I have 10 boxes of surplus British 303 i cant shoot anywhere here in CA because its a fire hazard. The range wont let me shoot it, i cant shoot on BLM lands, where the hell can i shoot this shit?

How is steel core a fire hazard? Is it tracer?

Steel sparks.

Freakin California, that's just nutty. Come on over to AZ Dave, we'll light some shit up.

Posted by big dave Steel sparks.

Good grief. Reason 1.79 million not to live in Cali.

Posted by QuePaso Good grief. Reason 1.79 million not to live in Cali.

Yeah. Banning ammo that has potential to cause wildfires is a bad thing. Are you serious?

Look, Jons has a little Tokarev or Makarov in 7.62x25. All he has is steel core ammo. We shoot that gun all the time, in the dry desert, with no fires. California, as usual, is being overprotective.

Posted by QuePaso California, as usual, is being overprotective.

No. I was at a public range a few months ago and someone was shooting surplus ammo which happened to be steel core, and started a small brush fire. The range doesnt allow steel core for that reason. The shooter snuck it past the range master. I really dont care what you guys are shooting out there, lol, but its a fire hazard if you want to believe it or not.

Posted by big dave No. I was at a public range a few months ago and someone was shooting surplus ammo which happened to be steel core, and started a small brush fire. The range doesnt allow steel core for that reason. The shooter snuck it past the range master. I really dont care what you guys are shooting out there, lol, but its a fire hazard if you want to believe it or not.

What happens if they try and outlaw off-roading? I think a hot exhaust is a much larger fire hazard than a spark off a bullet. Sorry Dave, I'm with Que Paso on this one.

They claim it's to mitigate forest fires. . .
Really, it's because steel core ammo is thought to be AP and thus evil.
Weak sauce from weak law makers.

No guys i know about the AP issue and all, i just wanna find a place to shoot all my surplus without having a legal issue or starting a fire.

The NRA has a list of ranges.
What is your ZIP?
I have friends out in the Barstow area that may be of use to you.

90650.

My local ranges wont allow any steel core. Indoor ranges would laugh if i asked.

Posted by big dave 90650. My local ranges wont allow any steel core. Indoor ranges would laugh if i asked.

It's that whole ricochet thing.....

Dave, I called a friend on mine who lives in Riverside. He says most clubs that don't lease land from the forestry department will allow you to shoot steel core ammo when it's not fire season. He also said that one of his buddies told him a place called Lytle Creek allows steel core. I don't know if I got the spelling right. ANYWAYS, hope this helps.

Oh, and I didn't mean to sound like a dick regarding the fire thing, I feel ya. If any other state had devastating fires like you guys have had I am sure steel core would be outlawed in other states. But seriously, don't you think hot muffler's and tailpipes are pretty dangerous too when it comes to a fire hazard?

put it in a different box, how will they know

I have seen Game Wardens, BLM personnel, and range-masters magnet test ammo.
Ask around.
It's a common practice, esp when they see you shooting something mil surplus.

Posted by musket boy put it in a different box, how will they know

Posted by Wilky He also said that one of his buddies told him a place called Lytle Creek allows steel core. I don't know if I got the spelling right. ANYWAYS, hope this helps.

Funny. I was just at Lytle Creek doing some 4wheeling on Saturday. There are 2 ranges up there. Ill call them both. Thanks!

And yes, hot exhaust components are dangerous, but not as dangerous as steel core ammo striking a rock. Fragments can actually sit and burn like an ember.

Posted by DevilC I have seen Game Wardens, BLM personnel, and range-masters magnet test ammo. Ask around. It's a common practice, esp when they see you shooting something mil surplus.

Thats exactly what happens to me every single time i show up with the Garand, Enfield, or Steyr. Anything old military, expect to have your ammo checked by the range master.

Well shit, there are collectors out there that would trade you new lead core for your old steel core AP.

Steel core is also prone to ricochet. Oh, and I can attest to how hot the core can be... after a 7.62x54r ricochet hit me in the arm (felt like someone punched me with spiked knuckles) I picked it up (seemed like a good idea at the time) and it sizzled my fingers. That was an interesting night at the range for sure. I still have a pretty decent scar.

I've fired 100,000's of rounds of steel core 5.56 and 7.62x51...never once has it sparked.

seriously, wtf is up with the rangemaster?

(this kind of bs is my influence for my pre 1898 handgun thread)