dCorbus wrote: »

Thanks B'Man - I couldn't remember the round-about way in which the re-loading was "to all intents and purposes" off-limits.

So, you may own the loading equipment and the inert components (bullet and case), but you may not import the primers or the powder, as that needs an explosives import licence (or somesuch) and therefore, whilst you may re-load, you may not possess the necessary items to do so.

Have I got that right?:D

That's pretty much it.
Reloading and the equipment to do it isn't illegal in and of itself, but the import, storage, and use of primers and propellant are governed by various iterations of the Explosives Acts, requiring various licences and permits, and there's a long-standing policy in place to not issue any such permit or licence.

I like that word.

But no, they do know where the paperwork is; it's allegedly the same as is used to facilitate the demolitions and mining/quarrying people in acquiring the materials used the pursuit of their activities.

It appears to be more to with an irrational fear of the unknown, and a deep aversion to allowing the 'ordinary' person do something over which Official Ireland doesn't have full control and doesn't understand.

Bananaman wrote: »

What the Trial for the Creedmoor does is provide a template for how it COULD be done - at least in a co-op sense.

Limited though it may be - it is progress.

Up until now it has not been done therefore there is no example to hold up to show that it CAN be done.

(I know it is done everywhere else but examples of what happens in other jurisdictions are only allowed to be used in the argument against :rolleyes:)

As to re-loading away in your basement - i think it that very image that is the problem for the PTB.

B'Man

It would be great if loading come in.
The amount of calibres for target shooting will improve a lot.

I'd like a .223 wssm

Sparks wrote: »

I wish I had that much cash. I got all my gear ten years ago and finished paying off the credit union loan I bought it with about three years ago. And now I have to buy new stuff as the old stuff's wearing out...

Quite a few of the others round here though, sink enormous amounts into their sport. They do it, for the most part, by not sinking it into other vices and pursuits. It's not so much clean living as bare necessity - so you should feel lucky that you live somewhere where your hobby or sport is not persecuted with high indirect taxes, onerous direct legislation and out-and-out mean-spirited thoughts from on high and from down low as well!

I average €1000 a year on shooting schtuff (this year €600~ to date)

I work shi**y hours so I have two options, go out shooting, or drink myself into oblivion !

Buying new Rifles and accessories makes me happy, and something to look forward to when facing in to a month of nights or having to work over Christmas!

I have not been overseas in 3 years and I rarely go to the pub! (3 times in a pub in the last 3 months)

I would like to add these opinions to the discussion.

I believe there are points in the discussion on "reloading" that need to be clarified.

The use /possession of the components, primers and propellant are governed by the Explosive Substances Act, wheras the possession of the assembled product, ie, the projectile, is governed by the Firearms Acts.

So, if found to be unlawfully in possession of propellant, then you are prosecuted under the Explosives Substances Act, and if in unlawful possession of ammunition, then you will be prosecuted under the Firearms Acts.

There appears to be no specific ban on reloading, but the possession of the powder and primers are not lawful without the possesser being lawfully authorised. In theory, you may apply for a permit to import these products, and be in lawful possession, provided you are licenced to be in possession of the calibre you produce, and that you do not have more than the maximum on your licence, but as others have said, our "authorities" frown upon the practice of reloading. They have publicly stated that they have concerns that criminals could make higher powered ammunition for their illegal firearms.

In the case of the so called "reloading trial", a person must firstly have been lawfully permitted to import the constituant products to reload, ie, powder and primers, and for the purpose as outlined on their application, ie, reloading. Its my opinion that no trial can be permitted without being lawfully authorised under existing law, as I dont believe that our authorities would permit possession without the Law already permitting it. Regardless, all credit to those who are "trialling" to get as far as they did.

As Sparks outlined, reloading was mentioned in one Act, then not enacted, and then the reference removed in a subsequent Act. This did not take away the existing procedure for applying for the lawful importation and possession of the components.

Its a bit like applying for a firearm certificate, its at the discretion of your local Superintendent, and when you apply, the answer will be "no!

Until the new Explosives Substances Bill is published, then the practice cannot be formalised.

One can appreciate the concerns about reloading, as there are also issues of safe storage and safety training, but it is very common in other jurisdictions without there being problems with the criminal fraternity, nor any harm occurring to those who reload. There would also be minimal demand for reloading in this country, as the number of competition shooters are minimal in comparison to other countries. Yes, it would be nice, but would there be enough real demand to make our lawmakers facilitate it specifically in an Act of law?

And as usual, our authorities miss the point that shooters come from one of the most law abiding sections of the community.:)