Byrna Ammo Guide: What Works With What (2026 Update)

Q: Can I use off-brand CO2 cartridges in my Byrna?

Byrna recommends its own CO2 cartridges because they are tested for proper puncture and performance. Some off-brand cartridges may not puncture correctly, and using non-conforming CO2 can affect your warranty. When in doubt, stick with Byrna-spec cartridges.

A complete Byrna ammo compatibility guide — .68 vs .61 caliber, kinetic vs chemical vs training rounds, CO₂ sizes, and exactly which ammo works with which launcher.

Byrna ammo compatibility is simple once you know the core rule: most Byrna launchers use .68-caliber projectiles, but the compact Byrna CL and Byrna CL-XL use .61-caliber rounds. Mixing them up is the most common mistake buyers make: .68 ammo will not fit the CL or CL-XL, and .61 rounds are too small to seal properly in the standard .68 pistols and rifles. Beyond caliber, you also need the right CO₂ size (8g, 12g, or 88g depending on your launcher) and the right projectile type (kinetic for impact, chemical for irritant effect, or training rounds for practice). This guide breaks down exactly what works with what so you never waste money on incompatible rounds.

⚡ Short on Time?

Most Byrna owners should stock .68 Kinetic Projectiles for training and backup defense, plus .68 MAX rounds for serious defensive scenarios — as long as you own a .68 launcher (SD, LE, TCR, or Mission 4). If you own a Byrna CL or CL-XL, you need the .61-caliber line instead. And double-check your CO₂ size — the wrong cartridge simply will not work.

Byrna Ammo: Quick Picks

Best Overall Training Ammo — .68 Kinetic Projectiles (95-Count)

Reusable, hard-hitting, and works for both training and defensive backup. The default round for .68 launcher owners.

Best Eco-Friendly Practice — .68 Eco-Kinetic Projectiles

Water-soluble with visual-impact technology and easy cleanup. Training only, .68 caliber.

Best Chemical Defense — .68 MAX Projectiles

An OC pepper + CS blend Byrna describes as maximum stopping power. Check state restrictions before buying.

Best for CL / CL-XL Owners — .61 Kinetic Projectiles (95-Count)

The standard .61 kinetic round for the compact launchers. The CL and CL-XL also support .61 Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training rounds.

CO₂ for SD / CL — Byrna 8g CO₂ + Oiler (10-Pack)

Includes a maintenance oiler cartridge. The correct size for the SD and standard CL.

CO₂ for LE / CL-XL — Byrna 12g CO₂ + Oiler (10-Pack)

Higher capacity, fewer swaps. The correct size for the LE, CL-XL, and the rifles.

ℹ️ How We Researched This

We built this compatibility guide from official Byrna specifications, verified retailer listings, manufacturer product pages, and user reports of compatibility issues, cross-checking caliber and CO₂ requirements across all current Byrna models. Where figures varied across sources, we used Byrna‘s published numbers as the baseline and noted meaningful discrepancies. We did not conduct hands-on testing for this guide.

⚠️ Critical: The Compact Launchers Use Different Ammo

The Byrna CL and Byrna CL-XL use .61-caliber projectiles. All other current Byrna launchers — SD, LE, TCR, and Mission 4 — use .68 caliber. If you buy .68 ammo for a CL or CL-XL, it will not fit. If you buy .61 ammo for any .68 launcher, it is too small and will not seal properly. Always verify caliber before purchasing. One more catch specific to the compacts: the standard CL uses 8g CO₂, but the CL-XL uses 12g — so even within the .61 family, the CO₂ size differs.

