Steel balls... and other questions about bullets.

[GhostlyKarliion]

Ok, this might sound dumb, but I have a question regarding regulation of bullets.

Over the past several years I have heard many references to ranges not allowing steel bullets to be used on their range. I suppose this is because their backstop isn't rated for it. But, what-have-you.

Now, the strange thing is, and I have never heard this before so please be advised that it is complete hearsay... I was told today that it was illegal to use steel jacketed or cored bullets for hunting, something about over penetration. I have known for years that you couldn't use full metal-jacketed bullets, but supposedly according to some new restriction, all steel jacketed and steel cored bullets were off limits.

Previous to this? I had another individual tell me that milsurp ammo (FMJ steel core rounds) were equivalently armor piercing and thus so regulated.

Now, my BS meter went off the chart at that, but maybe I missed something. I buy 7.62x54r by the ammo can, and steel core FMJ is the only way I know of get it.

As if that wasn't enough, another scenario was suggested that has caused me to ponder. A friend and myself had an idea, we both enjoy the thrill of full auto fire, however neither of us have the funds to invest in a machine gun. Queue the idea... would it be legal to manufacture a device that was capable of sustained automatic ignition of cartridges, but was incapable of actually firing a bullet? Would this device be classified as a firearm under BATFE rules?

Is there any merit to these claims that;
(1) Steel jacketed and or cored ammunition is now illegal for use in hunting?
(2) Steel jacketed and or cored ammunition is now considered armor piercing and so regulated.?
(3) It would be legal to build a device that would fire in full auto mode, but be incapable of launching a bullet into flight?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

(1) Steel jacketed and or cored ammunition is now illegal for use in hunting?

This would be regulated by state laws. Some or most do have laws requiring the use of expanding bullets for most kinds of hunting. Really, the only hunting you would want to use a non-expanding bullet for is fur-bearing animals where you want to save the pelt.

(2) Steel jacketed and or cored ammunition is now considered armor piercing and so regulated.?

Unless it has a specially hardened tip or is otherwise specifically made to penetrate armor, I don't believe so, otherwise it would be illegal to sell it. The problem with it at gun ranges is that it damages their backstops.

(3) It would be legal to build a device that would fire in full auto mode, but be incapable of launching a bullet into flight?

 

[heypete]

It would be legal to build a device that would fire in full auto mode, but be incapable of launching a bullet into flight?

Depends very much on the context. Are you making a full-auto airsoft gun? If so, that's fine. I'm not sure how the NFA applies to blank-firing-only firearms that are rendered physically impossible to fire a bullet (say, by having an obstruction in the barrel that permits the gas to pass, but not the bullet). Call or write (writing an actual letter is usually better) the ATF's NFA Branch for questions relating to this. Be very clear and specific about your inquiry.

The problem with it at gun ranges is that it damages their backstops.

That, and steel cored or jacketed bullets can cause sparks when they hit stuff (like rocks, steel targets, etc.) and have occasionally caused fires at outdoor ranges. Not very fun.

 

[CypherNinja]

As far as steel-core goes, it's my understanding that legally, steel IS basically an AP round (if not practically). However, AP ammo is only illegal in handguns. 7.64x54r steel-core is fine, but 9mm is not.

Apparently, 223/5.56 steel core used to be available, but then some company (Oly?) introduced a factory AR handgun and all 223/5.56 AP ammo (including steel-core) was deemed illegal.


I could be completely wrong, however.

 

[kellyj00]

used to be able to pick up Steel Core 5.56 milsurp a few years ago. Haven't tried since.

I'm not sure I'd use it for hunting.... 1) it's illegal to hunt with anything smaller than .24 caliber here in Kansas 2) steel core rounds are going to penetrate well, but they're just not going to expand. Take your pick on whether a steel core round is going to stop a deer.