Byrna 8g vs 12g CO2 Cylinders: Which to Buy

Choosing between Byrna 8g and 12g CO2 cylinders depends entirely on your launcher model. This guide explains compatibility, performance differences, and gives clear decision rules.

Publishing teamXI LANGS Editorial

PublishedOct 21, 2026

Page updatedOct 21, 2026

Reading time4 minutes

Byrna 8g vs 12g CO2 Cylinders: Which to Buy

Quick answer

Choose 8g CO2 cylinders for Byrna CL, SD, EP, or HD launchers. Choose 12g CO2 cylinders for Byrna TCR, LE, CL-XL, SDXL, HDXL launchers, or any launcher with the Byrna Boost 12g Adaptor installed.

Why compatibility matters first

The most important factor when choosing between 8g and 12g CO2 cylinders is your specific Byrna launcher model. These two cartridge sizes are not interchangeable. Using the wrong size can damage your launcher or cause it to malfunction.

Byrna designed the 8g and 12g cylinders for different launcher families. The 8g cylinders are custom fit for the compact CL, SD, EP, and HD models. The 12g cylinders are custom fit for the larger TCR, LE, and XL-series launchers.

If you have upgraded your launcher with the Byrna Boost 12g Adaptor, you must use 12g cylinders regardless of your base model. Always check your launcher's manual before purchasing.

Performance and shot count differences

While both cartridge sizes use the same CO2 propellant, the 12g cylinder holds about 50% more gas by weight than the 8g cylinder. This typically translates to a higher number of shots per cartridge, though exact shot counts depend on your launcher model, temperature, and firing rate.

The 8g cylinder is lighter and more compact, making it ideal for everyday carry setups where weight and size matter. The 12g cylinder offers more shots per reload, which can be an advantage during training sessions or extended use.

Both cylinder packs include one CO2 cylinder with oil for simple maintenance every 10 cylinders used. This helps keep your launcher functioning reliably.

Price and value considerations

The 8g 10-pack is priced at $11.99 (regularly $19.99), while the 12g 10-pack is $12.39 (regularly $19.99). The price difference is minimal, so your choice should be driven by compatibility rather than cost.

Both options offer significant savings compared to the catalog comparison price, making them a smart buy for regular practice or carrying spare cartridges.

Decision rules: 8g vs 12g CO2 cylinders

Rule 1: Match your launcher model: Use 8g cylinders if you own a Byrna CL, SD, EP, or HD. Use 12g cylinders if you own a Byrna TCR, LE, CL-XL, SDXL, or HDXL.
Rule 2: Check for the Boost Adaptor: If your launcher has the Byrna Boost 12g Adaptor installed, you must use 12g cylinders regardless of the base model.
Rule 3: Consider your usage: 8g cylinders are more compact for everyday carry. 12g cylinders offer more shots per cartridge for training or extended sessions. Buy the size that fits your launcher first; the slight price difference is not a deciding factor.

Product facts at a glance

Byrna 10CT 8 Gram CO2 Cylinders (Bundle Item): 8 Gram CO2 Cylinders are only compatible with Byrna CL, SD, EP, and HD models. Not compatible with LE, CL-XL, SDXL, HDXL, or launchers with Byrna Boost installed. If you own a compact Byrna launcher (CL, SD, EP, or HD), this is the correct cartridge size to buy.

Byrna 10CT 8 Gram CO2 Cylinders (Bundle Item)
Byrna 10CT 12 Gram CO2 Cylinders (Bundle Item): 12g CO2 Cylinders are custom fit for Byrna TCR, LE, CL-XL, SDXL, HDXL, or launchers with the Byrna Boost 12g Adaptor installed. Not compatible with CL, SD, EP, or HD models. For larger or XL-series launchers, or if you've added the Boost adaptor, you must use 12g cartridges for proper function.

Byrna 10CT 12 Gram CO2 Cylinders (Bundle Item)