Red Flags: Byrna Ammo Mistakes to Avoid

Buying .68 ammo for a CL or CL-XL. Both compact launchers use .61 caliber. Standard .68 ammo will not fit. This is the single most common mistake buyers make.
Assuming there is no .61 MAX round. This used to be true, and a lot of older guides still say it — but Byrna now offers .61 Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training rounds. The only projectile type not currently offered in .61 is Eco-Kinetic. If a review tells you the CL is “kinetic and pepper only,” it is out of date.
Mixing up CO₂ sizes. The SD and standard CL use 8g. The LE, CL-XL, TCR, and Mission 4 use 12g (the Mission 4 also takes 88g). They are not interchangeable, so confirm the size your launcher needs.
Using off-brand CO₂ cartridges. Some generic cartridges do not puncture correctly in Byrna launchers, and Byrna specifically warns against certain off-brand 12g cartridges. Using non-conforming CO₂ can also affect your warranty.
Storing Eco-Kinetic rounds inside the launcher. Eco-Kinetic projectiles are water-soluble and degrade if exposed to moisture. Keep them sealed until use.
Leaving punctured CO₂ in the launcher. Once punctured, a cartridge leaks over a day or two. For home-defense staging, keep a fresh, unpunctured cartridge installed and replace it periodically.
Not checking state restrictions on chemical ammo. Several states restrict pepper or tear-gas projectiles. Verify your local laws before buying chemical rounds.

Master Byrna Ammo Compatibility Chart

Byrna Model	Caliber	CO₂ Size	Kinetic	Chemical Rounds
Byrna SD	.68 cal	8g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Byrna LE	.68 cal	12g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Byrna CL	.61 cal	8g	✅ Yes (.61)	✅ Pepper, MAX (.61)
Byrna CL-XL	.61 cal	12g	✅ Yes (.61)	✅ Pepper, MAX (.61)
Byrna TCR	.68 cal	12g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Byrna Mission 4	.68 cal	88g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX

Data compiled from official Byrna specifications and current retailer listings. The CL and CL-XL share the .61 ammo line but use different CO₂ sizes. Always verify caliber and CO₂ before buying.

Not Sure Which Ammo You Need?

➡️ Own a CL or CL-XL? → Use the .61-caliber line — Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, or Pro-Training. Standard .68 ammo will not fit.

➡️ Want practice rounds that are easy to clean up? → .68 Eco-Kinetic — water-soluble, leaves a visible mark for accuracy feedback (.68 launchers only).

➡️ Need maximum defensive stopping power? → MAX (OC pepper + CS), available in both .68 and .61 where state law allows.

➡️ Want reusable training rounds? → Kinetic — hard plastic, reusable, available in .68 and .61.

➡️ Looking for everyday pepper projectiles? → Pepper (OC + PAVA), available in both calibers, less intense than MAX.

➡️ Need CO₂? → 8g for the SD and standard CL; 12g for the LE, CL-XL, TCR, and Mission 4; 88g for the Mission 4 when you want extended sessions.

.68 Caliber vs .61 Caliber: What’s the Difference?

Caliber determines whether a projectile will physically fit your launcher. Most Byrna models use .68 caliber (the same diameter as paintball markers), but the compact CL and CL-XL use the smaller .61 caliber to enable their more compact dimensions.

.68-caliber projectiles measure 0.68 inches in diameter and fit the SD, LE, TCR, and Mission 4. This is the standard Byrna size, with the widest variety of ammo: kinetic for training and impact, pepper and MAX for chemical defense, and Eco-Kinetic for water-soluble practice.

.61-caliber projectiles are smaller at 0.61 inches and fit only the CL and CL-XL. The .61 line now covers Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training rounds. The one type not currently offered in .61 is Eco-Kinetic, Byrna‘s water-soluble training round.

You cannot use .68 ammo in a .61 launcher — it physically will not fit. And you should not use .61 ammo in a .68 launcher; the projectile is too small to seal properly and will cause velocity and accuracy problems.

⚠️ Reality Check

If you own a CL or CL-XL, your ammo options are narrower than the .68 lineup, but not as limited as older guides claim. You can run .61 Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training rounds. The only thing you give up versus .68 is the water-soluble Eco-Kinetic training round. For everything else — impact, pepper, and the OC + CS blend — there is a .61 option, subject to state restrictions on chemical ammo.

Byrna Projectile Types Explained

1. Kinetic Projectiles — Hard Impact Training & Defense

Who this is for: anyone who wants reusable practice rounds that double as defensive backup, owners who want glass-breaking capability, and people who train regularly.

