hi guys can somebody clarify the rules of importing bullets from the states, there is a shop in the states that will send bullets to the UK and are a damn sight cheaper than over here, but is this legal to do most people seem to think this is legal but I can't find any guidance to confirm this either can anybody point me in the right direction please , or does anybody no for sure I'm ok to do this I obviously have the correct calibre and expanding missiles on my fac thanks
Importing expanding bullets
- Thread starter MONGOOSE
- Start date
Tackleberry270
Well-Known Member
I'm also considering making an order from the States. Which shop are you using? I think the one I was looking at was Cliffs.
Yeah that's the one a few seem to have used him no problems.....
But how many do you need to buy at a time to make it worth while ?
My maximum buy at one time is only 200
Neil.
All depends if you can get away with paying the duty I should say like yourself I can get a max of 200 6.5x55 but the price difference is is nearly £20 per 50 over here so I reckon it would be worth while...
EMcC
Well-Known Member
Cliff will vary the quantity he sends regardless of what you order depending on the weight.
I ordered 300 180grn bullets and some other stuff.
I got one package with 182 bullets and a die.
I got in touch with him to see what happened to my order and before he could reply I got a second package with the balance in.
When he replied he explained that by using the 'flat pack air mail' service and keeping it to a certain weight, it all goes through without a hitch - and it has so far !
He hand delivered some stuff to me the other month, when he was visiting Stonehenge, a great guy.
I ordered 300 180grn bullets and some other stuff.
I got one package with 182 bullets and a die.
I got in touch with him to see what happened to my order and before he could reply I got a second package with the balance in.
When he replied he explained that by using the 'flat pack air mail' service and keeping it to a certain weight, it all goes through without a hitch - and it has so far !
He hand delivered some stuff to me the other month, when he was visiting Stonehenge, a great guy.
I looked into this too. I contacted various bodies and from what I was told it was illegal. Firstly I contacted US bullet makers and was told it was a federal offence to export bullets without a raft of paperwork. I also spoke to several uk suppliers who all said, if it was so easy they would be doing the same. I also spoke to customs and DTI, both could not answer. I decided it wasnt woth the risk. It may be ok but I have reservations, for as stated the US makers said it was a big no no and even if it were ok to send expanding from the US......when said expanding enters the UK postal system......I kinda think it aint legal.......pay your money and take a chance I suppose.
Southwesthunter
Member
If your looking for just bullets for reloading and not loaded ammunition check out this link. ReloadingInternational.com
Thats very helpful as it has the part I couldnt remember , the export licence, that is what Hornady said to me. Though I am still not sure about expanding heads once they enter the UK postal system, surely it is illegal once they enter?
caorach
Well-Known Member
Why not contact your local firearms people? I did and their reply was "we don't recommend it but legally there is nothing to stop you." Your situation may be different and I certainly wouldn't trust a post on the internet when all you need to do is lift the phone. I've been doing it ever since with no problems.
For me the big advantage isn't the savings to be made but rather the choice that is available and the fact that if I place an order for Nosler Partitions I get them within a few weeks whereas when I ask for them in a local gunshop it takes 12 months, if at all.
In terms of savings I found that you could make most savings on the lower priced bullets but that this reduced slightly with the "premium" bullets. The last bullets I brought in were a mix of Nosler Partitions and Hornady Spire Points for a total of 600 bullets, I think, and including postage etc. I calculated that I paid 29p per bullet averaged over the 600. While this seems good for the Partitions most of the actual savings were made on the Spire Points in the order.
For me the big advantage isn't the savings to be made but rather the choice that is available and the fact that if I place an order for Nosler Partitions I get them within a few weeks whereas when I ask for them in a local gunshop it takes 12 months, if at all.
In terms of savings I found that you could make most savings on the lower priced bullets but that this reduced slightly with the "premium" bullets. The last bullets I brought in were a mix of Nosler Partitions and Hornady Spire Points for a total of 600 bullets, I think, and including postage etc. I calculated that I paid 29p per bullet averaged over the 600. While this seems good for the Partitions most of the actual savings were made on the Spire Points in the order.
Tackleberry270
Well-Known Member
.....and just yesterday someone on another thread was getting picky about not calling bullets 'heads' but see what confusion it causes when you use the term 'bullets'. I for one will continue to call them heads.
....we could talk about importing missiles .... imagine those that keep an eye on sites such as this getting the wrong end of the stick!
I myself certainly do not mind being described "Picky" as you term it, I would be opposed to being possibly thought of "Sloppy", as using incorrect terminology lends to the user/s.
mereside
Well-Known Member
here you go,http://www.cliffsgunsmithing.com/index.html
atb wayne
atb wayne
EMcC
Well-Known Member
If we want to get really 'Picky' then whenever the use of Missiles is used, we would have to expand on it a little as, Missiles for what or missiles to be fired from what. Stones fired from catapults can be called missiles.
The Missiles I used to play with in my early military career were sent on their way by the reaction of Inhibited Red Funing Nitric Acid or Irfna as it was referred to then !!
The Missiles I used to play with in my early military career were sent on their way by the reaction of Inhibited Red Funing Nitric Acid or Irfna as it was referred to then !!
saddler
Well-Known Member
WHY apologise for using the correct terminology??
Those in need of education in such matters wear their pride in such ingnorance like a badge of honour - trying to get them to change tack is like trying to keep a fat lass out of Greggs!!
Maybe there needs to be a DSC III certificate??
DSC in this instance meaning Describe a Smallarms Cartridge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet
SADLY the use of the incorrect term is also rife within some RFD's & one or two of the importers!!
From the Shooting Show at Newark in Feb this year I picked up a leaflet from an American company - not to hand right now - I think they are Reloading International or Reloading Solutions??
They DID complete all the necessary ITAR export paperwork on your behalf - which from memory was then valid for 2 years?
May be worth looking them up - I will let you know when the leaflet shows up again...
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Just had a look at the website and seen the following slightly depressing offer:
Shipping Special
$11.95 for up to 50 lbs of Bullets
To ALL 50 States
http://www.cliffsgunsmithing.com/Catalog_Bullets.htm
$11.95 for up to 50 lbs of Bullets
To ALL 50 States
http://www.cliffsgunsmithing.com/Catalog_Bullets.htm
That's equivalent to 3,500 100 grain bullets(!), where as most of us only have purchase allowance in the 100's.
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