What is the best slingshot ammo? Here's our take on which slingshot ammo is best!

Here's a great question. What is the best slingshot ammo?
This is definitely a bit of a long answer, but here's the nutshell:
The number one factor for a good slingshot ammo is simply that it is spherical. Slingshot ammo needs to fly smoothly through the air without any force pulling it in one direction or the other, and that is only possible if the slingshot ammo is spherical.
So number one, make sure it's round.
When it comes to different materials for slingshot ammo, there are a lot of great options. Your ammo might be made of a type of metal, glass, clay, or any other substance that can be spherical.
Clay ammo has become very popular lately as it has become more consistent in size and shape. Clay is fun because it is completely biodegradable and also can explode on contact with a hard object. We love Clay!
The number one choice for accuracy is of course steel ammo. Steel ammo is as consistently spherical as you will ever find, and it shoots incredibly true.
Lead ammo is still our number one choice for hunting as it packs the most punch. The chemical properties of lead make it a choice that we would only recommend under hunting situations.
Shooting marbles or other glass bowls is fun and marbles are quite consistent, but be aware that you are shooting and ammo that will break if it strikes a hard object. We know you're always wearing safety glasses, but we're going to say it again here. Wear them!
There are other types of fun slingshot ammo, some of which are no longer available, such as powder bowls which were a blast!
Bottom line, make sure your ammo is as close to perfectly spherical as possible and shoot appropriately based on the ammo selection.
Get all your slingshot gear, slingshot frames, slingshot ammo, and slingshot accessories at simple-shot.com?ref=simpleshot
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Please leave us YOUR thoughts below in the comments and don't forget to like and subscribe (and ring the bell). Thanks for watching!!

[@thewholls7176]

Steel balls can also easily be contained in a pouch on your belt with magnets and they can be managed easier without rolling around all over the place they can be easily contained

[@kaptainkush6008]

This is really good, helpful information . I'm looking into purchasing my 1st slingshot and i really didn't know the ammo should be matched to the type/ style of slingshot, nor the differences in ammo has such a deciding factor. Thank you.

[@simpleshot]

You are very welcome. I am glad it helped.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Bernoulli also makes a 4 seam fastball appear to rise and a slider to slide.

[@cammm6445]

Coming from the high dessert of Colorado, glass shards can definitely start a fire

[@dcstolteadventures]

Good segment. Well done as always but surprised you didn’t even mention clay.

[@simpleshot]

Did we not mention clay? Crazy! We love clay!

[@kishascape]

Clay sucks. Just happens to be trendy at the moment.

[@JackONeillmit2L]

I'm just getting in to slingshot shooting, so i watch a lot of your videos. I have a question concerning slingshot ammo for hunting. I found a lot about size and weigth of the ammo, lead and steel, but why does no one speaks about tungsten beads for hunting. Heavier then lead, smaller then steel. Sure they are pricey, but for a skilled slingshot hunter ?

[@techadmirer6475]

tungsten ammo sounds awsome. i think for hunting i would just stick with lead because cost for one and the second reason (only a theory) but going with tungston if you use small ammo and heavier than lead it will turn into more of a pentation damage weapon than a impact one. i have herd that riflemen need to shoot for vital areas mainly the heart in animles so they have a quicker death. with a slingshot usually this is not the case cuz for one what you hunt is smaller game and slingshots have less pentation than most if not all caliber rifles but can have about the same amount of kinetic energy as a 44 caliber revolver(as seen in one of GoergSrave's youtube videos i remember watching) this infers to me slingshots can't go threw ribs or the sholder bones to hit most vital areas gunmen go for but has the energy to break bones threw impact. haveing a larger surface area i imagine will cause more impact damage if theirs enough energy in the projectile and have a higher chance to kill the animal hunted with a slingshot quickly. keep in mind that if you shoot large size tungston ammo it will be heavy and require a heavier band set compaired to lighter metal ammo and people can only pull but so strong a bandset. i do however want to point out that i think tungston ammo would be fun for target shooting if you have a catcher because it's higher density i would love some responses even if they are against my theory so long as it is in a non malicious manor.

[@challes2000]

I also like for in the house rubber ammo with matching training bands. They are inexpensive and shoot very accurately. Using a catch box with hanging target they are a lots of fun and you can practice anytime you want.

[@tsmith235]

I use the plastic balls that they have on sale during the winter in the house. Simple shot offers plastic balls.

[@kishascape]

I got a pocket shot junior that came with some nice rubber balls that I use indoor.

[@alexcrowder1673]

Shooting stale marshmallows is hilarious. Wildly inaccurate, but its fun to watch it curve back in forth in flight lol.

[@simpleshot]

haha, sounds fun!

[@edalmeida1218]

Thank you for your answer sir.

[@simpleshot]

Always welcome

[@byeats1]

I’m not a total fan of steel balls because they rust too easily (& stainless steel balls are quite expensive). I like marbles for target practice, especially smaller ones (e.g. 0.44” diam) since they are light & travel fast. I rarely see them break when shooing at cans backed by a blanket.

