PC 16150-16190:
Ammunition Definitions

California Penal Code Sections 16150, 16650 and 16660 define ammunition, handgun ammunition and handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor. Section 16150 defines ammunition for the background-check and point-of-sale requirements, while Sections 16650 and 16660 supply the specific handgun-ammunition definitions used in prohibitions.^[1]

Ammunition (PC 16150)

Section 16150 defines "ammunition" broadly to include any bullet, cartridge, magazine, clip, speed loader, autoloader, or projectile capable of being fired from a firearm with a deadly consequence. The definition also encompasses ammunition components such as primers and propellant powder when possessed together with other components in a manner that could be readily assembled into functional ammunition. Blank cartridges are excluded from this definition for most regulatory purposes.

Handgun Ammunition (PC 16650)

Section 16650 defines "handgun ammunition" as ammunition principally for use in pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person.^[2] This classification is significant because certain restrictions, including the prohibition on armor-piercing handgun ammunition, apply specifically to handgun ammunition rather than to all ammunition. Determining whether a given cartridge is "handgun ammunition" can be complicated when calibers are shared between handguns and rifles (for example, .22 LR or 9mm carbines).

Armor-Piercing Ammunition (PC 16660)

Section 16660 defines "handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor" as ammunition, other than shotgun shells or ammunition primarily designed for rifles, that is designed primarily to penetrate a body vest or body shield and meets either of two tests. Its projectile or core must be constructed entirely, apart from trace substances, from tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, beryllium copper, depleted uranium, or equivalent material of similar density or hardness. Alternatively, it must be primarily manufactured or designed through its shape, cross-sectional density, or coating to penetrate a body vest or body shield when fired from a concealable firearm. A lead core does not by itself exclude ammunition that meets the alternative design test. The manufacture, importation, sale, offer for sale, or possession of armor-piercing handgun ammunition is prohibited under Penal Code Section 30315.^[3]

Proposition 63 and Implementing Legislation

Proposition 63, approved by voters in November 2016,^[4] and its companion legislation SB 1235 (2016), built upon these definitions to create a comprehensive ammunition regulatory framework. Beginning July 1, 2019, ammunition vendors must verify purchasers' eligibility with the DOJ, subject to statutory exemptions. Vendor processing of ammunition sales and restrictions on residents bringing ammunition acquired out of state began January 1, 2018, also subject to statutory exemptions. Section 16150 defines ammunition for these requirements, while Sections 16650 and 16660 supply the specific handgun-ammunition definitions.