BASC is highlighting the changing status of expanding ammunition after elements of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 came into effect today.
The new legislation means expanding ammunition will no longer be prohibited and will be covered by Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968.
The change particularly affects those issued with temporary permits due to delays in the renewal process rather than full certificates. Under previous legislation, expanding ammunition could not be held on temporary permits.
Those issued with temporary permits from today will be clear to possess expanding ammunition up to their authorised limit, therefore removing the necessity to lodge ammunition with a registered firearms dealer.
Those issued with temporary permits before today will now be allowed to retrieve their ammunition from dealers and continue shooting.
However, despite the change in legislation, temporary permits will still not authorise the purchase or acquisition* of ammunition including expanding.
BASC firearms officer Paul Dale said: “The change in status of expanding ammunition has removed anomalies which previously limited the ability to continue to shoot deer and carry out pest control. Many certificate holders living in poorly performing areas for police licensing were being unfairly penalised.
“The amendments to the law are a major improvement. Nevertheless, even under the new rules, it will not be possible to buy or acquire expanding ammunition while covered by a temporary permit.”
* ‘Acquisition’ in this context means to hire, accept as a gift or borrow ammunition.