Kinetic projectiles are solid, hard plastic rounds with no chemical payload. They are designed to hurt on impact — enough to discourage a threat through pain compliance — and Byrna markets them as strong enough to break glass. Because they do not burst on impact, they are reusable: collect them after practice and shoot them again, which makes them cost-effective for training and a solid defensive backup if you run out of chemical rounds. They are available in both .68 (SD, LE, TCR, Mission 4) and .61 (CL, CL-XL).

✅ Why People Choose Them

Reusable — train regularly without burning through expensive chemical rounds
Solid impact you can feel through clothing
Leave a visible mark for accuracy feedback
Glass-breaking capability adds emergency versatility

⚠️ Why Some Pass

Hard plastic can damage drywall or soft surfaces indoors
No chemical irritant — impact pain only, not respiratory distress
You have to collect and clean them after practice

2. Eco-Kinetic Projectiles — Water-Soluble Practice Rounds

Who this is for: backyard trainers who want easy cleanup, environmentally conscious shooters, and people who practice on outdoor ranges.

Eco-Kinetic projectiles are Byrna‘s answer to practice ammo that does not leave plastic shells all over the yard. They are water-soluble, so you can hose down the area afterward and the remnants dissolve. They use Byrna‘s Visual Impact technology — they leave a visible mark and a small cloud on impact for instant feedback on shot placement. These are training-only and .68-caliber only; there is no .61 Eco-Kinetic round. They are softer than solid kinetic rounds, break on impact, and are single-use. Because they are water-soluble, you cannot store them in the launcher or leave them exposed to moisture.

ℹ️ The Real Talk on Eco-Kinetic

Eco-Kinetic rounds solve the biggest pain point of regular practice — cleanup — and the Visual Impact feedback is genuinely useful for accuracy work. But they are practice-only. They lack the hardness and reusability of solid kinetic rounds, and they are useless for defensive staging because moisture ruins them. Worth it if you train regularly outdoors; not something to count on beyond practice.

3. Pepper Projectiles — OC + PAVA Chemical Irritant

Who this is for: home defenders who want chemical stopping power, anyone staging a launcher for defensive use, and people in states where tear gas (CS) is restricted.

Byrna Pepper projectiles contain a blend of OC (the active compound in pepper spray) and PAVA (a synthetic pepper compound), which Byrna describes as one of the most powerful pepper rounds on the market. On impact they burst and release a cloud of irritant that causes burning, coughing, and respiratory distress, with effects commonly described as lasting up to around 30 minutes. They are less intense than MAX rounds but still effective, and they are available in some states that restrict CS tear gas. Pepper rounds are available in both .68 and .61 (for the CL and CL-XL). They burst on impact, so they are single-use.

✅ The Case For

Real chemical incapacitation beyond impact pain
Often available where CS tear gas is restricted
Widely accepted as a civilian defensive tool
Available in both .68 and .61

⚠️ The Case Against

Single-use and more expensive than kinetic rounds
Indoor use can affect everyone in the room, including you
Subject to state restrictions in some areas

4. MAX Projectiles — OC + CS (Pepper + Tear Gas)

Who this is for: serious home defenders, rural property owners, and anyone who wants the strongest chemical option Byrna makes.

Byrna MAX combines OC pepper with CS tear gas for a dual-action effect — the OC causes burning and respiratory distress, while the CS adds disorientation and panic. Byrna describes it as one of the most powerful less-lethal chemical rounds available, and the cloud disperses around the point of impact, so a direct hit is not strictly required. The tradeoffs: MAX rounds are single-use, typically more expensive, and restricted in more states than pepper rounds. Importantly, MAX is now available in both .68 and .61 — the .61 MAX round means CL and CL-XL owners are no longer limited to kinetic and pepper, which was true in the past but is no longer the case.

