ASTM F1979-17(2021)

Standard Specification for Projectiles Used in the Sport of Paintball

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes testing procedures and critical characteristics of 0.68 caliber paintballs which help define whether a paintball is suitable for use in the sport of paintball. Furthermore, the specification establishes minimum warning and package labeling to help ensure that the paintballs are used in a safe manner and that the risk of injury is reduced. Tests shall be performed to conform with the requirements specified in accordance with the following test methods: paintball compatibility with polycarbonate and paintball impact breakage test.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes testing procedures and critical characteristics for projectiles, which define whether they are suitable for use in the sport of paintball. Furthermore, the specification establishes minimum warning and package labeling requirements to help ensure that the paintballs are used in a safe manner and that the risk of injury is reduced.  
1.2 This specification does not cover non-recreational paintballs, for example, those used by law enforcement, scientific, military, or theatrical entities.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• ICS: 97.220.99 - Other sports equipment and facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.24 - Paintball and Equipment

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F2272-13 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM F2272-12 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2272-11 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM F2272-10 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM F2272-09 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2272-08 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM F2272-03 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers (Limited Modes)
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003

Overview

ASTM F1979-17(2021): Standard Specification for Projectiles Used in the Sport of Paintball establishes comprehensive requirements and testing methods for paintballs to ensure their suitability and safety for recreational paintball. This internationally recognized standard, developed by ASTM, defines the critical characteristics, labeling, and testing procedures for common paintball calibers-most notably the 0.68 caliber-used in sport environments.

The specification aims to reduce the risk of injury by addressing paintball construction, performance, and appropriate warning and packaging information, thus supporting manufacturers, field operators, and consumers in promoting safer paintball play.

Key Topics

• Paintball Classification and Dimensions
  • Defines both spherical and shaped paintballs and provides minimum and maximum dimensions and weight for multiple calibers.
  • Specifies shell and fill requirements, including safety parameters and frangibility.
• Material Compatibility
  • Paintball fill must be tested for compatibility with polycarbonate (widely used in protective eyewear) to prevent material degradation.
• Impact Breakage
  • Paintballs are tested to ensure reliable breakage upon impact, a critical safety and performance requirement in the sport.
• Fill Safety
  • Prohibits the use of fill materials that mimic human blood and restricts the presence of environmentally hazardous or toxic substances.
• Labeling and Warning Requirements
  • Standardizes packaging information, ensuring essential safety warnings, instructions, and manufacturer identification are clearly stated.
  • Mandates legible and prominent warnings about risks such as potential eye or facial injuries and proper use instructions.
• Storage and Handling
  • Outlines proper storage conditions to maintain paintball integrity and safety throughout their shelf life.

Applications

The ASTM F1979-17(2021) standard provides vital guidance in a variety of real-world scenarios within the recreational paintball industry:

• Manufacturers: Ensures design and production of paintballs comply with safety, labeling, and material regulations, supporting market access and liability reduction.
• Paintball Field Operators: Assists in selecting compliant paintballs that enhance player safety, reduce injury risk, and meet insurance requirements.
• Retailers and Distributors: Requires appropriate labeling to inform consumers about safe usage and proper storage, ensuring responsible sales and customer satisfaction.
• Players and Consumers: Guarantees that paintballs used in recreational play meet strict criteria for performance, breakability, and safety, fostering a better and safer paintball experience.

By conforming to ASTM F1979, stakeholders help promote a safer, more enjoyable game and support the responsible growth of the paintball industry.

Related Standards

• ASTM F2272 – Specification for Paintball Markers: Complements ASTM F1979 by providing safety and performance criteria for paintball markers, ensuring system compatibility and overall player protection.
• CERCLA, SARA, Clean Air Act, RCRA: U.S. environmental and safety regulations referenced for fill material compliance regarding hazardous substances.
• International Standardization Practices: Developed under the WTO TBT Committee's principles, lending global credibility and harmonization.

