ATF reclassifying .223, 6.5, 6.8spc apparently

[darkminstrel]

Info at the following link;

SayUncle » BATF has ruled .223, 6.5 Grendel and 6.8SPC cartridges are now pistol cartridges?

Looks like there are going to be a few new restrictions. Nothing earth shattering I think, but still an interesting change.

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[bmw2]

Think they're trying to keep anyone under 21 from buying it?

 

[HollisOR]

Actually what isn't a pistol or rifle cartridge? (or can be used in either). If a person is 18 or older, let them buy either.

 

[bmw2]

I agree, just thought that might be their reasoning.

 

[deadeye]

It may also be an Illinois ruling that the batfe is enforcing. The company that they searched was in Ill. and I see nothing on the batfe site.

 

[deadshot2]

Apparently this is merely an "update" to their list of dual purpose ammo due to the popularity of the AR "Pistols".

What about 7.63X39?

 

[Fasteenn]

<broken link removed>

Quoted:

"UPDATE: Looking more at the actual bullets, it would appear they are turned brass. Brass is a no-no alloy. Barnes makes these bullets too, but they are marketed by Barnes as hunting rounds. Possibly Barnes received an OK from ATF to sell these under the sporting purposes exception. ET seems to be marketing them differently. It's also possible Barnes doesn't use enough Zinc to be considered brass. Also possible ATF is being completely arbitrary, which would not be the first time."

 

[deadshot2]

<broken link removed>

Quoted:

"UPDATE: Looking more at the actual bullets, it would appear they are turned brass. Brass is a no-no alloy. Barnes makes these bullets too, but they are marketed by Barnes as hunting rounds. Possibly Barnes received an OK from ATF to sell these under the sporting purposes exception. ET seems to be marketing them differently. It's also possible Barnes doesn't use enough Zinc to be considered brass. Also possible ATF is being completely arbitrary, which would not be the first time."

<broken link removed>


Most of the Barnes "Solids" that I've shot are more a Copper bullet than brass. Cartridge brass is 30% zinc. Barnes Triple Shock's are 100% Copper and the MRX are copper with tungsten core although not like the tungsten penetrators in some AP rounds.

 

[AMProducts]

I have to admit to not knowing much about the technical specifics of "elite ammunition" however there's a really good FAQ from rec.guns about the topic:

rec.guns FAQ: II.G.1. Federal Law and AP Ammunition

I think it's likely that this decision will be hammered into place and will somehow stick against elite but not to barnes for the following reasons:

3) USE - The bullet must be able to be used in a handgun. Rather than
construing this to mean regular handgun calibers, ATF construes this to
mean any caliber for which a handgun has been made, including handguns
in rifle calibers, like .308 Winchester, and 7.62x39, for purposes of
bullets covered by (B)(i). Thus bullets suitable for these calibers,
as well as other rifle calibers for which handguns have been made (at
least commercially made) which are constructed as described below would
or should be AP ammo.
However bullets that fall into the AP definition under (B)(ii), because
their jackets comprise more than 25% of their weight (solid copper bullets?)
must be intended for use in a handgun, not just be able to be used in a
handgun.


Barnes markets their ammunition specifically for hunting, while it may technically have some AP capability due to constriction it seems they are exempt due to the sporting exception, and technically their bullets are not "intended" for pistols.