Steel core question

[45er]

I know that steel core pistol ammunition has been prohibited by law and that's no doubt a good thing. The question is; is steel core rifle (hunting) ammo illegal? I've heard it both ways.

 

[Combat-wombat]

Well, I can't find the ATF page on it right now. Basically, If I'm not mistaken, If said ammo can be USED in a pistol it constitutes armor piercing. It's pretty stupid. For instance, there are AR15 pistols, so noone may buy 5.56 steel core ammo.

 

[vis35]

prohibited by law and that's no doubt a good thing

Why? Something wrong with inexpensive ammo?

Steel core rifle ammo is legal as long as there are not any pistols readily available in that caliber. Has no particular use as hunting ammo, just that steel is cheaper than lead and the ammo can be made for less money for plinking. Lots of steel core ammo is around in 8mm Mauser and 7.62x54R, there are no pistols in those calibers. When ATF ruled that 7.62x39mm was a pistol caliber, word went out to FFL’s to get rid of whatever you have by a certain date, and it was banned from further importation (I actually think the motive was just to get rid of a source of inexpensive ammo, but that is fodder for another thread!)

 

[wasrjoe]

I regularly shoot steel core out of my Mosins (7.62x54r). It makes nice sparks at night.

 

[rick_reno]

This has been discussed MANY times here - at the top of the page is a "search" button. Try it out - you might be amazed at what you can find.

One of the links to the ammo in question is here

 

[whm1974]

I know that steel core pistol ammunition has been prohibited by law and that's no doubt a good thing.

I don't see why that would be a good thing. After all I can use a high power rifle to do what steel core pistol ammo can't do. Or for that matter a shotgun slug will do the same.

Well, I can't find the ATF page on it right now. Basically, If I'm not mistaken, If said ammo can be USED in a pistol it constitutes armor piercing. It's pretty stupid. For instance, there are AR15 pistols, so noone may buy 5.56 steel core ammo.

So how does the ATF deal with the T/C single shot pistols? These pistols can be HAD in just about any rifle caliber you want.

-Bill