---

Keywords: ASTM F1979, paintball standard, paintball safety, paintball testing, paintball labeling, paintball caliber, frangible paintballs, recreational paintball, paintball marker, paintball fill, ASTM paintball specification

For more information on standards for paintball safety or participation requirements, consult ASTM International or related standards documentation.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F1979 −17 (Reapproved 2021) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Projectiles Used in the Sport of Paintball
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification sets forth a set of guidelines and testing procedures for the manufacturing of
common calibers and types of paintball. The goal is to provide paintball manufacturers with a
specification that promotes safety in the sport of paintball.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification establishes testing procedures and 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
critical characteristics for projectiles, which define whether
3.1.1 caliber, n—the term used to refer to the size of a
they are suitable for use in the sport of paintball. Furthermore,
paintball projectile. Related to the measurement of the diam-
the specification establishes minimum warning and package
eter of the paintball.
labelingrequirementstohelpensurethatthepaintballsareused
3.1.2 cubic centimeter, n—commonly used unit of volume
in a safe manner and that the risk of injury is reduced.
extendingthederivedSI-unitcubicmeterandcorrespondingto
1.2 This specification does not cover non-recreational
the volume of a cube measuring1×1×1cm.
paintballs, for example, those used by law enforcement,
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The mass of one cubic centimeter of
scientific, military, or theatrical entities.
water is approximately equal to 1 g.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.3 fill material, n—liquid inside of a paintball.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.1.4 paintball, n—aprojectiledesignedtobeexpelledfrom
only.
a paintball marker meeting the requirements of Specification
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
F2272.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.4.1 spherical paintball, n—a round projectile, with a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
diameterandweightasdefinedinTable1,comprisedofashell
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
andafillmaterial,anddesignedtobeexpelledfromapaintball
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
marker.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.4.2 shaped paintball, n—non-spherical cylindrical
shaped projectile with a hemispherical front surface, and a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- diameter, length, and weight as defined in Table 2, comprised
of a shell and a fill material, and designed to be expelled from
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. apaintballmarkermostcommonlywithamagazinestylefeed.
3.1.5 paintball marker, n—device specifically designed to
2. Referenced Documents
discharge paintballs which conforms to Specification F2272.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.6 shell—rigidtosemi-rigidfrangiblematerial(generally
F2272Specification for Paintball Markers
of gelatin) that encapsulates or contains the fill material of a
projectile used in the sport of paintball.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.24 on Paintball and Equipment.
4. General Requirements
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2021.PublishedJuly2021.Originallyapproved
4.1 pH of Fill Material—The pH of the fill material used in
in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F1979–17. DOI: 10.1520/
F1979-17R21.
all paintballs shall measure between 4.0 and 8.0 as measured
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
using a 10% solution of the fill in distilled water. Measure-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ments shall be made using a properly calibrated pH meter. See
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Fig. 1 for the pH scale and pH levels for some common items.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1979−17 (2021)
TABLE 1 Calibers of Spherical Paintballs with Minimum and Maximum Diameter and Maximum Weight
