It is important to note that only projectiles that meet the statutory definition of “armor piercing” – i.e., those made out of the specific listed materials that may be used in a handgun – are subject to the statutory restrictions. As a result, manufacturers are, and will continue to be, free to manufacture projectiles from non-restricted materials, completely independent of the application of this framework or any exemptions.
Again...I think you are over-simplifying it and incorrect about your interpretation. Below is the BTAFE definition of “armor piercing” ammunition:
Armor piercing ammunition
18 U.S.C., § 921(a)(17)(B)
•A projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which 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
•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.
The only exception is based on the US Attorney General exempting rounds used for sporting or specific industrial purposes (BTW the AG is anti-gun). The new EO rule is stating that 5.56mm and any round available in a handgun platform that can penetrate soft body armor is no longer deemed as exempt for sporting purposes.
As you will note, the requirement for armor piercing is that the ammo is larger than .22 caliber and can be made from any number of common alloy casings in whole or in combination. A steel or solid core is NOT a requirement (i.e green tip ammo).
As I stated, using the BATFE definition of AP, this rule change could include all high velocity ammo that is capable of penetrating soft body armor and can be found in a handgun platform. This is basically any high velocity caliber ammo from .223/5.56 to .50 caliber.
I don’t think this is a scare tactic. I think this is back-door gun control.
Also, to score the point of this article. The BATFE attempted this in 2012 thru a law interpretation, but it was rejected. Now the same issue is being attempted by an executive rule change Below are comments from an NRA article, which points out that this simple exemption rule change may be eventually applied inclusively to all high velocity rifle ammo.
“BATFE suggested that it believes that the ‘armor piercing ammunition’ law was intended to affect all ammunition capable of penetrating soft body armor worn by law enforcement officers.”
“BATFE says it considers projectiles to not be exempt under the “sporting purposes” test if they “pose a threat to public safety and law enforcement”
The purpose of this rule change is to specifically remove that “sporting purposes” exemption for AP ammo that can be found in handgun platforms. It starts with 5.56mm, but where does it end?
Under a GOP congress and so called conservative heavy supreme court......
.... BOHICA !