Massachusetts law does not regulate or prohibit any types of unreasonably dangerous ammunition. Massachusetts does, however, do each of the following things, as described below:

• Require a license for the purchase or possession of ammunition;

• Impose a minimum age to purchase or possess ammunition; and

• Require a license to sell ammunition.

Licensing of Ammunition Purchasers and Possessors

Massachusetts requires a firearm license to purchase or possess ammunition. Any person with a license to carry is permitted to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry all types of lawful firearms, including both large and non-large capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition for these firearms.¹

Alternatively, in Massachusetts, any person with a valid firearm identification (FID) card may purchase and possess rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity and not semiautomatic, and ammunition therefor.² To purchase a handgun and ammunition for a handgun, a FID card holder must also obtain a permit to purchase a handgun.³ Massachusetts law penalizes anyone who sells ammunition to a person who does not have the required license(s). For detailed information on licensing requirements for firearm owners in Massachusetts, see the section on Licensing of Gun Owners & Purchasers.

Minimum Age to Purchase / Possess Ammunition

Massachusetts law prohibits selling or furnishing long gun ammunition to anyone under age 18, and ammunition for a handgun, semiautomatic rifle or shotgun, large capacity weapon, or large capacity feeding device to a person under age 21.⁴

Ammunition Seller Licensing

Massachusetts requires any person who sells ammunition to obtain a license to sell.⁵ For more information, see Gun Dealers in Massachusetts.

Alternatively, a sporting or shooting club may obtain a license to sell or supply ammunition for regulated shooting on the premises.⁶

Ammunition seller licenses are valid for three years.⁷

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1. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131(a).[↩]
2. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 129B.[↩]
3. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131A.[↩]
4. See Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, §§ 128, 129B, 131.[↩]
5. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 122.[↩]
6. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 122B.[↩]
7. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 124.[↩]