You may recall the recent ATF raid on Elite Ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (and Really Big Fires) swooped down on the small ammunition maker and confiscated their entire inventory and computers, vowing to use the data to track down Elite’s buyers and take their brass ammo as well. The ATF Agent in charge claimed—but not in writing—that the existence of rifle-caliber handguns in .223, 6.5 Grendel and 6.8SPC means that brass ammunition in those calibers is now considered armor piercing. It is, therefore, banned. Since then, the ATF sent Elite a letter confirming this “new” regulation. [Click here for a pdf of the ATF’s letter.] The relevant text is as follows . . .

Brass is an alloy metal (which means a metal made by combining different metals) composed primarily of copper and zinc. The amount of copper varies between 55 and 95 percent by weight depending on the type of brass and its intended use. Projectiles that are manufactured from brass and which can be used in a pistol would be classified as armor piercing ammunition [emphasis theirs] as defined.

This will not come as welcome news for a large swathe of the hunting and target shooting community, who use brass ammo for its extra accuracy and consistency.

Elite CEO Jay Wolf told TTAG that the ATF vowed to confiscate all such ammo, regardless of its source. “They said they’re going after all manufacturers of brass ammunition in these calibers.”