How many rounds of ammunition can I have?
Asked by: Clotilde Hoppe | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (46 votes)
There's no federal limit on how many rounds of ammunition you can own, but state and local laws vary, especially regarding magazine capacity (e.g., 10-15 rounds in California, NY, MA), with some states banning certain ammo types like armor-piercing rounds. You can generally buy as much as you can afford, with guidelines suggesting stockpiling based on your shooting habits (e.g., 1,000+ rounds per caliber for regular shooters).
Is there a limit to the amount of ammo you can have?
There are no federal limits on how much ammunition you can possess, but state and local laws vary significantly, with some states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois having permits for purchase, background checks, or restrictions on large-capacity magazines, so it's crucial to check your specific location's rules for buying, storing, and transporting ammo.
How many rounds can you legally own?
There's no single federal limit on ammo quantity for individuals in the U.S., but state and local laws vary greatly, with some states like New York and California having specific rules on magazine capacity or requiring background checks for ammo purchases, while places like South Africa have possession limits (e.g., 200 rounds), so you must check your local regulations.
Will I get in trouble for having more than a 10 round mag?
Yes, you can get in trouble for possessing a magazine over 10 rounds, as it depends heavily on your state and local laws, with many states like California, New York, and others banning them, while federal law doesn't have a universal ban, but some states have ongoing legal challenges to their bans. Penalties vary from fines (infractions) to jail time (misdemeanor or felony), and can include confiscation, so it's crucial to check your specific jurisdiction's laws regarding possession, sale, and manufacturing.
How much ammo can you keep at home?
There's no federal limit on ammunition at home, but local laws, landlord rules, and insurance policies can impose restrictions or requirements for secure storage, so always check your local ordinances and lease agreements, as some cities or states might limit quantities or mandate locked storage for firearms and ammunition.
How Many Rounds Do You Need
Can you get flagged for buying too many guns?
Yes, buying multiple firearms, especially handguns or certain rifles in a short period, can get you flagged because Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must report these "multiple sales" to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (ATF) for tracking illegal trafficking, though there's no federal limit on ownership, and the ATF looks for patterns like buying many of the same gun to spot potential crime. Specific reporting rules apply to handguns (two or more in 5 business days) and certain rifles in border states, potentially leading to ATF or law enforcement follow-up.
Is it illegal to have too much ammo?
There isn't a specific limit on the quantity of ammunition you can purchase at one time in California. That being said, it's essential to be aware of any local ordinances or restrictions in your area that might differ.
Is it illegal to own 30 round mags?
The following states have implemented capacity-based magazine bans: California – 10 rounds, Colorado – 15 rounds, Connecticut – 10 rounds, Hawaii – 10 rounds, Massachusetts – 10 rounds, New York – 10 rounds; New Jersey – 10 rounds (previously restricted to 15 rounds); Vermont – 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for ...
How many pistol mags should you own?
Whatever the reason, you should have a minimum of three standard-capacity magazines. Three magazines give you a dedicated home defense magazine and two spares for training and just-in-case scenarios. While three may work for most people, I suggest six as a personal minimum. Six is a standard combat load of magazines.
What US state has the least gun restrictions?
#1 New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a Constitutional Carry state with incredibly relaxed gun laws and low crime rates. Any citizen over 18 years old who is lawfully permitted to possess a firearm can open and concealed carry. New Hampshire residents can travel to 29 other states with a pistol and revolver license.
Is making your own bullets legal?
Yes, it is generally legal to make your own ammunition (reloading) for personal use in the U.S., but you can't sell it without a Federal Firearms License (FFL), and there are federal bans on making armor-piercing handgun ammo, plus state laws vary, so always check local regulations for restrictions on components or specific types.
What are the 5 gun rules?
The 5 fundamental gun safety rules emphasize treating every firearm as loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed safely, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, knowing your target and what's beyond it, and using proper safety and storage, with variations focusing on handling, target identification, and maintenance, all aiming to prevent accidents.
What is the 26 pistol rule?
The "26 pistol rule" refers to an old ATF guideline where an AR-style pistol over 26 inches in overall length (OAL) wasn't considered a concealable "Any Other Weapon" (AOW), allowing vertical foregrips without NFA registration; however, this loophole was closed by ATF regulations (2023R-08F) making braced pistols with OAL under 26 inches AOWs, but courts have since blocked enforcement, leaving the legality of braced firearms in flux and generally requiring NFA registration or modification to avoid being classified as an SBR if under 26 inches.
Is hoarding ammo illegal?
At the federal level, there's generally no limit on the amount of ammunition a person can possess or store.
Can a 9mm stop a grizzly bear?
A 9mm is generally considered inadequate for reliable grizzly bear defense, though some argue hard-cast ammo and precise shots might stop one, it's far from ideal; most experts recommend larger calibers like 10mm Auto, .44 Magnum, or .357 Magnum for better stopping power, deeper penetration, and a higher chance of a one-shot stop against tough, thick-skinned bears, which often require multiple hits to deter.
How many bullets does AK-47 hold?
An AK-47's standard magazine holds 30 bullets, but other capacities exist, including 10, 20, 40-round box magazines, and even 75-round drum magazines, with the curved 30-round version being the most iconic for its 7.62x39mm ammunition.
Which is stronger, 9mm or 45?
45 ACP are popular choices in the handgun world. The 9mm is typically considered less powerful than the . 45 ACP, but it is also lighter and easier to control when shooting rapidly. Its smaller size makes it a good choice for concealed carry pistols, as well as subcompact handguns.
Can you conceal carry a 30 round magazine?
You can conceal carry a 30-round magazine only where state and local laws permit, as many states (like CA, NY, NJ, MA, CO, etc.) ban or restrict magazines over 10 or 15 rounds, even for concealed carry, though some states have grandfather clauses for pre-owned magazines. Even where legal, a 30-round magazine is bulky and harder to conceal than smaller ones, often requiring specialized holsters for an extra spare, with the main challenge being the legal restrictions on the magazine itself, not just the firearm.
How much ammo can you legally have?
There's no single federal limit on ammo quantity for individuals in the U.S., but state and local laws vary greatly, with some states like New York and California having specific rules on magazine capacity or requiring background checks for ammo purchases, while places like South Africa have possession limits (e.g., 200 rounds), so you must check your local regulations.
Are 100 round mags legal?
In the State of California, the possession, sale, manufacture, or importation of large-capacity magazines is prohibited under Penal Code 32310 PC. This law is part of the state's effort to reduce gun violence by restricting access to ammunition-feeding devices capable of holding more than ten rounds.
What happens if you get caught with a 30 round mag in California?
An infraction carries a fine of $100 per magazine you possess; A misdemeanor has the same fine and up to one year in county jail.
Can you go to jail for having ammo?
Possession of ammunition by a prohibited person is a “wobbler” offense that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. If charged as a felony, the defendant can be sentenced to sixteen months, two years or three years in state prison.
Is stockpiling ammo legal?
While Texas and federal law don't limit the quantity of ammunition you store or “stockpile,” there may be restrictions on the ammo type.
Can you buy multiple guns with one background check?
A licensee must initiate a new NICS background check for each completed firearms transaction. However, a person may purchase or acquire several firearms in one transaction.