Biodegradables

**Cameron W**

BB or not BB!

That is the question.

I'm sure many of you have played Airsoft or Paintball at least once in your lives. No? If not, Airsoft is a sporting game where players have real gun replicas that fire small plastic projectiles [4](see below left). If you get hit by one, it is mildly painful and the hit player is out for the match. Paintball is very similar,despite the fact that paintballs are much bigger and hurt a lot more than BBs[3](see right). There is also no way to hide the fact that you've been hit because[2] it leaves a colored splat on the area of impact, unless the hit player tries to wipe off the paint that's on him. If he's caught, that's cheating[2]. Paintballs are biodegradable and do not stain clothes[2]. However, thrill seekers will even freeze their paintballs which can break the skin of another player if fired up close. Paintballs are encased with a gelatin-based shell and contain a water-soliable center so that they explode easier and degrade faster.[2]

Now that you know all the basic rules about paintball and Airsoft, there is one big problem with Airsoft guns that makes parents take caution: pollution. Paintballs that don't degrade are even illegal in some parts of the US. Since certain kinds of plastic projectiles are used in Airsoft, they are disastrous to the environment. That's why manufacturers are starting a new project: Biodegradable Airsoft bullets.

[4]There are tons of manufacturers starting this new project right now. The materials are a substitute for plastic that contain starch and even sugars. If a person was holding a biodegradable bullet in one hand and a plastic one in the other, there is really no way that you would be able to tell one from the other[1,4](see right). However, there are also cons to using bio bullets rather than using plastics. Let's take a look.


 * BIO BULLETS**

Pros: 1. Dissolve in less than 2 months in sunlight and soil[1] 2. Great velocity for spring-powered guns[1] 3. Do not curve while in mid-air (a personal observation I have found from tests at home)

Cons: 1.They cost twice as much as regular plastic bbs[1] 2.They smell terrible (at least certain brands like 'Crosman' do) 3.They are hard to find, best bet is at Bass Pro Shop or Dick's Sporting Goods[2] 4.They come in really bland colors(brown, dark green, white)[5] 5.If you are not careful about the brand you buy, you may end up like this reviewer:

// " // //These are terrible bb's, do not buy them. They break in the chamber a lot! The slightest bit of moisture degrades them. They jam in the gun all the time and disintegrate. Just buy normal plastic bbs, because the amount of money you waste trying to be eco-friendly ends up being trumped when you throw away the entire bag in disgust."// -Buzzilions.com reviewer[5]

As you see, bio bullets can be a great idea, but there are still a lot of things to consider about buying them. Personally, they are great for backyard matches and target shooting. Hopefully this page will help with your decision!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1]Borealis Airsoft Inc. {http://www.skirmish.nl/bbtest.php} 08/18/2004

[2]Poco Paintball Sporting(PPS) { pocomilitary.com/catalog/ } 7/4/2009

[3](IMAGE) Poco Paintball Sporting Catalog {http://pocomilitary.com/catalog/images/Canada%20Military%20Surplus%20Tactical%20Camo%20565.jpg} 2/12/10

[4](IMAGE 2) Mazda Forums {http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Airsoft_pellets.jpg} 6/02/09

[5]Buzzilions Personal Products {http://www.buzzillions.com/review/firepower-4700-count-20-gram-airsoft-eco-bbs-green-review-22446} 3/13/10