Ammunition in Canada — Firearm Calibres & Legal Guide
Understanding ammunition types is a key part of the CFSC and CRFSC exams. Canadian law regulates magazine capacity and prohibits certain armour-piercing ammunition. PAL holders may buy ammunition legally for their licensed firearm types. Safe storage requires keeping ammo unloaded from firearms in storage.
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Centrefire Rifle Mag | Legal Limit | 5 rounds (semi-auto) |
| Handgun Mag | Legal Limit | 10 rounds |
| Rimfire Ammunition | Mag Limit | None federally |
| Shotgun Mag | Legal Limit | 5 rounds (tube) |
| Armour-Piercing Ammo | Status | Prohibited |
| Incendiary Ammo | Status | Prohibited |
| Hollow-Point Handgun Ammo | Status | Permitted for licensed owners |
| Ammunition Purchase | Licence | PAL required for some calibres |
What Types of Ammunition Are Tested on the CFSC?
The CFSC covers identification of centrefire and rimfire cartridges, shot sizes for shotgun shells, and how to identify live rounds, misfires, hangfires, and squibs. You must recognize the difference between a hangfire (delayed ignition — keep pointed downrange for 30 seconds) and a misfire (no ignition — wait 30 seconds then eject carefully).
What Is a Hangfire and How Do You Handle It?
A hangfire is a delayed ignition — the primer ignites but the powder ignites after a delay. If you pull the trigger and hear a faint pop but no loud discharge, keep the muzzle pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds. Only then carefully open the action and remove the round. Never open the action immediately or the round may fire in your hands.
Does a PAL Allow You to Buy Any Ammunition?
A PAL does not restrict which calibres of ammunition you may purchase from most retailers. However, some retailers verify PAL status for centre-fire rifle ammunition. Prohibited ammunition types (armour-piercing, incendiary, frangible with specific characteristics) cannot be purchased by anyone. Handgun ammunition has no restrictions beyond being for a non-prohibited calibre.