Choosing the Right Pepper Ball Caliber for Self-Defense
When it comes to less-lethal defense, the #1 question we get whether you’re at our trade show booth, calling in, or shopping online is: “Which caliber should I buy: 50, 61, or 68?”
The answer isn’t just about numbers or specs it’s about real-world protection, confidence, and using the tool that actually fits your life.
This guide will give you every practical detail you need, with straightforward answers that cut through the confusion. No guesswork, no wasted money on the wrong product, and no settling for “good enough” when it comes to safety and peace of mind.
Why Your Caliber Choice Actually Matters
“Caliber” isn’t just a number on a package. It’s the diameter of the pepper ball, measured in hundredths of an inch. That single number affects nearly every key factor that matters in a real defensive scenario:
Cloud Spread: A higher caliber means a wider pepper cloud. Do you need to cover a whole room or a tight doorway? The choice affects how much area gets saturated with each shot.
Stopping Power: Larger calibers deliver more force (measured in foot-pounds of energy), which can be crucial for quickly deterring a threat or forcing someone to back off.
Effective Range: Different calibers offer different ranges before the shot loses accuracy or power. Will you need to stop a threat at your front gate or inside a hallway?
Capacity & Reloading: How many rounds your launcher holds and how quickly you can reload varies between models and calibers. This affects how comfortable you’ll feel under pressure.
Ease of Carry & Use: Size, weight, and complexity matter. A huge, heavy launcher might not be practical for everyday carry, while a small one may not offer enough protection for your space.
Caliber also affects the laws in your area, who you’re protecting (kids, pets, neighbors), and even how confident you feel handling the device.
Choosing the right one means being honest about your environment, how much practice you’ll actually do, and what outcome you expect from your investment in a self-defense tool.
How Caliber Affects Real-World Protection
The difference between a 50, 61, and 68 caliber launcher is not just technical, it’s a difference you’ll feel every time you use, carry, or reload your device.
Think about:
Are you mainly defending a small home, apartment, or large property?
Do you need pinpoint accuracy, or a wide deterrent spray?
Will others in your household (family, roommates, employees) need to use this tool comfortably and confidently?
Do you want something you can keep loaded and ready, or are you fine swapping CO2 or cartridges before use?
The right answer isn’t the one with the biggest number, it’s the one that fits your reality and gives you the greatest sense of control and readiness.
Brand-by-Brand Breakdown: Real Products, Real Differences
P2P 50 Caliber
Pepper Spread: 1 foot
Range: 40 feet
Force (FPE): 10#
Velocity: 300 FPS
Shots Per Load: 4 (internal tube)
Reload Time: 6 seconds
CO2: 8g
Total Shots Per CO2: 15
CO2 Activation: Punch bottom
Who buys this?
Apartment dwellers, parents, and users who need tight control and minimal risk to bystanders.
Scenario:
You’re indoors and want precision without filling the entire room with pepper.
Explore P2P HDP 50 Caliber Compact Self Defense Kit
Byrna 61 Caliber
Pepper Spread: 1.5 feet (15–18 inches)
Range: 50 feet
Force (FPE): 20#
Velocity: 400 FPS
Shots Per Load: 5 (replaceable mag)
Reload Time: 3 seconds
CO2: 8g
Total Shots Per CO2: 20
CO2 Activation: Pull trigger
Who buys this?
Buyers who want balance—strong stopping power with more control and speed than 68 caliber.
Scenario:
You’re inside or in a tighter space and want effective coverage without the widest possible spread.
Explore Byrna CL 61 Caliber Kit
P2P 68 Caliber
Pepper Spread: 2 feet
Range: 40 feet
Force (FPE): 20#
Velocity: 350 FPS
Shots Per Load: 6 (replaceable mag)
Reload Time: 3 seconds
CO2: 12g
Total Shots Per CO2: 20
CO2 Activation: Pull trigger
Who buys this?
Property managers, patrol users, and anyone who wants wide coverage with an extra shot per magazine.
Scenario:
You’re outside and need fast follow‑up shots with a wide pepper cloud and quick reloads.
Explore P2P Secure 68 Caliber Pepper Defense Kit
Byrna 68 Caliber SD
Pepper Spread: 2 feet
Range: 50 feet
Force (FPE): 25#
Velocity: 300 FPS
Shots Per Load: 5 (replaceable mag)
Reload Time: 3 seconds
CO2: 8g (extender option for 12g, adds 10 shots)
Total Shots Per CO2: 20 (8g), 30 (with extender)
CO2 Activation: Pull trigger
Who buys this?
