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

Byrna ammo compatibility is simple once you know the core rule: most Byrna launchers use .68 caliber projectiles, but the Byrna CL uses .61 caliber rounds. Mixing them up is the most common mistake buyers make.68 ammo won’t fit in the CL, and .61 rounds are too small for standard Byrna pistols and rifles. Beyond caliber, you’ll 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 effects, or training rounds for practice). This guide breaks down exactly what ammo works with which Byrna launcher, so you never waste money on incompatible rounds.

Byrna Ammo: Quick Picks

Best Overall Training Ammo: Byrna .68 Caliber Kinetic Projectiles – (95) Count – Reusable, hard-hitting, works for both training and defensive backup
Best Eco-Friendly Practice Rounds: Byrna .68 Caliber Eco-Kinetic Projectiles – Water-soluble, visual impact technology, easy cleanup
Best Chemical Defense Rounds: Byrna .68 Caliber MAX Projectiles – OC + CS tear gas blend, maximum stopping power
Best for Byrna CL Owners: Byrna .61 Caliber Kinetic Projectiles (95) Count – Only kinetic option specifically designed for CL
Best CO₂ for SD/CL: Byrna 8g CO₂ + Oiler (10) Pack – Includes maintenance oiler cartridge
Best CO₂ for LE/TCR: Byrna 12g CO₂ + Oiler (10) Pack – Higher capacity, fewer swaps

How we researched: We built this compatibility guide from official Byrna specifications, verified retailer listings, manufacturer product pages, user forums reporting compatibility issues, and cross-checking caliber and CO₂ requirements across all Byrna models. We mapped compatibility based on manufacturer data and verified user reports to prevent you from buying the wrong ammo.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Byrna CL Uses Different Ammo

The Byrna CL uses .61 caliber projectiles. All other Byrna launchers (SD, LE, TCR, Mission 4) use .68 caliber. If you buy .68 caliber ammo for the CL, it won’t fit. If you buy .61 cal ammo for any other Byrna, it’s too small and won’t seal properly. Always verify caliber before purchasing.

⚡ Short on Time?

Most Byrna owners should stock Byrna Kinetic Projectiles (.68 cal) for training and backup defense, plus Byrna MAX chemical rounds for serious defensive scenarios. Make sure you’re using .68 cal unless you own a Byrna CL.
See Byrna Kinetic Projectiles on Amazon →

Red Flags: Byrna Ammo Mistakes to Avoid

🚩 Buying .68 Caliber Ammo for the Byrna CL – The CL uses .61 caliber. Standard Byrna ammo (.68 cal) will not fit. This is the #1 mistake people make.
🚩 Using Off-Brand CO₂ Cartridges – Some generic CO₂ brands don’t puncture correctly in Byrna launchers. Byrna specifically warns against Crosman-brand 12-gauge cartridges.
🚩 Mixing Up 8g and 12g CO₂ – SD/CL use 8g. LE/TCR use 12 g. They’re not interchangeable. Using the wrong size won’t work.
🚩 Storing Eco-Kinetic Rounds Inside the Launcher – Eco-Kinetic projectiles are water-soluble and will degrade if exposed to moisture. Keep them sealed until use.
🚩 Leaving Punctured CO₂ in the Launcher – Once punctured, CO₂ leaks over 24-48 hours. Replace with a fresh, unpunctured cartridge for home defense staging.
🚩 Assuming Chemical Rounds Work in the CL – Only .61 cal kinetic and pepper rounds exist for the CL. There’s no .61 cal MAX (tear gas) option.
🚩 Not Checking State Restrictions on Chemical Ammo – California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan have restrictions on pepper/tear gas projectiles. Verify local laws before buying chemical rounds.

Master Byrna Ammo Compatibility Chart

Byrna Launcher Compatibility: Caliber, CO₂, and Ammo Types
Byrna Model	Caliber	CO₂ Size	Kinetic Rounds	Chemical Rounds
Byrna SD	.68 caliber	8g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Byrna LE	.68 caliber	12g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Byrna CL	.61 caliber	8g	✅ Yes (.61 only)	✅ Pepper (.61 only)
Byrna TCR	.68 caliber	12g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Byrna Mission 4	.68 caliber	12g or 88g	✅ Yes	✅ Pepper, MAX
Data compiled from official Byrna specifications and verified retailer listings as of December 2025.

Not Sure Which Ammo You Need?

