Why is China banned from importing ammo?

**pandemic** · March 27th, 2009, 04:10 PM

Like the title says, why is China banned from importing ammo? Ammo prices would be through the floor if we allowed Chinese ammo.

**Tomcat088** · March 27th, 2009, 04:24 PM

Um, I wasn't aware that they were banned from shipping ammo. This is the first time that I've heard this. Where did you hear it? Any sources? It might have been that way for a long time, but I'm curious. I've seen some bad quality control come out of china, I'm not sure I wanna chance that in my rifles, lol, but I am curious about this.

**pandemic** · March 27th, 2009, 05:08 PM

Well, I'd just heard this somewhere. Think about it though. All I see is Russian, Euro, and US ammo. Where is a major portion of our imports coming from? China. This isn't the case with ammo and I'm wondering why.

I had heard that it was because the Chinese use steel core bullets. But I just saw on AIM that they have Russian 5.56x39 ammo with steel core. I'm now completely clueless as to why we dont have Chinese ammo.

**Lone Wolf** · March 27th, 2009, 06:31 PM

Importation of Chinese ammo was banned during the Klinton years. Someone correct me if Im wrong, but I think steel core ammo for a handgun is illegal, so if a cartridge is chambered in any handgun, it cannot be imported or manufactured with a steel core bullet if chambered in even ONE handgun.

**Iron Sights** · March 27th, 2009, 06:57 PM

Lone Wolf - I believe you are correct about the Clinton general banning on China ammo. I'm not sure about the handgun rule.

**tl_3237** · March 27th, 2009, 07:56 PM

It is illegal to import armor piercing ammo:

18 USC 922(a)It shall be unlawful—
(7) for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition, unless—
(A) the manufacture of such ammunition is for the use of the United States, any department or agency of the United States, any State, or any department, agency, or political subdivision of a State;
(B) the manufacture of such ammunition is for the purpose of exportation; or
(C) the manufacture or importation of such ammunition is for the purpose of testing or experimentation and has been authorized by the Attorney General;
(8) for any manufacturer or importer to sell or deliver armor piercing ammunition, unless such sale or delivery—
(A) is for the use of the United States, any department or agency of the United States, any State, or any department, agency, or political subdivision of a State;
(B) is for the purpose of exportation; or
(C) is for the purpose of testing or experimentation and has been authorized by the Attorney General; [1]