⚠️ Before You Choose MAX

Three questions usually settle it. Does your state allow CS tear-gas projectiles? Several states restrict them — if you are in one, stick with pepper. Do you want the absolute maximum chemical effect, or is standard pepper (cheaper, widely accepted) enough for your situation? And are you comfortable with the legal implications of CS, which carries more of a law-enforcement association than OC pepper? If CS is legal where you are and you want maximum stopping power, MAX delivers; otherwise pepper is plenty for most home defense.

5. Pro-Training Projectiles — Chemical-Simulation Practice (.61)

Byrna also offers a .61 Pro-Training projectile, a practice round designed to simulate the ballistics and cloud formation of chemical rounds without the irritant. It was developed to help users understand how chemical rounds behave in practice. It is part of why the .61 line is broader than older guides suggest — between Kinetic and Pro-Training, CL and CL-XL owners have solid practice options even without a .61 Eco-Kinetic round. Availability skews toward Byrna directly rather than Amazon, so you may need to browse Byrna‘s lineup to find it.

Byrna CO₂ Compatibility: 8g vs 12g vs 88g

Each Byrna launcher is designed for a specific CO₂ size, and using the wrong one simply will not work.

8g CO₂ cartridges power the SD and the standard CL. They are smaller and lighter and commonly deliver around 15–22 shots per cartridge depending on the launcher and conditions — the SD commonly gets around 22, the CL around 15, since its higher velocity uses more gas per shot. Byrna‘s 8g 10-pack includes an oiler cartridge for maintenance.

12g CO₂ cartridges power the LE, the CL-XL, the TCR, and the Mission 4 (when not using the 88g option). They hold more gas — commonly reported around 17 shots in the LE and more in the rifles — and the 12g 10-pack also includes an oiler cartridge.

88g CO₂ cylinders are used by the Mission 4 rifle. This is a much larger cylinder that delivers significantly more shots before replacement — Byrna lists up to roughly 55–60 rounds per cylinder. The Mission 4 operates exclusively on 88g — it will not accept 12g or 8g cartridges — and the 88g is built for extended sessions where you do not want frequent swaps. The 88g cylinder is generally sold through Byrna directly.

ℹ️ Critical CO₂ Storage Rule

Once a CO₂ cartridge is punctured — which happens on the first trigger pull — it leaks over roughly 24–48 hours. If you stage your Byrna for home defense, keep an unpunctured cartridge installed and replace it every few months to ensure full pressure. Do not leave a punctured cartridge in the launcher expecting it to work weeks later.

💡 Pro Tip

The oiler cartridge in Byrna CO₂ packs (the one with the black tip) lubricates the launcher’s internal seals. Run it roughly every 10 standard cartridges to prevent wear and maintain consistent performance. Skipping it can lead to velocity drops and misfires over time.

State Restrictions on Byrna Chemical Ammo

Byrna launchers themselves are widely legal because they are not classified as firearms under federal law, but several states restrict the chemical projectiles (pepper and tear-gas rounds). The details below reflect commonly reported shipping restrictions and can change, so always verify current rules before ordering.

⚠️ Know Before You Buy — Chemical Ammo Restrictions

Examples of states where restrictions are commonly reported include the following, though these rules change frequently and are not exhaustive:
California: Byrna commonly restricts shipping of pepper and MAX (tear gas) projectiles to California addresses — often kinetic rounds only.
New York: Pepper projectiles are commonly not shipped to New York addresses, and New York City has additional restrictions.
Wisconsin and Michigan: MAX (tear gas) projectiles are commonly not shipped to these states; pepper rounds may be available — verify before ordering.
Washington, D.C.: Additional restrictions may apply; check before ordering chemical rounds.
This list is illustrative, not complete, and restrictions change often. Always verify current federal, state, and local regulations — and the retailer’s current shipping policy — before purchasing or carrying chemical projectiles.

Byrna Ammo Storage and Shelf Life

Kinetic projectiles (solid plastic) can be stored for years in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — they hold up well over extended periods and don’t degrade the way chemical rounds do.

Eco-Kinetic projectiles (water-soluble) must stay in sealed packaging until use. Do not store them in the launcher or magazines; moisture will degrade them. Once opened, use them within a few weeks.

