If you’ve ever looked at a paintball marker and a pepper ball launcher side by side, you might wonder:
“Are paintballs and pepper balls the same size? Could they even be used in the same marker?”
At first glance, both look pretty similar—round projectiles designed to be shot from air-powered guns. But the truth is a little more nuanced. While they can sometimes be the same size, there are important differences in design, purpose, and compatibility.
In this guide, we’ll break down paintball sizes, pepper ball sizes, and everything you need to know before you think about swapping one for the other.
What Are Paintballs?
Paintballs are small, spherical capsules filled with water-soluble paint and encased in a soft gelatin shell. They are designed for recreational gameplay on paintball fields.
- Primary purpose: Safe sport and entertainment.
- Shell type: Thin, breakable gelatin.
- Fill type: Non-toxic, biodegradable paint.
- Impact: Stings on contact but is generally safe when proper protective gear is worn.
The standard size for most paintball fields is .68 caliber, but other sizes like .50 caliber or .43 caliber exist for lower-impact or specialty games.
What Are Pepper Balls?
Pepper balls (sometimes called PAVA balls) are spherical projectiles filled with powdered irritants, usually containing oleoresin capsicum (the same compound found in pepper spray). These are non-lethal self-defense and law enforcement tools, not recreational equipment.
- Primary purpose: Self-defense, riot control, and law enforcement use.
- Shell type: Harder polymer shell to withstand handling but break on impact.
- Fill type: Chemical irritants (pepper powder, PAVA powder, or dye markers).
- Impact: Causes pain, coughing, temporary breathing difficulty, and eye irritation.
Why Size Isn’t the Whole Story
Even if a paintball and a pepper ball are the same diameter, there are major differences in:
- Shell Strength
- Paintballs have fragile shells designed to burst easily on impact.
- Pepper balls have stronger shells so they can survive being loaded, handled, and fired without breaking prematurely.
- Weight
- Pepper balls are often slightly heavier than paintballs, which can affect velocity and accuracy.
- Filling
- Paintballs: Non-toxic paint.
- Pepper balls: Chemical irritants that require safe handling.
- Intended Use
- Paintballs are for sport. Pepper balls are for self-defense and crowd control—they are not safe for casual play.
Can You Use Pepper Balls in a Paintball Gun?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no—and often not recommended.
- If your paintball marker is .68 caliber and the pepper balls are also .68 caliber, they might physically fit.
- However, the firing pressure, barrel design, and shell hardness might not be optimal. Some paintball guns can jam or break when shooting pepper balls because of their tougher shell.
- Also, using pepper balls outside of proper law enforcement or self-defense contexts can be illegal in some areas.
Can You Use Paintballs in a Pepper Ball Gun?
This can work in certain cases, but again — it depends on the launcher.
- Many pepper ball launchers are compatible with .68 caliber paintballs.
- However, because paintballs have more fragile shells, they might break inside the loader or barrel, especially if the launcher’s firing mechanism is more aggressive.
Legal Considerations
Before trying to swap paintballs for pepper balls or vice versa, check your local laws.
- Paintballs: Legal in most countries for recreational use, often with age restrictions.
- Pepper balls: May be regulated as weapons in some countries or states. You may need a license, permit, or special authorization to own or use them.
For example:
- USA: Pepper ball use is generally legal for self-defense, but rules vary by state.
- UK & Australia: Pepper balls are more heavily regulated or restricted.
- Canada: Classified differently depending on the velocity and design.
Safety Concerns
Even if the sizes match, pepper balls should never be used in a casual paintball game. They cause chemical irritation, pain, and breathing issues—and can be dangerous in close quarters.
If you’re using pepper balls for legitimate self-defense:
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling.
- Keep them away from children.
- Store them separately from recreational paintballs to avoid confusion.
Quick Facts: Paintball vs. Pepper Ball
- Same size? Sometimes — most commonly both are .68 caliber.
- Same material? No — shells and fillings are completely different.
- Same use? No — one’s for fun, the other’s for defense.
- Interchangeable? Only in certain markers, but generally not advised without proper knowledge.
Conclusion:
So, are paintballs and pepper balls the same size? They can be—but not always. The most common size for both is .68 caliber, which means some launchers can fire either type.
But here’s the key takeaway: Size is just one part of the equation. Differences in material, weight, filling, and purpose make paintballs and pepper balls very different tools.
If you’re playing for fun, stick to paintballs. If you need self-defense, use pepper balls responsibly—and always follow local laws.
