Ammunition in recent years has been difficult to find at times (cue flashbacks to 2020). Local gun stores often have a small selection, and even the larger chain stores can have difficulty keeping less-than-common calibers in stock.
Buying ammunition online is a good way to get what we need fast, especially when looking for uncommon rounds. However, there are some things we need to be aware of when buying ammunition, including state-specific restrictions.
The truth is most shopping has moved toward online platforms, so why would we think the ammunition market is vastly different? With more creative rounds with varying weights, jackets, and metals, there are so many more options than in decades past. It’s nearly impossible for a local gun store to stock every kind of ammunition that exists today.
General Guidelines
Generally, age is the first primary limiter in online ammunition purchasing. You have to be 18 years of age or older to purchase shotgun or rifle ammunition and 21 years of age and older to purchase handgun ammunition.
The second primary limiter is federal legislation itself restricting individuals that can be in possession of and purchase firearms and ammunition. If we can’t legally possess a gun, we can’t buy ammunition.
What Kind of Ammunition Can I Buy?
The ammunition possibilities are almost endless, excluding the obvious grenades, machine gun feeders, and other high-test munitions. Most common rounds can be bought in bulk or smaller quantities, including anything from .223 Remington to .45 ACP and .50 action express.
It’s the bulk buy that often draws people in. If we want to stock up for target practice, or our local stores are still posting a limit of ammunition boxes per purchase, this is a great way for us to find what we need and buy enough of it. We can do it in one purchase rather than having to wait by the shelves and bring our buddies in with us to bypass the purchase limit.
State Limitations
State limitations on buying ammunition often coincide with firearms limitations or are specific to certain brands and ballistics. For example, in some counties, Winchester Black Talon, or ammunition of identical ballistics to Black Talon, are expressly prohibited to be sold or bought anywhere including online.
Other restrictions include those pertaining to military or law enforcement status. For example, a resident in a state that does not allow civilians to possess ammunition with ballistics identical to those of law enforcement or the military can’t just order it from out of state.
Often online platforms will require certain purchase documents. Proof of CCW or residency will be required. Some will only ship to an FFL or gun range where ammunition will be housed. Regardless of location, shipping ammunition through USPS is illegal. FedEx and UPS may only ground ship ammunition. Many ammunition companies will only ship to the continental United States.
Below are further restrictions by state, including general restrictions applying to capacity or magazines.
Alabama
Alabama does not have legislation defining assault weapons, restrictions on magazine capacity, or a clear definition of machine guns. A firearm registration or a permit to possess firearms or ammunition are not necessary in this state. No overt ammunition restrictions are in place separate from general federal restrictions.
Alaska
No ammunition or primer shipments through FedEx or UPS are allowed. Ammunition and primers are considered hazardous materials and cannot ship via air.
Ammunition can be shipped by truck or ship. However, this can be very costly for an individual person. Transport through Canada may be an option, though restrictions and travel across borders are subject to change.
Arizona
Arizona doesn’t have many firearm restrictions nor explicit ammunition legislation outside of federal prohibitions. Amazingly, Arizona does not require a license to sell or a permit to purchase ammunition.
Arkansas
Like Arizona, Arkansas doesn’t have any explicit ammunition restrictions outside of federal prohibitions.
California
California is a state with strict ammunition and firearm laws. Specifically, in San Francisco, Winchester Black Talon (or any other brand with the equivalent ballistics of Black Talon) is strictly prohibited. In Marin County, a CCW card must be faxed and on file for ammunition purchase, which is in addition to the state-wide requirements.
Ammunition cannot be shipped directly to the purchaser’s door in California. It has to be sent to an FFL, a gun range where ammunition will be stored on-premises, a licensed ammunition vendor, a type 03 FFL with a certificate of eligibility, or a law enforcement agency. Blank ammunition, however, has no restriction and may be shipped direct.
Colorado
No explicit ammunition restrictions are outlined in Colorado. However, it is illegal to own or purchase high-capacity magazines of 15 rounds and greater.