→ Own a Byrna CL?
You MUST use .61 caliber kinetic rounds or .61 caliber pepper projectiles. Standard .68 caliber ammo will not fit.
→ Want practice rounds that are easy to clean up?
Choose Byrna Eco-Kinetic (.68 cal) – water-soluble, leaves visible marks for accuracy feedback
→ Need maximum defensive stopping power?
Go with Byrna MAX (.68 cal) – OC pepper + CS tear gas combo for serious threats
→ Want training rounds you can reuse?
Pick Byrna Kinetic (.68 cal) – hard plastic, reusable, strong enough to break glass
→ Looking for everyday pepper spray projectiles?
Try Byrna Pepper (.68 cal) – OC + PAVA blend, less intense than MAX
→ Need CO₂ for Byrna SD or CL?
Stock up on Byrna 8g CO₂ cartridges
→ Need CO₂ for Byrna LE, TCR, or Mission 4?
Use Byrna 12g CO₂ cartridges

Understanding Byrna Ammo: Caliber and Projectile Types

What We Looked For

When evaluating Byrna ammo compatibility, we focused on these critical factors:

Caliber compatibility: Which projectiles fit which launchers? The .68 vs .61 distinction is non-negotiable—using the wrong size damages your launcher or causes misfires.
CO₂ cartridge size: 8g vs 12g vs 88g. Each launcher is designed for a specific CO₂ size. Using the wrong one won’t work.
Projectile type effectiveness: Kinetic (impact), Chemical (irritant), or Training (practice). Each serves different purposes and has different use cases.
Storage requirements: Some projectiles (Eco-Kinetic) are water-soluble and degrade if exposed to moisture. Knowing proper storage prevents wasted ammo.
State restrictions: Chemical rounds (pepper, tear gas) are restricted in certain states. We identified which states limit chemical projectiles.

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

The Byrna ammo caliber determines whether the projectile will physically fit in your launcher. Most Byrna models use .68 caliber (same as paintball markers), but the Byrna CL uses the smaller .61 caliber for more compact dimensions.
.68 caliber projectiles measure 0.68 inches in diameter. They fit in the Byrna SD, LE, TCR, and Mission 4. This is the standard Byrna size, and you’ll find the widest variety of ammo options here—kinetic rounds for training, pepper rounds for irritant effects, MAX rounds for tear gas + pepper combo, and eco-kinetic training rounds that dissolve in water.
.61 caliber projectiles are smaller at 0.61 inches in diameter and only fit the Byrna CL. Your options are limited to kinetic rounds and pepper rounds—there’s no .61 cal MAX (tear gas) option available. The CL’s smaller caliber is what allows its more compact, concealable design.
You cannot use .68 cal ammo in a .61 cal launcher (CL). It physically won’t fit. And you shouldn’t use .61 cal ammo in a .68 cal launcher—the projectile is too small, won’t seal properly, and will cause velocity/accuracy issues.

⚠️ Reality Check

If you own a Byrna CL, you’re stuck with limited ammo options. There are only two types available: .61 cal kinetic and .61 cal pepper. If you want tear gas (MAX) rounds or eco-friendly training projectiles, you need a .68 cal launcher (SD, LE, TCR, or Mission 4). This is the trade-off for the CL’s compact size.

Byrna Projectile Types Explained

1. Byrna Kinetic Projectiles – Hard Impact Training & Defense

Who This Is For: Anyone who wants reusable practice rounds that double as defensive backup, property owners who want glass-breaking capability, and trainers who shoot regularly
Kinetic projectiles are solid, hard plastic rounds with no chemical payload. They’re designed to hurt on impact—enough to discourage an attacker through pain compliance. Byrna markets them as strong enough to break glass, which is useful if you need to shatter a car window or create an entry point in an emergency.
These rounds are reusable. You can pick them up after practice and shoot them again. They don’t burst or break on impact like chemical rounds do. This makes them cost-effective for regular training, and they work as defensive backup if you run out of chemical rounds in a serious situation.
Kinetic rounds are available in both .68 caliber (for SD/LE/TCR/Mission 4) and .61 caliber (for CL). The 95-count packages give you plenty for extended practice sessions.
Here’s when this helps: You’re practicing in your backyard every weekend. You fire 20-30 rounds per session. With kinetic projectiles, you can collect them and reuse them multiple times, saving money compared to chemical rounds that burst on impact.
What Kinetic Round Owners Say: Why people stick with them:

