Massachusetts heavily regulates ammunition through the same licensing framework that governs firearms. Either a valid License to Carry (LTC) or Firearm Identification Card (FID) is required to purchase or possess ammunition[1].
Who Can Purchase Ammunition?
The scope of your ammunition purchasing authority depends on your license type:
- LTC holders (Section 131(a)): May purchase “firearms, including large capacity firearms and ammunition therefor.” This covers all ammunition types — handgun, rifle, shotgun, and large-capacity weapon ammunition[1].
- FID holders (Section 129B(c)): May purchase “the ammunition therefore” for rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semiautomatic. FID holders cannot purchase handgun ammunition[2].
Age Requirements
- Non-large-capacity rifle and shotgun ammunition: Age 15 with FID (parental consent required for minors)
- Handgun, semiautomatic, and large-capacity weapon ammunition: Age 21 with LTC
Federal regulations (27 CFR 478.99(b)) independently prohibit licensed dealers from selling rifle/shotgun ammunition to anyone under 18, and handgun ammunition to anyone under 21[3].
Prohibited Ammunition Types
Massachusetts does not ban any specific ammunition types in its firearms statutes. Hollow points, armor-piercing rounds, and other specialty ammunition are legal to purchase and possess[4].
One restriction exists on use: M.G.L. c. 131, Section 64 prohibits the use of tracer or incendiary ammunition for hunting or outdoor target shooting, except on a skeet, trap, or target range[5]. Possession is not prohibited.
Federal law restricts the manufacture and importation of armor-piercing handgun ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(7)–(8)) but does not prohibit possession[6].
Reloading Components
Massachusetts defines “ammunition” broadly to include “cartridges or cartridge cases, primers (igniter), bullets or propellant powder designed for use in any firearm, rifle or shotgun”[7]. Each individual component — primers, bullets, powder, and brass — falls within this definition. An FID or LTC is required to purchase any of these components, including black powder.
Private Ammunition Sales
Licensed individuals may sell ammunition privately under Section 128A. Both parties must hold an appropriate license. The 4-transfer annual cap applies to firearm transfers specifically — the statute does not clearly impose the same limit on ammunition-only transfers[8].
Selling ammunition as a business without a dealer license under Section 122 carries a fine of $500–$1,000 and/or 6 months to 2 years imprisonment under Section 122B(e)[9].
Buying Ammunition Out of State
No federal or Massachusetts statute prohibits a licensed resident from physically traveling to another state, purchasing ammunition in person, and bringing it back. Federal interstate restrictions in 18 U.S.C. § 922 apply to firearms, not ammunition[6]. You must still possess a valid FID or LTC to legally possess the ammunition in Massachusetts.
Online Ammunition Sales
Chapter 135 added Section 123(k), which prohibits Massachusetts-licensed dealers from filling ammunition orders received by “mail, facsimile, telephone, internet or other telecommunication” unless the transaction includes in-person presentation of the required license[10]. This effectively bans in-state online ammunition sales.
For out-of-state online dealers, the legal picture is less clear. Section 123(k) applies to Massachusetts “licensees,” and out-of-state dealers are not Massachusetts licensees. Some out-of-state dealers ship to Massachusetts; many voluntarily refuse. The buyer must hold a valid FID or LTC to legally possess any ammunition received.
Storage Requirements
The safe storage statute, Section 131L, applies to firearms only — it does not mention ammunition[11]. There is no statutory requirement under Chapter 140 to lock up ammunition.
Separate fire code regulations (527 CMR) may impose storage requirements for ammunition and reloading components as hazardous materials, particularly for primers, smokeless powder, and black powder. These are fire safety regulations, not firearms law.
Dealer Record-Keeping
Licensed dealers must maintain records of all ammunition sales under Section 123(h), including the type and quantity sold, the purchaser’s identity, and license information. These records must be available for police inspection[10]. Individual buyers do not have a statutory record-keeping obligation for ammunition purchases.