[@rainsoakedpuppy]

An intact sphere of transparent glass can act as a lens along with strong sunlight to cause fires. There are some videos of this on youtube, albeit with spheres larger than marbles. I'm not sure how likely something like that could happen with something so small, but that particular danger could at least be entirely mitigated by using marbles made from opaque glass.

[@simpleshot]

We have never tested it, so we fee it is best to play it safe.

[@techadmirer6475]

i doubt the Simpleshot guy (sorry i don't know his name) will read this comment but i noticed about 2:30 minutes in this video he mentions plastic ammo and particularly Airsoft BBs saying "Those BBs will be their for quite some time." depending on the BB chosen this is not entirely true because their are biodegradable BBs meaning they will break down and dissolve(for lack of better words) and get washed away overtime from rain. Also from at least my experience with Airsoft BBs most of them are biodegradable so i don't think lost ammo will have any note ably harmful effect on the environment. if anyone who works on this Chanel wither being the editor information gatherer, etc i love your vids it gives me good information. I've not been doing any slingshooting(if that's a word) much for the last couple months but i have thought of a promising idea of making bands and selling them for profit so I'll likely be watching your vids more to get information on how band tapers effect shots, what ammo sizes are best for what purposes, etc. slingshot stuff is also a personal interest of mine so i also watch your vids for fun.

[@simpleshot]

Yes, the plastic airsoft ammo, not the biodegradable will be there for a long time. Even the biodegradable stuff takes around a year and a half here. (My son shoots it all over the yard!)

[@techadmirer6475]

@@simpleshot Thank you for clarifying. from what i could tell the Biodegradable is also a type of plastic so i figured it should be mentioned in the comments. I agree Biodegradable BBs take a wail to degrade fully, also as of now I'm not sure if it degrades into a still harmful to the environment solution solution. Perhaps i will look into it further it would be interesting to know more about how Biodegradable BBs degrade and what solution is left. BTW sorry for any misspellings or Grammar issues i could never focus or was interested much in my English classes in School lol.

[@jayj4142]

Oh, and I had another idea...someone should make rubber ammo with a steel core. Safe(ish) for indoor use and could still be retrieved with a strong magnet.

[@oneuponedown]

Like an old computer mouse that have the ball.

[@jayj4142]

@@oneuponedown Yeah, but those are way too big...I mean like 9mm or around that size...

[@troyfennel6100]

Follow up question. I’m new to slingshots. Understanding matching the latex to the weight of the ball is critical, what produces the flattest trajectory? Is this similar to rifle ammunition where the lighter bullet weight produces faster speed and therefore flatter trajectory due to delayed bullet drop from gravity? If you’re shooting paper how does using a smaller or undersized steel ball reduce accuracy or change the flight trajectory?

[@simpleshot]

Search our channel for matching ammo and you’ll find some tips!

[@techadmirer6475]

i Love shooting ridiculously large steal ammo when i shoot, typically i switch between 18mm and 28mm and i do have a catcher. my slingshot is originally designed for triple tube bands but i found a way to use flat Bands( from memory Flat bands are faster) so I'm currently using 1.5mm flat bands. my taper is 18 - 12. I'm currently limited to about 18mm max width taper and i like heavy ammo so i think i should go to a doubleband setup? my main Question to Simpleshot or any commenter who may have a answer what taper should i use for my 28mm or 18mm steal ammo? i imagine something like a 18 - 16mm taper would be more ideal than something like a 18 - 10mm taper. I can't get a very acurate way to test but for the purpose of the question i can pull about 40-45 lbs to the cheek reliably and steady. my hands start shakeing past 40-45 lbs with a slingshot but i can likely pull a slingshot about 65-70 lbs before my grip starts to fail.

[@simpleshot]

The best taper will vary with shooters. I have not shot ammo that size. I would invest in a chronograph and play with what gives the fastest speed with the lightest draw weight. That is the only reliable method.

[@techadmirer6475]

@@simpleshot thanks for the reply!. I think i will do that

[@cyclonejungle1615]

Hiya Nathan, keep up the Brilliant work. Just wondering if you might consider a Flip clip version of the Sparrow

[@simpleshot]

Then it wouldn’t be a Sparrow any more! 😮

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

@@simpleshot Ordered mine (Black) a few days ago, gonna park the Daisy as soon as it arrives.

[@danam.scruggs1712]

What is the best size for BB's? Could a pepper ball be used with a slingshot? Dana M. Scruggs

[@simpleshot]

Our BB bands are listed as the .177-1/4". Many shooters shoot paintballs so I would think you could.

[@MarcusRefusius]

I’d be more concerned with a spark from hitting a Rock starting a fire. Here in the Sierra Foothills we try not to even think warm thoughts lately.

[@simpleshot]

Good thinking. Where you are at, everything is a fire danger! Sparks from chains on trailers often start fires.