“Reusable means I can train regularly without burning through expensive chemical rounds.”
Solid impact—you feel the hit even through clothing
Easy to see where you hit targets (they leave visible marks or bounce off)
Glass-breaking capability adds versatility for emergency scenarios

Why some pass:

Hard plastic can damage drywall or soft surfaces indoors
No chemical irritant means attackers only feel pain, not respiratory distress
You need to collect and clean them after practice (not as convenient as eco-kinetic)

2. Byrna 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 solution for practice ammo that doesn’t leave plastic shells all over your yard. They’re water-soluble, so after you’re done shooting, you just hose down the area, and the projectile remnants dissolve. They feature Byrna‘s Visual Impact (VI) Technology—when they hit, they leave a visible mark and create a small cloud, so you get instant feedback on shot placement.
These are designed for training only, not defense. They’re softer than standard kinetic rounds and will break on impact. Once they break, they’re done—you can’t reuse them like solid kinetic projectiles.
The water-soluble design means you cannot store them in your launcher or leave them exposed to moisture. Keep them sealed until you’re ready to practice. If they absorb moisture, they’ll degrade and become unusable.
Real-world scenario: You set up targets in your backyard every Saturday to practice defensive scenarios. After 30 minutes of shooting, you collect your magazines, hose down the fence and grass, and you’re done. No plastic cleanup, no remnants scattered around the yard.
The Real Talk on Eco-Kinetic Rounds
Eco-Kinetic projectiles solve the biggest pain point of regular practice—cleanup. If you train with solid kinetic rounds, you’re either leaving plastic shells in your yard forever or spending 20 minutes after every session crawling around picking them up. The eco rounds eliminate that hassle completely. The Visual Impact Technology is legitimately useful—you get instant feedback on accuracy without having to walk downrange constantly. That said, these are practice-only rounds. They don’t have the hardness or reusability of solid kinetic projectiles, and they’re useless for defensive staging because moisture will ruin them. If you’re serious about regular training and you have an outdoor space, eco rounds are worth it. But don’t count on them for anything beyond practice.

3. Byrna Pepper Projectiles – OC + PAVA Chemical Irritant

Who This Is For: Home defenders who want serious stopping power, anyone staging a launcher for defensive use, people in states where tear gas (CS) is restricted
Byrna Pepper projectiles contain a blend of 1% Oleoresin Capsicum (OC—the active ingredient in pepper spray) and 4% PAVA (synthetic pepper compound). When the projectile hits a target, it bursts and releases a cloud of chemical irritant that causes burning in the throat, wheezing, coughing, and respiratory distress. Effects last up to 30 minutes.
These are less intense than Byrna MAX rounds (which add tear gas), but they’re still powerful enough to stop most attackers. The advantage of pepper-only rounds is availability—some states restrict tear gas (CS) but allow OC-based products. Pepper rounds are also easier to justify legally in defensive situations since they’re less militaristic than tear gas combinations.
Pepper projectiles are available in both .68 caliber and .61 caliber (.61 for Byrna CL only). They burst on impact, so they’re single-use—once fired, they’re gone.
This matters when: You keep your Byrna SD staged by the bed, loaded with pepper rounds. Someone breaks in at 2 AM. You fire two rounds center mass. The projectiles burst, creating a cloud of pepper irritant. The attacker immediately experiences a burning throat, coughing, and an inability to breathe properly. They retreat while you call 911.
Who This Works For / Who Should Skip It. This upgrade makes sense if: You’re staging a Byrna for home defense, and you want chemical stopping power beyond just impact pain. Pepper rounds give you a real incapacitating effect—respiratory distress, burning, temporary blindness from tearing—that kinetic rounds can’t deliver. If you’re in a state like California or New York where tear gas (CS) is restricted, pepper rounds are your best chemical option. They’re also the better choice if you’re concerned about legal liability—pepper spray is widely accepted as a defensive tool, while tear gas can trigger more scrutiny. You can probably skip this if: You’re just practicing and don’t plan to stage the launcher for defense. Pepper rounds are single-use and expensive compared to kinetic training rounds. If you live somewhere extremely remote where response times are 30+ minutes, and you’re more worried about animals than humans, kinetic rounds might be enough. And if you want maximum chemical stopping power and your state allows it, skip pepper and go straight to MAX rounds (pepper + tear gas combo).

