Ammunition Limitations
The ammunition restrictions listed here are based on AR500/550 plate manufacturer’s recommendations for extended plate life, which is impact velocity less than 2850 fps and/or impact energy less than 3500 ft-lbs. Accordingly, our ammunition restrictions are:
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- .50 BMG or ammunition based on the .50 BMG cartridge are prohibited.
- No incendiary/tracer or steel core or armor piercing (AP) ammunition allowed.
- Rifles with muzzle velocity (MV) exceeding 3200 fps must not engage targets within 300 yards.
- Rifles with muzzle energy (ME) exceeding 3500 ft-lbs must not engage targets within 450 yards.
- .375 Enabler/.375 Cheytac/.408 Cheytac may only engage targets 1000 yards and beyond.
- Target 1 is a ‘sacrificial’ 2” thick mild steel plate and exempt from MV and ME restrictions.
Armor-Piercing, Tracer and Penetrator Ammunition
Conditions on the LRP tend to be very dry, and while fire mitigation has been performed, it is essential that the types of ammunition allowed do not pose a threat of fire. It is especially important to remember that no tracer, incendiary, armor-piercing (black tip) or penetrator (green tip) ammunition is permitted on the ranges at CSEC as they constitute a fire hazard. This includes M855 surplus ammunition.
Armor-piercing and penetrator rounds have steel cores which cause sparks when they impact steel targets. Additionally, these rounds damage our steel targets, requiring their replacement.
Generally, if the projectile in the round attracts a magnet, it is not permitted. If you have any questions regarding the suitability of your ammunition, please ask the Range Safety Officer or inquire at the range office.
Please take note: Not all steel-cored penetrator ammunition is marked. Recent 5.56mm Australian imports look just like conventional rounds. Know your ammo!