Expanding bullets for target shooting

[jimbob]

Hi all,

Searching through previous posts I see this is a topic that has been discussed before but I have not really found a definite answer.

I have recently got a .375 Holland and Holland rifle for target shooting. Sourcing 300 and 350 grain FMJ bullets is not a problem but can be rather expensive. I have seen that Sierra offer a wide selection of bullets ranging from 200 to 285 grains which are readily available and a lot cheaper than FMJ but they are all expanding bullets and not available to me as I do not have this permission on my license.

My question is, does the Police allow people to have expanding bullets on their licence for target shooting for the reason of availability of less popular and harder to get calibres?

Does anyone have this condition on their license?

Jimbob

[saddler]

...does the Police allow people to have expanding bullets on their licence for target shooting for the reason of availability of less popular and harder to get calibres?

Does anyone have this condition on their license?

Jimbob

I'd be VERY surprised IF any force did allow this, as there is a very narrow specific reason for the S.5 ammunition exemption/FAC condition.

Try sourcing the bullets in the EU as most target FMJ types are cheaper there plus you'll tap into a wider range of makes & types than the UK trade bothers to deal with (USA-centric business model, anyone?)

[zanes]

I've heard of .375 authorities allowing expanding for overseas hunting but prescribing non-expanding for UK practice (yes, it was stupid, yes, it caused a big argument, no, I don't know the outcome).

Quick furtle round a few of my preferred EU suppliers didn't reveal much- only ones that looked likely were solid dangerous game ones at about 3.50 euros each!

Have you considered going cast?
www.castpics.net/subsite2/ByCaliber/Cast in the 375 H_H.pdf

[jimbob]

Zanes

Thanks for looking at EU suppliers, I dont really know where to start with them, not sure who's out there.

I have considered casting but sadly dont have the time or space to do it, but it would be the cheapest option.

Jimbob

[dodgyrog]

Hornady DGS would do the job - NOT designed to expand in a controllable manner.
VERY expensive.
I would suggest using cast boolits.

[zanes]

Shell house bullet company will cast pretty much anything to order IIRC?

[IainWR]

Hi all,

My question is, does the Police allow people to have expanding bullets on their licence for target shooting for the reason of availability of less popular and harder to get calibres?

Jimbob

No.

See the law, which the police have to follow: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/section/5A

Subsection (4)

[zanes]

As to european suppliers, check out this thread for some recommendations.

http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=20842

[saddler]

Hi all,

My question is, does the Police allow people to have expanding bullets on their licence for target shooting for the reason of availability of less popular and harder to get calibres?

Jimbob

No.

See the law, which the police have to follow: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/section/5A

Subsection (4)

Aye - namely:

(4)The authority of the Secretary of State [F2or the Scottish Ministers (by virtue of provision made under section 63 of the Scotland Act 1998)] shall not be required by virtue of subsection (1A) of section 5 of this Act for any person to have in his possession, or to purchase or acquire [F3, or to sell or transfer,], any expanding ammunition or the missile for any such ammunition if—

[F4(a)he is authorised by a firearm certificate or visitor’s firearm permit to possess, or purchase or acquire, any expanding ammunition; and

(b)the certificate or permit is subject to a condition restricting the use of any expanding ammunition to use in connection with any one or more of the following, namely—

(i)the lawful shooting of deer;

(ii)the shooting of vermin or, in the course of carrying on activities in connection with the management of any estate, other wildlife;

(iii)the humane killing of animals;

(iv)the shooting of animals for the protection of other animals or humans.]

[jimbob]

Thanks for your help.

I have been in contact with Shell house bullets company this evening and subject to a large order they will obtain the mould and make some 250 grain cast bullets for me at a very good price. All I need now is a good load.

I have already got some Hornady DGS 300 grain bullets, they are nice to fire but as you say are expensive at £61 for 50!