Book Update – AP Ammuntion

Under N.J.S. 2C:39-1gg., armor piercing ammunition is defined as:

1. a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and is constructed entirely, excluding the presence of traces of other substances, from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or
2. a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
3. "Armor piercing ammunition" shall not include shotgun shot required by federal or State environmental or game regulations for hunting purposes, a frangible projectile designed for target shooting, a projectile which the United States Attorney General finds is primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes, or any other projectile or projectile core which the United States Attorney General finds is intended to be used for industrial purposes, including a charge used in an oil gas well perforating device.

Yes. Under N.J.S. 2C:39-3 subsection f., these bullets are prohibited. However, a federally licensed collector of curios and relics (U.S.C. 18 § 921(a)(13)) may possess not more than three (3) examples of distinct variation under strict conditions (see N.J.S. 2C:39-3.f.(2)). Also, members of the armed forces or law enforcement officers, while actually on duty or traveling to or from an authorized place of duty, may possess them (see N.J.S. 2C:39-3.g.).

The unlawful possession of one armor-penetrating bullet is a fourth-degree offense, punishable by up to 18 months in State Prison and a $10,000 fine.