Connecticut
Connecticut restricts the sale of magazines that hold 10 or more rounds of ammunition and prohibits any sort of metal machine gun links. To purchase ammunition, Connecticut requires a valid permit for a revolver, pistol, or long gun, or a permit to sell a pistol or revolver at retail. A valid ammunition certificate and legal ID or an FFL, law enforcement, or military ID is needed.
Connecticut specifically restricts .50 caliber armor-piercing ammunition and incendiary ammo.
Delaware
Delaware restricts magazines of 17 rounds and higher unless one is a law enforcement officer, military personnel, or FFL dealer. All other ammunition restrictions are covered under federal guidelines.
Florida
While Florida is known for its different policies, it has some restrictions on purchasing ammunition including armor-piercing or exploding ammunition. This includes Dragon’s Breath shotgun shells, Bolo shells, or Flechette shells.
Georgia
Good ol’ Georgia. It really doesn’t have restrictions outside of federal regulations regarding ammunition possession or sales.
Hawaii
Similar to Alaska, Hawaii cannot ship ammunition or primer to individuals; none of these can be shipped via air. Magazines are restricted, and possession or sale of those over 10 rounds is prohibited. Exploding ammunition is prohibited explicitly as well.
Idaho
Idaho has no regulations outside of federal guidelines limiting the sale, purchase, or possession of ammunition.
Illinois
Illinois requires a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID), Illinois State ID, Illinois driver’s license, or valid concealed carry license to be provided to the seller before any purchased ammunition is shipped. Any address on these forms of ID must be where the ammunition is shipped to.
Ammunition feeding devices over 10 rounds for a long gun and over 15 rounds for a handgun is prohibited, as is .50 BMG caliber ammunition, Bolo shells, Dragon’s Breath shells, and Flechette ammunition.
Indiana
Indiana has restrictions on possessing, manufacturing, selling, or purchasing armor-piercing ammunition of any kind. Besides this, anything else may be purchased.
Iowa
Iowa has restrictions against explosive ammunition including those that contain compounds that are designed to detonate. Any shotgun shells containing exothermic pyrophoric misch as a projectile are prohibited. Otherwise, federal prohibition stands especially regarding armor-piercing ammunition.
Kansas
Kansas prohibits plastic-coated bullets in any caliber of ammunition that has a core of less than 60% lead by weight.
Kentucky
Kentucky prohibits armor-piercing ammunition with the exception of military or law enforcement personnel completing their duties. Flanged ammunition is also prohibited in this state.
Louisiana
Like Kentucky, Louisiana prohibits armor-piercing ammunition. However, the definition of armor-piercing differs between State and Federal legislation.
Maine
Maine has restrictions against armor-piercing ammunition. This definition (like Louisiana) differs slightly from that of the federal definition.
Maryland
Maryland restricts magazine capacities to 10 rounds and prohibits metal machine gun links. Other than this ammunition restrictions fall under federal guidelines.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is stricter with ammunition purchasing and selling than others. They do not allow ammunition from outside states. Ammunition must only come from duly licensed manufacturers in the Commonwealth.
Capacity is also limited to 10-round magazines. Metal machine gun links are not allowed.
Michigan
Michigan outlaws the purchase, manufacturing, possession, or sale of armor-piercing ammunition. Otherwise, federal guidelines apply for ammunition purchases. Michigan specifically prohibits local units of government from enacting restrictions differing from those already enacted by the state or federal government.
Minnesota
This state doesn’t have many regulations or restrictions on ammunition outside of federal guidelines.
Mississippi
As with other states, armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited in Mississippi. The federal prohibition on other ammunition also applies.
Missouri
Missouri prohibits the sale, possession, manufacturing, or transportation of exploding or detonating ammunition. Also, Missouri prohibits selling, giving away, leasing, loaning, or delivering ammunition to anyone who is intoxicated.
Montana
Montana follows federal guidelines for the possession and purchase of most ammunition. This state allows armor-piercing rounds.
Nebraska
Nebraska has limited restrictions on ammunition but follows federal guidelines.
