Legality of holding projectiles

[jonkem]

Hi everyone,

newly registered with no interest in shooting but I thought your forum would be the best place for some accurate information. Hopefully this is the correct section for this posting.

I recently completed a house clearance and whilst sorting through lots of packing cases later on, I found 6 full boxes of what I would call projectiles but you may know them as something else, bullet heads maybe? They are the part of the bullet that actually leaves the rifle towards the target. All 6mm dia and various makes & styles.

So this has caused me & some friends to question the legality of even having these in my possession, whether they are still classed as bullets even though they can't be fired without loading them into a case with powder or whatever & also whether they can be sold, given away or anything else.

If I assume that they are illegal for me to have, what would be the best way to dispose of them. Can they be handed in to a police station without a lot of red tape or is this a can of worms that I've inadvertently stumbled upon.

If I assume they can be sold, what would be the best outlet for me? A gun shop or similar?

Many thanks for taking the time to read my ill-informed question & hopefully you can give me the correct directions.

[ovenpaa]

Up until recently the vast majority of 'expanding' projectiles were classified as Section 5 and as such possession without the necessary condition on an FAC (Firearms Certificate) would gave been illegal. The law changed earlier this years and the vast majority of projectiles can now be legally held without an FAC. I say vast majority as there are still some exceptions. Are the bullets boxed and if so what does it say on the boxes, alternatively what do they look like? The best bet is probably just walk them into a Gun Shop and hopefully they will happily take them off your hands.

Welcome BTW :)

[jmc67]

Hi there, assuming they are target rounds there will be no issue with you having them. However there is one watchout - if they are hunting bullets designed to expand on impact then should only be held by someone who has provision for them on their firearms certificate. If they have a flexible plastic tip then they are likely to be hunting bullets. Ideally place some photos on here so we can more accurately identify what you have and advise better. If they are normal target bullets, then there is no issue with you having or selling them. Don't assume they are illegal for you to have just yet, and don't panic - let's see what you have first if possible before advising the best course of action.

[dromia]

Most expanding bullets are now legal without possession of an FAC same as non expanding, read Ovenpaa's post.

[jonkem]

Excellent replies, thanks!

I've listed what they are and judging by the answers so far it'll just be a matter of finding a gun shop and getting shot of 'em (pun intended). Tried to add pics but the photos are just too good quality and the forum is spitting them out.

Fat fingers, there are 5 boxes not 6.

Lapua Scenar open tip boat tail
Speer 100gr boat tail lead tip
Sierra Pro-Hunter 100gr semi point
Sierra Varminter 80gr SBT
Sierra Varminter 60gr HP

Fingers crossed they all conform and will be worthwhile for someone.

[ovenpaa]

No issues with any of them in principle. Interestingly all but the Lapua would have been unlawful to hold start of this year :)

[Chapuis]

Deleted - misread what was written.

[jonkem]

I honestly didn't clear the house before January

Glad there weren't any guns stashed away just to be found later!!

[ovenpaa]

I have seen a lot of ammunition handed in from one particular household over the last three months, they just keep finding stuff and then I get frantic emails/calls saying can it be dropped off. I spoke to my FEO (Firearms Enquiry Officer) about this a couple of weeks ago and he was not concerned and said fine as long as it is off the street.

Fair to say I am a Registered Firearms Dealer which does make a difference however it does not mean I would not speak to the Police if I had any misgivings as to the source of the ammunition or items...

[jonkem]

I'm sure the family that had packed up all the stuff that I cleared didn't even think about the legalities, just happy to be able to sell an empty house and cash in.

Makes you wonder whether there was any loaded ammunition or weapons laying around before i got there and what's happened to it since.