Handgun Ammunition in Canada — Legal Guide for RPAL Holders
Handgun ammunition is centrefire in most cases, with calibres ranging from 9mm (most common) to .45 ACP. Canadian law limits handgun magazines to 10 rounds. Magazines over 10 rounds are prohibited devices. Hollow-point ammunition is legal for RPAL holders. Note: handgun sales are frozen for new buyers under Bill C-21 (2022).
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm Parabellum | Common Use | Most common handgun calibre in Canada |
| 40 SW | Common Use | Law enforcement, sport shooting |
| 45 ACP | Common Use | 1911-pattern handguns |
| Handgun Magazine | Legal Limit | 10 rounds maximum |
| Over-Capacity Magazine | Status | Prohibited device |
| Hollow-Point Ammo | Legal Status | Permitted for licensed RPAL holders |
| Armour-Piercing Ammo | Legal Status | Prohibited |
| Reloaded Ammo | Status | Permitted if safe and legal constituent components |
What Magazine Capacity Is Legal for Handguns?
Canadian law limits handgun magazines to a maximum of 10 rounds. A 15-round magazine for a Glock 17 is prohibited in Canada even if legally purchased before the prohibition. Magazines must be permanently pinned to 10 rounds or replaced with compliant 10-round magazines. Possessing a 15-round handgun magazine is a criminal offence.
What Handgun Calibres Are Most Common in Canada?
The most common handgun calibres in Canada for sport shooting are 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum), .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. For competition, 9mm dominates due to lower cost and lighter recoil. The CRFSC does not require knowing specific calibre names, but you should recognize centrefire handgun cartridges by their primer type.
Can You Buy Hollow-Point Ammunition as an RPAL Holder?
Yes. Hollow-point (HP) or jacketed hollow-point (JHP) ammunition is legal for RPAL holders in Canada for use in lawfully possessed handguns. There is no federal prohibition on hollow-point ammunition for licensed owners. Some retailers may have store policies limiting sales, but there is no law restricting it.