Are non-bio BBs actually any better?

[Gunboat Diplomat]

I've only ever used bio BBs, never had any issues, no noticeable fouling in any of my guns.

However, I frequently hear (usually in GBBR discussions) of people only using non-bios in their guns for reasons ranging from accuracy to gun cleaning.

Is this just recycled clap-trap from the days when early bios were rubbish, but have since gotten much better?  Or is there some non-bio nirvana I'm missing out on.  

Disclaimer I only intend to use them on sites that permit them, for all the others I'll continue with bios.

 

[Baser]

I've used both and to be honest can't say I notice the difference in both GBBR and AEG, but I'm not fussy and a terrible shot! 

Think originally the bios went bad over time or if they got damp and I've read some say you get more bits of BB in your barrel if you use bios. 

I just use what I can get as some sites / shops carry limited stock so if I want to use .28 or .32 or something else my gun of choice likes to run I just buy what's there.

 

[Cannonfodder]

Is this just recycled clap-trap from the days when early bios were rubbish,

Exactly that. I've never noticed any difference in performance between the two and never had any problems with them. Quite simply the idea of bio bbs being bad isn't true anymore and needs to be confined to history along with chronoing on .2s

 

[Tommikka]

I have no comparison of bio BB vs non-bio BB, but the main factor that matters is consistency in each BB

Nice round balls manufactured to a consistent size, that do not have nasty mould seams to affect their balance will fly like all the other ones in the batch 

Good manufacturing complete with quality control will do that, and as long as the bio materials are not being affected by their storage environment then they will be fine 

The experience with any BB will be dependant on its match / suitability for the set up of the RIF

 

[Lyndication]

FWIW modern bio BBs are made of PLA and coated in wax. The ones you shoot will still be there centuries later.

Since they don't really biodegrade they're pretty much the same as non bios.

 

[Gunboat Diplomat]

I've decided given the negligible cost to just buy a bag of each and find out for myself, but based on replies I'm going to guess in a blind trial I won't be able to tell the difference!

 

[Enid_Puceflange]

I’ve never noticed the difference when using any of my replicas

Until I got my OSW, it would smash beebs for breakfast

Went back to standard beebs and no issue

 

[Hudson]

How long do they tend to last nowadays?

I've considered buying bios, if only for the occasional site that requires them. But I go through ammo so infrequently I'd be concerned about it sitting open and unused for months and then coming back to it.

 

[Lyndication]

I've had a pack last over a year. 

They don't biodegrade.

 

[Impulse]

Yeah, I had the same 2kg of .32s for aaaaaaaages because I only run them in pistols and 1.1J guns... and I'm a bolt action / DMR enjoyer, so basically only pistols. That bag lasted me over a year and I had no issues with them from start to finish. Don't store them in damp areas, and don't put wet BBs back in the bag and you'll be fine.

 

[Cannonfodder]

Wasn't there another thread on here were it was posted that bio bbs only break down under certain conditions, eg high temperatures,  which rarely happen?

Iirc the consensus was that biodegradable is abit misleading and compostable would be a better description

Edit: found it

 

[DavidRZ]

I see no real difference — good quality matters more than bio or non-bio.