Nevada
Nevada follows federal guidelines regarding the restrictions of armor-piercing ammunition and takes this one step further by restricting the manufacturing or selling of metal-penetrating bullets.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has restrictions against explosive ammunition, Teflon-coated, or armor-piercing ammunition. This state also allows those who cannot legally possess firearms to possess ammunition.
New Jersey
New Jersey has a specific permit to purchase a handgun and state-specific regulations for those allowed to legally possess a handgun. To purchase handgun ammunition, the purchaser must be a licensed gun dealer, wholesaler, or manufacturer. A firearms purchaser ID card will also suffice, as does a permit to purchase or carry a handgun (all of these are separate credentials).
New Mexico
New Mexico has no specific ammunition laws other than those under general federal guidelines.
New York
Ammunition purchases in New York must be shipped to an FFL dealer or registered Seller of Ammunition. New York limits handgun capacity to 10 rounds and metal machine gun links are prohibited. In Buffalo and Rochester, ammunition feeding devices for a rifle must not surpass 5 rounds.
Firearms dealers that sell ammunition are prohibited from selling ammunition designed exclusively for handguns to those not authorized to possess a pistol or revolver. Explosive ammunition is prohibited as well as armor-piercing ammunition, specifically.
North Carolina
North Carolina generally follows federal guidelines for ammunition restrictions. However, restrictions are in place for the purchase of Teflon-coated bullets.
North Dakota
North Dakota has limited restrictions on ammunition purchases other than those covered by federal guidelines.
Ohio
Ohio has limited ammunition regulations other than those concerning armor-piercing rounds as outlined by federal regulation.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not allow “restricted bullets.” This includes cartridges with bullets that are round or elongated with less than 60% lead core or are designed to be armor-piercing. This state also prohibits handgun calibers larger than .45 (sorry Desert Eagle .50 AE barrel swap).
Oregon
Oregon is still hashing out new gun regulations in general. However, ammunition restrictions include Teflon-coated bullets and armor-piercing rounds. A license to purchase ammunition is not required.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have state-specific ammunition regulations other than those under federal description.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires a valid handgun safety certificate or hunter education course card to purchase ammunition. Those under 18 years of age are additionally prohibited from possessing or using ammunition. Armor-piercing rounds are restricted as well.
South Carolina
South Carolina is another state that prohibits the sale, manufacturing, use, etc. of Teflon-coated bullets. Federal restrictions on armor-piercing bullets still apply.
South Dakota
South Dakota doesn’t have overt regulations against ammunition outside of federal guidelines.
Tennessee
Armor-piercing and explosive ammunition are prohibited in Tennessee.
Texas
Texas does not allow armor-piercing handgun ammunition. Everything else is fair game! Many residents buy in bulk here. Federal regulation of ammunition can still apply.
Utah
There are little ammunition restrictions in Utah outside of those already covered under federal guidelines.
Vermont
Vermont has long gun capacity restrictions of 10 rounds and handgun capacity restrictions of 15 rounds. Federal regulations apply to ammunition.
Virginia
Federal regulations outline restricted ammunition including plastic-coated bullets, armor-piercing ammunition, Teflon-coated bullets, and bullets made entirely of any other metal other than lead.
Washington
Capacity in Washington state is limited to 10 rounds. Other than this, federal rules apply.\
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. restricts any armor-piercing ammunition and .50 BMG ammo. This state requires a license for any ammo component. A valid Firearms Registration Certificate is required for all ammunition purchases.
West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have state-specific restrictions on ammunition purchase or possession. However, you may not display or sell ammunition publicly on the street, on the road, or in an alley where passers-by may see it.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not have state-specific regulations against ammunition outside of federal regulations.
Wyoming
Wyoming does not have state-specific regulations other than federal guidelines concerning specific ammunition.
Before We Part
Before you go to any old ammo website to purchase, we need to make sure to check additional requirements they have. The shop we buy from online may be in a different state and have different regulations when selling to us in another state. This is when shopping around can be handy.
If any questions arise about specific ammunition, you can always ask a local law enforcement office for clarity to assure the legality of the purchase. If we are questioning if we can have a certain kind of ammo that isn’t usually used or discussed, this is the best way to stay out of trouble.
