What's the CURRENT 50 state law situation on "armor piercing" ammo?

[Eric B.]

Ex. Is the possession of tungsten core bullets illegal in all 50 states or is it a state-by-state situation?

I was recently made aware of this at a gun show when visiting Las Vegas.

 

[TheSolitaryTraveller]

From a quick look around tungsten core rounds seem to be illegal but mild steel core rounds are ok since they aren't considering armor piercing. But than again it's not like you ammo is inspected before you can shoot your gun.

 

[smschulz]

I believe it is up to the states.
In Texas is a NO NO for AP Handgun ammo.
No problem for AP Rifle ammo.

 

[superjc]

I've heard the black tip military "ap" rounds are illegal in Cali while SS109 & variations are not considered true "ap" and are legal. Possession of a "butterfly knife" still
a big time felony.

 

[17874]

I've heard the black tip military "ap" rounds are illegal in Cali while SS109 & variations are not considered true "ap" and are legal. Possession of a "butterfly knife" still
a big time felony.

In California any AP handgun ammo is illegal. As far as black tip goes, only 30-06 AP is legal. Any other black tip is a no go. SS109 (M855) is OK because it isn't even close to a real AP round. Although, the new M855 (lead free) might be considered an AP, but it isn't available to civilians or even LE. Hell, I doubt most active duty units even know it exists yet.

 

[classicshooter]

AP handgun is a no-no by most state standards, but really does not matter since the Feds say handgun AP is illegal. As for rifle, well the reason why M2 Ball (30-06) black tip is okay and 308 is not, is there is a pistol that shoots 308, which then makes the 308 a pistol round, at least in the eyes of the idiots who make these laws, however Florida just says 308 AP is illegal to sell, not own, and I believe the feds have the same outlook on that. So with that being said if you really wanted some 308 AP, clean off the black paint off the tips of the bullets you pull from some surplus M2 Ball.

 

[sentry1]

Speaking of mild steel core ammo, i.e. green tip M855, I picked up a few different pieces of scrap steel to take out to the range this weekend. I've been interested in seeing how 1/4" and 1/2" plain steel will hold up to the "penetrator" rounds.

 

[PGTBrow]

In California any AP handgun ammo is illegal. As far as black tip goes, only 30-06 AP is legal. Any other black tip is a no go. SS109 (M855) is OK because it isn't even close to a real AP round. Although, the new M855 (lead free) might be considered an AP, but it isn't available to civilians or even LE. Hell, I doubt most active duty units even know it exists yet.

Yea the M855A1 looks like it could be pretty nice, but like you said it's not avail...