[@MarcusRefusius]

@@simpleshot Pretty much all the fuel burned up now. Lots of Grass Fires down in the Valley though. The KNP Complex fire burned within half a mile from our house. We were under a Mandatory Evacuation Order for a month, but we stayed. It helps to know VERY experienced wildland firefighters.

[@billmaynes3626]

BTW could you do a video on alternate ways to tie off a Sparrow? The thumb thing is really difficult somehow.

[@simpleshot]

Wrap and tuck is pretty much the best/only option. It does take some practice! All other options are far inferior!

[@billmaynes3626]

@@simpleshot thanks! Love my SimpleShot slingshots!

[@jayj4142]

They do make and sell biodegradable airsoft ammo so that may be an option for some folks...

[@AceMBP]

Taconite balls/pellets while not perfectly round are pretty decent. They are round and dense enough for plinking trash etc and just look like brown rocks in the environment. Fairly inexpensive compared to steel balls also. How do people go plinking and not leave ammo behind?

[@oneuponedown]

Small portable catch box.

[@raymonddavis6988]

I just recently purchased the scout xt and was wondering what a good size ammo is good to start practicing with and what do you use and why I'm really excited to be getting into this hobby any help would be great thanks

[@simpleshot]

3/8 or smaller is great! Our practice ammo is perfect for beginners but we’ve been sold out for a little while right now, I’m sorry.

[@raymonddavis6988]

@@simpleshot oh no problem I use steal balls was just hoping the ones I have aren't to small thanks I'll be ordering from you guys often how long do a set of bands usually going to last you on average

[@simpleshot]

Bandsets should last hundreds and hundreds of shots. Be careful to not get fork hits since fork hits destroy bands!

[@tsmith235]

Your rubbers will not work as good when it's below freezing. Keep your slingshot inside your coat.

[@terrikroon7958]

What about using paint balls for younger kids, not for killing any thing, but to have marking in a group, against a target

[@simpleshot]

Yes, this works but you will need to make the bands with lighter latex and a bigger pouch to accommodate the size of the paintball.

[@billmaynes3626]

But what about clay ammo? It’s all I use.

[@teleguy5699]

He never mentioned that. He even referenced it it the beginning.

[@tobiasinness8006]

How long can you store a band set if they’re kept in a light proof bag?

[@simpleshot]

That one is answered in season 2!

[@RTBurke]

Where can I buy an Axiom Ocularis?

[@simpleshot]

simple-shot.com/

[@kisavracar]

What do you think about lead beans as an option?

[@simpleshot]

Lead makes great hunting ammo if allowed by your area.

[@kisavracar]

@@simpleshot I think those lead beans are very popular in UK.

[@DarylKeener]

I am shooting .5 mm bands. What size ammo steel is best?

[@simpleshot]

This will depend on the taper you are using. Any ammo for BBs to 3/8" is fine without having to get a very wide taper.

[@luistapia1942]

Lead is better when it powder coated. Keeps the poison off your fingers and pouches.

[@lesliemateka4193]

Taconite steel pellets

[@SOULinaSHELL94]

Pepper balls for self defense?

[@simpleshot]

We DO NOT recommend a slingshot for self-defense.

[@Christfollower4]

Do steel balls damage the environment?

[@simpleshot]

No, steel comes from iron which is natural and will rust away.

[@Christfollower4]

@@simpleshot very good answer thank you! I won’t feel bad now using them in the woods 😂 thanks buddy

[@simpleshot]

You are very welcome!

[@jacobrans9269]

That Englishmen ,man of kent uses lead shot moulded from a spanner. poacher I think.

[@tsmith235]

fashion quite a few clay marble-sized balls. you can get clay modeling clay at almost any hobby shop the price is reasonable and you can make your own ammo. Roll small pieces of clay between the palms of your hands and then let it dry add Maybe bright yellow food coloring. Biodegradable.

[@philiphonsey6734]

copper ammo?

[@simpleshot]

I have not seen any copper ammo other than the copper BBs.

[@mianalihumayun1241]

What about mud balls?

[@simpleshot]

Mud balls or Clay Ammo are great but can fly crooked.

[@botchedmandala5197]

What about clay?

[@simpleshot]

Clay Ammo is not as perfectly round as Steel Ammo. Steel will always shoot better.

[@SomoneTookMyName]

Airsoft ammo is biodegradable. Just saying.

[@simpleshot]

Some of it is and some is not. You must purchase the biodegradable and not the plastic.

[@puregameplay7916]

I feel like 9.5mm steel is best for target shooting and practicing, 11mm steel or 10mm lead for hunting.

[@AstroBananna]

Im new, i have a heap of 6mm steel, havnt got a sling yet but trying to figure out if i should go 9.5 to learn with or is 6 good enough?

[@mikecollins8241]

To the guy asking about 6mm (1/4") ammo, yes it is great to learn on, even better than the bigger stuff because the bands will be lighter to pull back and allow you to work on your form, not building strenght/ fighting a heavy draw weight 😊