Out of curiosity re. handloading restrictions

[DWalt]

I have not seen this question addressed previously, although it may have been discussed at some time in the past.

For those living in states or municipalities which have regulations regarding handloading, can you describe what form those restrictions take? Things such as handloading permits or licenses, requirements for purchasing components in-state, limits on quantities possessed, purchases of components from outside the state, reporting requirements, etc.

 

[tlawler]

I’ve never heard of anything before, but I’ve only been loading for about a year. Your thread did make me sit up and take notice, though. I’m curious to learn more.

 

[SMSgt]

Never heard of any restrictions on reloading, although some place may have ordinances on powder storage.

 

[M29since14]

Nothing around here (north-central Indiana) that I have ever heard of. Insurance companies are sometimes curious about highly flammable material storage, generally gasoline and things like paint thinners, but I've never seen ammunition or handloading components mentioned.

 

[Eddietruett]

The only restriction I have ever heard anyone mention in 40+ years of loading is there are rules/laws somewhere about how much powder you can store and how it is supposed to be stored. I'm sure most of us have broken that one at least a time or two. I doubt around here there are any officials that know what the rules are any more than I do.

 

[robertrwalsh]

There is a fairly standard fire code that says you can't keep more than ten pounds of powder in a residence without it being kept in a powder magazine. Strangely enough there are, generally speaking, zero restrictions on storage of small arms primers. Other ammo components are harmless by themselves of course. If I recall correctly a powder magazine has to have all sides made of 1" thick wood. You could probably find out by googling fire codes in your location. If you go into BUSINESS as a reloading you will find a ton of restrictions. As a home hobbyist there are few, if any, that I have ever heard of except for the powder storage.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Other than the above mentioned powder magazine , even here in NY, there are no restrictions that I am familiar with.

 

[Krogen]

With all due respect, I suggest you do your research "under the radar" instead of on a public forum. First, if you ever violate "the rules" there would be evidence you knew better. Second, why give those who would try to restrict our pastime any ideas?

 

[DWalt]

I was not requesting anyone to divulge any "rules infractions", just what restrictions exist in various locations. Second, those who would restrict our pastime already have reloading on their radar. Make no mistake about that.

 

[Benchrest1]

I'm pretty sure there are places that limit the amount of primers you can have.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

BE quiet,.....Don't give THEM any ideas!

Ivan

 

[Wise_A]

I heard from a bullseye shooter in Puerto Rico that they were not permitted to store powder overnight. He stated that it was common to purchase a pound of powder, and split it between a group of friends.

Why they would simply not thumb their noses at such an onerous restriction is beyond me. Although I consider information from that particular individual suspect at best, he was always a bit "off".

 

[Imissedagain]

Stop in a major LGS that stocks reloading supplies and ask the owner or other knowledgeable staff.
Call the NRA as a few of us are known to load.
Reloading is as safe as mixing baby’s milk!!!
Read applicable statues/laws in your area.

Start today!
Read manuals aloud
Stay safe
Have fun

 

[H Richard]

The only time I have heard of any restrictions was if you reloaded "For Sale". A few I know tried loading and selling loaded ammo at gun shows, and they were "discouraged" quickly. It was BATF regulations I believe, needing a manufacturer license.

 

[federali]

Uncle Sam is Watching

As H. Richard Says, I believe it was the Gun Control Act of 1964, knee-jerk legislation following the assassination of President Kennedy, which required that anyone reloading for others and receiving compensation, must be federally licensed, even if a friend just reimbursed you for your costs.

Storage of reloading components and live ammunition would fall under your various local fire codes.

 

[gwpercle]

In Louisiana , if you don't sell your reloads , and they are for your use , there are no special restrictions or requirements. I purchase powder , primers and bullets off the shelves of local dealers and need no permit to buy these items.
I've been reloading since 1967 and would have heard of any requirements by now .

Selling reloaded ammunition puts you into a totally different class,
federal manufacturing and state and local business regulations apply here .

Gary

 

[gwpercle]

As H. Richard Says, I believe it was the Gun Control Act of 1964, knee-jerk legislation following the assassination of President Kennedy, which required that anyone reloading for others and receiving compensation, must be federally licensed, even if a friend just reimbursed you for your costs.

Storage of reloading components and live ammunition would fall under your various local fire codes.

It is the Gun Control Act of 1968....I remember that year and that Act very well!

 

[mikld]

I started reloading in CA (of all places) in '69 and I've never heard of any legal restrictions. Amounts of powder and primers seem to be insurance companies and Fire Code suggestions. In the 35+ years I reloaded in Los Angeles county, I was never asked about, required to reveal, been inspected or "polled" on the amounts of powder and primers I had on hand, nor how they were stored, and nothing questioning my reloading. I always kept my reloading on the quiet side, not for fear of legalities, but my neighbors were ignorant of reloading may be "concerned"...

But there are laws concerning the licensing of a reloader if he reloads for sales.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I started reloading in CA

Me to..

No one ever asked me when purchasing any component about my storage quantities, or anything about usage.

 

[fredj338]

I'm pretty sure there are places that limit the amount of primers you can have.

Primer & powder storage rules are in affect across the nation, NFPA. Local restrictions may also apply. It will only come into play should you have a fire. Otherwise, no one is coming to your door.
As to restrictions, again each municipality will have some, depending on location. I believe NYC has restrictions on what can be brought into or ordered on line.