Ammo Disposal
No. California ammo laws stress that ammunition should not be accessible to unauthorized parties, such as minors under 18.
CA Penal Code § 30300 [Ammunition Restrictions]:
You can not dispose of ammunition if you know, or using reasonable care should know, that a child or anyone prohibited from possessing that ammunition is likely to gain access. (summary)
Penalty: Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
Simply stated, ammunition should never be thrown away or left in public spaces.
Solution: With our on-site ammunition disposal service, Ammo Guy can legally take possession of your unwanted ammunition for responsible recycling, reuse or destruction.
No. While gun shops and firing ranges may accept your unwanted ammunition, they are not legally obligated to do so. It's best to call ahead and check their specific policies. Remember to always handle and transport ammunition in a safe manner, adhering to all local regulations.
Solution: Ammo Guy can come to your location to safely remove any amount of ammunition at no charge.
Safety & Storage of Ammunition
In California, there's no specified limit on the amount of ammunition an individual can own, as long as they're legally allowed to possess it.
While many manufacturers list a ten-year expiration date, modern ammunition is often safe for much longer under ideal storage conditions. However, factors like moisture and extreme temperatures can shorten its shelf life.
Corrosion and reduced speed are the biggest potential issues with aging bullets, leading to concerns like jamming or even "squib loads," where a bullet doesn't fully exit the barrel. This can be dangerous to the shooter and damaging to the firearm if another round is fired.
That's why it's essential to always inspect old ammo before use and always store ammunition properly in a cool, dry place.
In a house fire, ammunition won't "explode" in the traditional sense. While the propellant in bullets can ignite causing individual rounds to "pop", without the confining structure of a firearm barrel, the bullets themselves don't typically shoot out with lethal force.
Nevertheless, the heat can cause casings to rupture and projectiles to release. While the explosion might not be as forceful as when a bullet is fired from a gun, it still poses a risk to firefighters and anyone nearby. It's always best to store ammunition in fireproof containers or safes.
Purchasing Ammo in California
NO, you can not buy ammo out of state and bring it across California's state lines. You may, however, purchase ammo and have it delivered to a licensed vendor in California to pick up.
Yes, as of July 1, 2019, you need a valid California driver's license or California ID to purchase ammunition in California. However, it's worth noting that while a Real ID is one of the forms of identification you can use, you don't specifically need a Real ID. A standard California driver's license or California ID will suffice. Always check the most current regulations and requirements with the California Department of Justice or your local firearms dealer before making a purchase.
NO, exemptions from ammunition background checks are limited to firearm-related businesses and identified law enforcement personnel.
Up to $1 for those with a valid CA Drivers License AND at least one firearm registered with that ID. Up to $19 for a full-scale background check.