Guide to airsoft BBs: weight, material and BIO

Tired of BBs that spread like a shotgun pattern, or that jam in your expensive precision barrel? At Handelshuset Aulum we have drawn the consequences. We have cleaned up the jungle of ammunition and are going all in on our own range: Hank Tactical.

In this post we dig into the technology, the environment and why we have decided that the future with us is 100% BIO.

Quality from BLS in Taiwan

When we say Hank Tactical is "competition quality", we mean it. The BBs are made in Taiwan by BLS, the manufacturer behind many well-known airsoft brands.

Every single BB is produced to a tight tolerance of 5.95 mm with a deviation of only 0.01 mm. They are fully polished and free of the internal air bubbles that can otherwise make a BB unstable in flight. That gives you solid performance and a flawless finish with every shot.

Documented BIO: tested by TÜV Rheinland

For us it is important that "BIO" is not just a label but a promise we can keep. We have had our polylactic acid BBs tested by TÜV Rheinland to get the proof in black and white.

What does the test report say?

• Thoroughly tested quality: Our BBs have been through a comprehensive biodegradation test.
• Results from the laboratory: Under optimum conditions at a controlled temperature of 58 degrees, 81% of the material was broken down in just 45 days. After 66 days the degree of degradation reached 90%, which means the material is converted into natural substances.
• Real-world conditions: It is important to note that laboratory tests show the potential under perfect, warm conditions. Outdoors in a cooler climate such as Denmark's, the process takes considerably longer because of the lower temperatures. But the point is clear: unlike plastic BBs, they disappear over time without leaving harmful substances in the soil.

Investing in the future: BIO only

At Handelshuset Aulum we have made a principled choice: the future is 100% BIO. This means that going forward we will only carry biodegradable BBs in our Hank Tactical range.

We want to lead the way and look after the woodland and sites we are allowed to play on, so the sport is still there for the next generations. By only offering BIO BBs we make it easy for you as a player: you never have to wonder whether your BBs are allowed at your next game day – they always are if it says Hank Tactical on the bag.

How do tracer BBs work?

Night games and CQB call for tracers for the full experience. Tracer BBs contain a luminous material that is "charged" by UV light as it leaves the gun. This requires a tracer unit fitted to the barrel. As the BB passes through, the light is activated by UV diodes and you can follow your shot like a green laser beam straight into the target. Our tracer range is of course also 100% BIO and is now available up to 0.32 g.

Guide: find the right weight for your gun

The weight of your BB is the most important tool for optimising your rifle:

• 0.12 g – Specialist: Ideal for grenades, mines and the very small spring pistols.
• 0.20 g – Standard: Good for standard AEG rifles and pistols. Gives a high muzzle velocity.
• 0.25 g to 0.28 g – All-round: The most popular weights for assault rifles. A good balance between range and accuracy in wind.
• 0.30 g to 0.32 g – High-end: Ideal for upgraded rifles. The extra weight makes the BB more stable at medium range.
• 0.36 g to 0.45 g – Sniper and DMR: For the heavy hitters. 0.45 g is our heaviest BB, designed to retain its energy all the way out to maximum range.

The myth of "bad" BIO BBs

Years ago, BIO BBs could leave white deposits in the barrel. Modern BBs like Hank Tactical are extremely hard and smooth, so it is rarely a problem today. Our advice is still: keep your barrel clean! Clean your barrel after every game day to remove microscopic dust, so your rifle always shoots flawlessly.

Handling your BBs correctly

As BIO BBs are natural products, they need correct handling to keep their shape:

1. Keep them dry: Moisture starts the breakdown. Always store them in a closed bag.
2. Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays and heat can affect the structure over time.
3. Never reuse BBs: A fired BB has scratches and dirt on it. Never put it back in the magazine – it will ruin your precision barrel.
4. Large quantities: Our standard bags hold 4000 pcs, so you have plenty for a whole game day. This does not apply to the weights from 0.36 g and up.

By choosing Hank Tactical you get accurate, high-quality BBs while supporting a greener airsoft world. See you in our shop in Aulum, Denmark, or out on the field!