68 Caliber 43 Caliber 50 Caliber 55 Caliber 62 Caliber
18 mm 11 mm 13 mm 14 mm 16 mm
Min (mm) Diameter 16.5 10.43 12.13 13.34 15
Max (mm) Diameter 18 11.39 13.24 14.56 16.42
Min (in) Diameter 0.65 0.41 0.47 0.52 0.59
Max (in.) Diameter 0.709 0.448 0.521 0.573 0.646
Weight (g) Maximum 3.5 0.9 1.4 1.7 2.5
Weight (oz) Maximum 0.123 0.032 0.049 0.06 0.088
TABLE 2 Calibers of Shaped Paintballs with Minimum and Maximum Diameter, Length and Maximum Weight
68 Caliber 43 Caliber 50 Caliber 55 Caliber 62 Caliber
18 mm 11 mm 13 mm 14 mm 16 mm
Min (mm) Diameter 16.5 10.43 12.13 13.34 15
Max (mm) Diameter 18 11.39 13.24 14.56 16.42
Min (in.) Diameter 0.65 0.41 0.47 0.52 0.59
Max (in.) Diameter 0.709 0.448 0.521 0.573 0.646
Min (in.) Length 0.65 0.41 0.47 0.52 0.59
Max (in.) Length 0.709 0.448 0.521 0.573 0.646
Weight (g) Maximum 3.5 0.9 1.4 1.7 2.5
Weight (oz) Maximum 0.123 0.032 0.049 0.06 0.088
FIG. 1The pH Scale
4.2 Paintball Fill Compatibility With Polycarbonate— cylinder of the sample shall measure within the minimum and
WhentestedinaccordancewithSection5,nomorethanoneof
maximum range as defined in Table 2 based on the caliber of
the three polycarbonate tensile bars exposed to the fill material
the shaped paintball.
shall develop a visible crack that is greater than 6.5 mm (0.256
4.7 Length of Shaped Paintball—The length of the shaped
in.) in length.
paintball as measured along the overall length of the object
4.3 Maximum Weight—A paintball shall not weigh more
shall measure within the minimum and maximum range as
than as defined in Table 1 and Table 2 based on the caliber and
defined in Table 2 based on the caliber of the shaped paintball.
type of the paintball.
4.8 Impact Breakage—The impact breakage of the paintball
4.4 Fill Color Limitations—Apaintball shall not contain fill
shall be tested in accordance with Section 6. All ten of the
material with a color mimicking that of human blood.
paintballs that impact the target shall break upon impact.
4.5 Diameter of a Spherical Paintball—The diameter of a
sphericalpaintballshallbemeasuredaroundboththepolaraxis
andseam;bothmeasurementsshallbewithintheminimumand
maximum range as defined in Table 1, based on the caliber of
the paintball.
4.6 Diameter of Shaped Paintball—The diameter of a
shaped paintball as measured around the largest section of the
F1979−17 (2021)
4.9 Environmental Safety—Paintballs shall not contain en-
vironmentally hazardous or toxic substances as defined in
CERCLA Regulations 40CFR302.4; SARA Toxic Chemical
4 5
List Section 313; Clean Air Act , Section 112B; and RCRA
Regulations 40FRR261.24 through 40CFR261.33.
TEST METHODS
5. Paintball Compatibility with Polycarbonate
5.1 Scope—This test method is intended to determine the
compatibility of the paintball fill with polycarbonate, the
FIG. 3Tensile Bar
plastic material currently universally used for protective eye-
wear lenses in paintball.
5.2 Summary of Test Method—This test method involves
bending polycarbonate tensile bars in a test fixture while these
5.4 Apparatus—Thistestmethodshallbeconductedusinga
bars are exposed to the paintball fill material and observing
testfixtureasshowninFig.2.Thetensilebars usedinthetest
how these tensile bars react to the fill. A control test is also
shallbemoldedofclear121gradeLexan ,polycarbonate(Fig.
conductedusingtapwaterinplaceofthepaintballfillmaterial.
3).
5.3 Significance and Use—This test method provides a
5.5 Procedure:
means to help determine the suitability of specific paintball fill
5.5.1 Test3separatetensilebarsforeachtypeofpaintbeing
material for use in the sport of paintball. This test method
tested.Test a total of 2 tensile bars in the control test using tap
provides a relative indicator of the reaction that a polycarbon-
water.
ate lens would have to the paintball fill material being tested.
5.5.2 Place the fill from 4 paintballs of the tested paint into
a polyethylene bag, (the zip-lock variety works well), along
with one tensile bar. Place 15 mL ( ⁄2 oz) of tap water, along
with one tensile bar into each of the two control sample
polyethylenebags.Wrapeachbagaroundthebarsothatthefill
orwaterisincontactwiththecenterofthebar,andsealthebag
to prevent fill leakage or evaporation.
5.5.3 Bendthebaggedtensilebarsbetweenthetwostopson
the test fixture (Fig. 2), which induces a 1.0% strain
...