Chemical projectiles (Pepper and MAX) commonly carry a shelf life of around 2–3 years if stored properly. Keep them sealed in original packaging in a cool, dry location away from heat and sunlight, and check dates before relying on them for defense.

CO₂ cartridges (8g, 12g, 88g) have a very long shelf life when unpunctured and stored properly — the sealed gas won’t escape unless the cartridge is damaged or pierced. Once punctured, they leak over 24–48 hours. For home defense, replace the staged cartridge every few months even if unpunctured to ensure full pressure when needed.

ℹ️ Myth vs Reality

Myth: “I can leave my Byrna loaded with a punctured CO₂ cartridge for months and it will still fire.” Reality: A punctured cartridge leaks over a day or two. If you fire your launcher and then store it for home defense, replace that CO₂ or it will be empty when you need it.

Questions People Ask About Byrna Ammo

Can I use .68 caliber ammo in a Byrna CL or CL-XL?

No. Both the CL and CL-XL use .61-caliber projectiles. .68 ammo is too large and will not fit. You must use .61 Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, or Pro-Training rounds designed for the compact launchers.

Is there a .61 caliber MAX round?

Yes. Byrna now offers .61 MAX (OC pepper + CS), so the CL and CL-XL support Kinetic, Pepper, MAX, and Pro-Training in .61. The only projectile type not currently offered in .61 is Eco-Kinetic. Older guides that say the CL is “kinetic and pepper only” are out of date.

What’s the difference between Byrna Pepper and Byrna MAX?

Pepper contains OC + PAVA. MAX contains OC + CS (tear gas). MAX is more powerful and creates more intense effects, but it is restricted in more states. Pepper is legal in more places and still effective for self-defense.

Can I reuse Byrna Kinetic projectiles?

Yes. Solid kinetic projectiles do not break on impact and can be collected and reused, which makes them cost-effective for training. Chemical rounds (Pepper, MAX) and Eco-Kinetic rounds burst on impact and are single-use.

Do I need different CO₂ for different Byrna models?

Yes. The SD and standard CL use 8g. The LE, CL-XL, TCR, and Mission 4 use 12g. The Mission 4 can also use 88g cylinders for extended capacity. The sizes are not interchangeable — use the correct one for your launcher.

How long do Byrna chemical projectiles last in storage?

Commonly around 2–3 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Check dates on the packaging, and consider rotating chemical rounds periodically if you stage them for defense.

Can I use off-brand CO₂ cartridges in my Byrna?

Byrna recommends its own CO₂ cartridges because they are tested for proper puncture and performance. Some off-brand cartridges may not puncture correctly, and using non-conforming CO₂ can affect your warranty. When in doubt, stick with Byrna-spec cartridges.

Are Byrna projectiles legal in my state?

Byrna launchers are widely legal because they are not classified as firearms federally, but several states restrict chemical projectiles — California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan among them. Always verify current state and local laws before purchasing chemical ammo. For a fuller overview, see our Byrna legal guide.

Final Thoughts: Stocking the Right Byrna Ammo

Byrna ammo compatibility comes down to three things: caliber (.68 or .61), CO₂ size (8g, 12g, or 88g), and projectile type (kinetic, chemical, or training). Get any of these wrong and you have bought ammo that will not work.

If you own a CL or CL-XL, remember they are the exceptions — both use .61 caliber, and the CL-XL takes 12g CO₂ while the standard CL takes 8g. For the .68 launchers (SD, LE, TCR, Mission 4), stick with .68 projectiles and match the right CO₂ size to your model.

For training, kinetic rounds are reusable and cost-effective, and Eco-Kinetic is worth it if you train outdoors and hate cleanup (.68 only). For defensive staging, pepper rounds work for most people, while MAX delivers more stopping power where state law allows it — and MAX is now available in both .68 and .61. Stock what you will actually use, verify caliber and CO₂ before you buy, and replace staged CO₂ regularly. That is the formula for never running into compatibility problems.