No, it is not illegal to own Black Talon ammunition.
Understanding the Legal Status of Black Talon Ammunition
Despite common misconceptions and significant media attention it received decades ago, Black Talon ammo is not illegal to own under federal law in the United States. This particular type of ammunition, manufactured by Winchester, gained notoriety due to its distinctive design and the controversy surrounding its effectiveness and perceived danger.
Black Talon ammunition is a type of expanding bullet or hollow-point ammunition. These designs are engineered to expand upon impact, which transfers more energy to the target and creates a larger wound channel, often desired for self-defense or hunting purposes.
Why the Misconception?
The widespread belief that Black Talon ammunition is illegal stems from several factors:
- Intense Media Scrutiny: Upon its introduction in the early 1990s, the ammunition was the subject of sensationalized media reports that often mischaracterized its capabilities and implications.
- Misleading Labels: It was erroneously labeled as "cop killer" ammunition or armor-piercing ammo by some, despite the fact that it is neither. True armor-piercing ammunition is subject to strict federal regulations and is designed differently.
- Distinctive Appearance: The dark coating and unique petal-like expansion of the bullet when fired contributed to its ominous reputation.
Black Talon in Context
While Black Talon ammunition itself was discontinued by Winchester in 1993 for commercial sales (though a similar, rebranded version, SXT, was available to law enforcement), its underlying design principles—the use of hollow points for expansion—are common in many modern ammunition types. Numerous other brands produce hollow-point ammunition that is widely available and legal for purchase and ownership by civilians for various purposes, including self-defense and hunting, in most jurisdictions.
The legality of owning ammunition generally depends on specific state and local laws, which can vary widely. However, federal law does not specifically prohibit the ownership of Black Talon ammunition by name.