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

Who This Is For: Serious home defenders, property owners in rural areas, and anyone who wants the most powerful chemical stopping power Byrna makes
Byrna MAX is the most powerful chemical projectile in Byrna‘s lineup. It combines Oleoresin Capsicum (OC pepper spray) with CS tear gas for a dual-action incapacitating effect. The OC causes burning, tearing, and respiratory distress. The CS adds disorientation, agitation, fear, and panic. Together, they create an overwhelming sensory overload that stops most attackers immediately.
MAX projectiles have a higher concentration of chemical irritant than standard pepper rounds—Byrna claims it’s one of the most powerful less-lethal chemical rounds on the market. The cloud disperses quickly around the point of impact, so you don’t need a direct hit to affect the target. Close proximity to the burst is enough.
The trade-off: MAX rounds are expensive, single-use, and restricted in some states. California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan limit or ban tear gas projectiles. Always verify your state allows CS-based products before purchasing.
MAX rounds are only available in .68 caliber. There is no .61 cal MAX option for Byrna CL owners.
Real-world scenario: You’re a rural property owner with livestock. Someone is breaking into your barn at night, 40 feet away. You fire a MAX round that hits near them. The CS + OC cloud immediately fills the area. They start coughing, eyes burning, disoriented, and panicking. They abandon the attempt and flee before you have to fire again.
Is Byrna MAX Worth It for You? Ask yourself: 1. Does your state allow tear gas (CS) projectiles? California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan restrict CS. If you’re in one of these states, MAX rounds are off the table—stick with pepper-only projectiles. 2. Do you want the absolute maximum chemical stopping power? If you’re staging a launcher specifically for worst-case defensive scenarios—rural property defense, high-crime areas, situations where you need overwhelming incapacitation—MAX delivers more than standard pepper rounds. But if you’re just looking for basic home defense, pepper rounds are plenty effective and cheaper. 3. Are you comfortable with the legal implications of using tear gas? Pepper spray is widely recognized as a civilian self-defense tool. Tear gas has more of a law enforcement/military association. In a defensive use, you’ll have to explain why you chose CS over standard pepper. If you’re comfortable with that, MAX is worth it. If not, stick with pepper projectiles.

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

Byrna launchers are powered by CO₂ cartridges, and each model uses a specific size. Using the wrong CO₂ cartridge size won’t work—the launcher is designed for precise cartridge dimensions.
8g CO₂ cartridges are used by the Byrna SD and Byrna CL. They’re smaller, lighter, and give you approximately 20-25 shots per cartridge, depending on temperature and projectile type. The Byrna 8g CO₂ 10-pack includes one oiler cartridge for maintenance—use it every 10 cartridges to keep internal seals lubricated.
12g CO₂ cartridges are used by the Byrna LE, TCR, and Mission 4 (when not using the 88g option). They hold more gas, giving you approximately 17-20 shots per cartridge in the LE, and more in the rifles. The Byrna 12g CO₂ 10-pack also includes one oiler cartridge.
88g CO₂ cylinders are exclusive to the Byrna Mission 4 rifle. This is a much larger cylinder that gives you significantly more shots before needing replacement—Byrna claims up to 55-60 rounds per cylinder. The Byrna Mission 4 can use either 12g or 88g, but the 88g option is designed for extended sessions or scenarios where you don’t want frequent CO₂ swaps.

Critical CO₂ Storage Rule

Once a CO₂ cartridge is punctured (which happens on the first trigger pull), it will leak for over 24-48 hours. If you’re staging your Byrna for home defense, keep an unpunctured CO₂ installed and replace it every few months to ensure full pressure. Don’t leave a punctured cartridge in the launcher expecting it to work weeks later—it’ll be empty.

💡 Pro Tip: The oiler cartridge included in Byrna CO₂ packs (the one with the black tip) lubricates your launcher’s internal seals. Use it every 10 standard CO₂ cartridges to prevent wear and maintain consistent performance. Don’t skip this—dry seals cause velocity drops and misfires over time.

State Restrictions on Byrna Chemical Ammo

Byrna launchers themselves are legal in all 50 states—they’re not classified as firearms and don’t require permits or background checks. But several states restrict chemical projectiles (pepper and tear gas rounds).

