biggest pitfalls, picking a BB becomes a simple, repeatable process.

  • Pick a line that matches your platform and field type (CQB vs outdoor vs bio-required).
  • Start with a weight in the recommended range, then only change one variable at a time.
  • Pay attention to how your gun groups and holds zero over a full day of play.

Need a second opinion?

Tell us your platform, FPS limit, and where you play — we’ll suggest a Black Hole™ line and weight to start with.

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FAQ

Common BB questions from new players

Quick, practical answers so you can spend more time playing and less time worrying about gear.

  • Will heavier BBs hurt my gun?
    In a healthy AEG, HPA, or GBB that can properly hop the weight, heavier BBs won't harm the internals. In fact, for a given field energy limit, heavier BBs usually leave the barrel slower, which can be easier on some setups. The real risk is running a weight your hop-up can't lift, which just makes shots drop short and feel inconsistent. Step up in small weight increments and re-check your hop and chrono.
  • Can I use bio BBs indoors?
    Yes. Bio BBs are safe to use indoors and behave very similarly to non-bio rounds when stored correctly. Many players run one BB type for everything to keep zero and feel consistent. Just keep bags sealed, away from high heat and moisture between game days.
  • How often should I clean my barrel if I play every weekend?
    A quick clean after every one or two full days of play is a good habit, especially if you run bio BBs or play on dusty fields. Use proper cleaning rods and patches, avoid metal tools, and always remove the mag and clear the chamber first.
  • What BB weight should I start with for my first AEG?
    For most first rifles in standard field FPS ranges, 0.25g–0.28g is a safe starting point. Lighter (0.20g) can feel fast but is more affected by wind; heavier (0.30g+) is better reserved for tuned rifles and longer outdoor lanes.