Homeowners securing property, everyday users who want strong deterrence without stepping up to LE-level power.
Scenario:
You hear a crash at your back door. One warning shot fills the area with pepper—no perfect aim required.
Explore Byrna SD 68 Caliber Kit
Byrna 68 Caliber LE
Pepper Spread: 2 feet
Range: 60 feet
Force (FPE): 30#
Velocity: 340 FPS
Shots Per Load: 5 (replaceable mag)
Reload Time: 3 seconds
CO2: 12g
Total Shots Per CO2: 28
CO2 Activation: Pull trigger
Who buys this?
Security professionals, business owners, and users who want maximum range, force, and shot capacity.
Scenario:
You need to stop a threat before they get close. The extended range and higher force give you distance and authority.
Explore Byrna LE 68 Caliber Kit
Hero 68 Caliber
Pepper Spread: 1.5 feet (18 inches)
Range: 30 feet
Force (FPE): 10#
Velocity: 200 FPS
Shots Per Load: 2 (double barrel cartridge)
Reload Time: 1 second
Propellant: Nitrogen cartridge (no CO2)
Total Shots Per Cartridge: 2
Activation: Pull trigger
Who buys this?
Seniors, low‑maintenance users, or anyone who wants the simplest possible defense tool.
Scenario:
You want something that’s always ready—no CO2 management, just point, pull, and swap.
Explore HERO® 2020 68 Caliber Kit
How CO2 & Nitrogen Works & Why It Matters
Most pepper ball launchers use CO2 cartridges as the power source. When you puncture a CO2 cartridge (usually by pulling the trigger the first time), the gas starts to escape slowly, even if you don’t fire all your rounds. This means a punctured CO2 cartridge should always be replaced before you need to rely on your launcher for defense.
Exception:
The Hero 68 Caliber uses a sealed nitrogen cartridge instead of CO2. Nitrogen cartridges do not leak after use, so the device stays ready until the cartridge is actually fired.
Best Practices for All Models:
Practice regularly, but use only target/practice rounds indoors, not pepper or kinetic rounds in unsafe areas.
Always reload with a fresh CO2 cartridge before carrying or storing for defense.
If you have leftover gas, use it up during practice sessions to avoid wasted cartridges.
Never shoot kinetic rounds at hard surfaces indoors, they can bounce and cause injury.
This approach keeps every launcher reliable, ready, and safe regardless of which caliber or power system you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use different brands of pepper balls in my launcher?
A. Most 50, 61, and 68 caliber launchers are compatible with standard pepper balls of the same size, regardless of brand. For best reliability and safety, check your launcher’s manual for recommended ammunition and avoid mixing calibers or using non-approved projectiles.
Q. How do I store my pepper ball pistol safely when not in use?
A. Always store your launcher unloaded, with the CO2 cartridge removed (unless using a nitrogen-powered model like Hero 68). Keep it in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. For quick access, consider a locked case or dedicated wall mount in a secure location.
Q. What’s the shelf life of pepper balls and CO2 cartridges?
A. Pepper balls typically last 2–3 years if stored in a cool, dry environment and kept in their original packaging. CO2 cartridges are stable for several years unopened, but should be used within a year once installed in a launcher.
Q. Do pepper ball pistols require any regular maintenance?
A. Yes. For optimal performance, periodically clean the barrel, chamber, and magazine following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lubricate O-rings and seals as recommended. Always check for leaks or worn parts, especially after heavy use or storage.
Q. Will a pepper ball launcher work in extreme temperatures?
A. CO2 performance can be affected by temperature. Very cold weather may reduce shot power and pressure, while high heat can increase pressure inside the cartridge. For consistent results, store and use your launcher within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer, typically 40°F–90°F (4°C–32°C).
Take the Next Step
Still have questions? Click any product above to explore details or contact us directly for tailored advice. You can also meet us and compare models in person at our next trade show, find dates and locations here.
Take the next step toward peace of mind, whether you’re comparing calibers for the first time or upgrading your personal security, choosing the right pepper ball launcher empowers you to respond with confidence. Don’t just settle for “good enough”: find what fits your needs, your space, and your life.
👉 Explore the Pepper Launcher Category