⚠️ Know Before You Buy – Chemical Ammo Restrictions

California: Byrna cannot ship pepper or MAX (tear gas) projectiles to California addresses. Kinetic rounds only.
New York: Byrna does not ship any pepper projectiles to New York addresses. Kinetic rounds only. New York City (5 boroughs + Yonkers) has additional restrictions—Byrna ships no products to NYC.
Wisconsin: Byrna does not ship MAX (tear gas) projectiles to Wisconsin. Pepper projectiles may be available—verify before ordering.
Michigan: Byrna does not ship MAX (tear gas) projectiles to Michigan. Pepper projectiles may be available—verify before ordering.
Washington, D.C.: Additional restrictions may apply. Contact Byrna customer service before ordering chemical rounds.
These laws change frequently. Always verify current federal, state, and local regulations before purchasing or carrying chemical projectiles.

Byrna Ammo Storage and Shelf Life

Byrna projectiles have different storage requirements depending on type:
Kinetic projectiles (solid plastic) can be stored indefinitely. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They won’t degrade over time.
Eco-Kinetic projectiles (water-soluble) must be kept in sealed packaging until use. Do not store them inside your launcher or magazines. Exposure to moisture will cause them to degrade and become unusable. Once opened, use them within a few weeks.
Chemical projectiles (Pepper and MAX) have a shelf life of approximately 2-3 years if stored properly. Keep them sealed in original packaging in a cool, dry location. Heat and sunlight can degrade the chemical payload. Check expiration dates before using for defensive purposes.
CO₂ cartridges (8g, 12g, 88g) have an indefinite shelf life when unpunctured. Once punctured, they leak over 24-48 hours. For home defense, replace the CO₂ cartridge every 2-3 months, even if unpunctured, to ensure maximum pressure when needed.

Myth: “I can leave my Byrna loaded with a punctured CO₂ cartridge for months, and it’ll still fire.”
Reality: Punctured CO₂ leaks over time. After 24-48 hours, most of the gas is gone. If you fire your launcher and then put it away for home defense, you need to replace that CO₂ cartridge, or it’ll be empty when you need it.

Questions People Ask About Byrna Ammo

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

No. The Byrna CL uses .61 caliber projectiles. .68 caliber ammo is too large and will not fit in the CL. You must use .61 cal kinetic or .61 cal pepper rounds specifically designed for the CL.

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

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

Can I reuse Byrna Kinetic projectiles?

Yes. Solid kinetic projectiles don’t break on impact and can be collected and reused multiple times. This 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. Byrna SD and CL use 8g CO₂. Byrna LE, TCR, and Mission 4 use 12g CO₂. Mission 4 can also use 88g cylinders for extended shot capacity. The sizes are not interchangeable—use the correct size for your launcher.

How long do Byrna chemical projectiles last in storage?

Approximately 2-3 years if stored properly in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat. Check expiration dates on packaging. For home defense staging, consider rotating chemical rounds every 1-2 years to ensure maximum effectiveness.

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

Byrna recommends using Byrna-brand CO₂ cartridges because they’re tested for proper puncture and performance. Some off-brand cartridges (Byrna specifically warns against Crosman 12g) may not puncture correctly or may cause performance issues. Using non-conforming CO₂ can void your warranty.

Why can’t I store Eco-Kinetic projectiles in my launcher?

Eco-Kinetic projectiles are water-soluble. If they’re exposed to moisture (from humid air, sweat, or environmental conditions), they’ll absorb water and degrade. Keep them sealed until you’re ready to practice, then load them just before shooting.

Are Byrna projectiles legal in my state?

Byrna launchers are legal in all 50 states, but some states restrict chemical projectiles. California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan have limitations on pepper and tear gas rounds. Always verify current state and local laws before purchasing chemical ammo.

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’ve wasted money on ammo that won’t work.
If you own a Byrna CL, remember it’s the exception—everything uses .61 caliber, not .68. For everyone else (SD, LE, TCR, Mission 4), stick with .68 caliber projectiles and make sure you’re using the right CO₂ size for your launcher.
For training, kinetic rounds are reusable and cost-effective. Eco-kinetic rounds are worth it if you train regularly outdoors and hate cleanup. For defensive staging, pepper rounds work for most people, but MAX rounds deliver more stopping power if your state allows tear gas and you want maximum incapacitation.
Stock what you’ll use, verify caliber before you buy, and replace CO₂ cartridges regularly if you’re staging for home defense. That’s the formula for never running into compatibility issues.
Ready to stock up? Our top picks remain Byrna Kinetic Projectiles (.68 cal) for training and Byrna MAX (.68 cal) for serious defensive scenarios.

Byrna Ammo Compatibility Guide: What Works With What