How Many Rounds Are Allowed in a Hunting Firearm?

December 17, 2015

Question: How many rounds are legal in a hunting firearm while hunting? I think it’s 10 but somebody else says it is five. Can you please shine some light on the subject for us? (Juan M., California hunter)

Answer: Most rifles hold three to five rounds, but the Penal Code allows for up to 10 rounds. There are no Fish and Game Code sections that restrict the number of rounds a rifle may hold. It would be unlawful to purchase or use a rifle purchased after the enactment of the 10-round restriction found in the Penal Code. There are ammunition restrictions depending upon where you are in the state and what species you are hunting. It is unlawful to use or possess a shotgun capable of holding more than six cartridges at one time to take any mammal or bird (Fish and Game Code, section 2010). Shotguns capable of holding more than three rounds when taking game birds and game mammals is prohibited (CCR Title 14, sections 311, 353 and 507). Beginning in 2019, all ammunition used while hunting must be certified as nonlead ammunition.

California has really tough gun laws. Here in Texas you can carry a full magazine of any size. Many of us have a full 30 round clip just in case because wild pigs are so pleatiful here and need to be eradicated. Eradication will never happen because they can give birth two to three times a year. They are very destructive and farmers want them dead.

Merry Chistmas Howard!

How the hell do you certify its nonlead. I reload so my word works?

Magnet?

Copper, copper/tungsten, copper/polymer. They are non-ferrous, so a magnet will not work. The bullets are certified by the manufacturer and type. So, short of having the box the ammo comes in, there is really no way of knowing other than looking at the bullet. If there is lead exposed, you are busted. If you claim it is a round that is on the approved list, certain brand and style, and can google a pic and yours matches, prob ok. I am interested in seeing how the CDW is going to enforce this one.

Just waiting for them to switch to ceramic bullets ... mark my words

God I love Montana...ahem, I mean, it sucks here. Stay where you are

God I love Montana...ahem, I mean, it sucks here. Stay where you are

Don't worry ... we will ... When can we export Andy to you?

God I love Montana...ahem, I mean, it sucks here. Stay where you are

Don't worry ... we will ... When can we export Andy to you?

He would love it here but his little Mexi nips would probably freeze off

God I love Montana...ahem, I mean, it sucks here. Stay where you are

Don't worry ... we will ... When can we export Andy to you?

He would love it here but his little Mexi nips would probably freeze off

Got really cold here ... almost had frost yesterday 

God I love Montana...ahem, I mean, it sucks here. Stay where you are

Fag

For non-toxics, my Mossberg 835 with rifled barrel likes Federal sabot rounds with the Barnes-X slugs. It's possible, if you do your research, to find good non-toxic ammo. I'm going to bet sinkers will be next.