Found a shot-gun cartridge in a customers car today...
Discussion
...doing a routine service, lifted the rear seats because the centre rear seatbelt buckle was stuck under it and found this live cartridge...
Was quite shocked actually, wasn't entirely sure what to do!
Aren't they supposed to keep track and count of each piece of ammo they have/have used etc?
Was quite shocked actually, wasn't entirely sure what to do!
Aren't they supposed to keep track and count of each piece of ammo they have/have used etc?
Shotgun cartridges are not a big deal, although if you've never used a gun I can appreciate why it might be a surprise!
I'd mention it to the owner and they ought to be appreciative, but it's not a big deal IMO. Shotgun cartridges aren't near as regulated as rifle rounds. If you find one of those, I'd be concerned.
I'd mention it to the owner and they ought to be appreciative, but it's not a big deal IMO. Shotgun cartridges aren't near as regulated as rifle rounds. If you find one of those, I'd be concerned.
Who are 'they?'
To answer your question, No, it is not illegal to own a shotgun cartridge or have it in your possession. Buying without a licence is another matter. Oddly, purchasing the components to make a shotgun cartridge is also not illegal. Having said that, I'm not surprised, loading is an art that only the dedicated undertake.
Besides, pure Gold? The owner probably hid them 'cos he was too embarrassed showing them at his club.
Don't forget, it is still 'your right' to possess a shotgun in The UK. Unlike a Firearms or Part 5, where it is a granted privilege.
Best advice, if you're worried? Snip it in half, chuck the shot in the bin, powder under a tap down the sink and make a model aeroplane, and simulate a dog fight, then set fire to the 'plane with the primer inside and watch it pop. Just like I used to do as a kid, reliving the Battle of Britain.
It really isn't that big a deal.
To answer your question, No, it is not illegal to own a shotgun cartridge or have it in your possession. Buying without a licence is another matter. Oddly, purchasing the components to make a shotgun cartridge is also not illegal. Having said that, I'm not surprised, loading is an art that only the dedicated undertake.
Besides, pure Gold? The owner probably hid them 'cos he was too embarrassed showing them at his club.
Don't forget, it is still 'your right' to possess a shotgun in The UK. Unlike a Firearms or Part 5, where it is a granted privilege.
Best advice, if you're worried? Snip it in half, chuck the shot in the bin, powder under a tap down the sink and make a model aeroplane, and simulate a dog fight, then set fire to the 'plane with the primer inside and watch it pop. Just like I used to do as a kid, reliving the Battle of Britain.
It really isn't that big a deal.
Oh my god! We're all going to die!!!! Call the police, call the FBI, get a SWAT team scrambled!!! We're going to need air support, fast jets, the army - get everyone here! Say goodbye to your loved ones, get them on the bomb shelters...... This could be it, this could be the end of the world - Armageddon is happening!
orangeknight said:
Oh my god! We're all going to die!!!! Call the police, call the FBI, get a SWAT team scrambled!!! We're going to need air support, fast jets, the army - get everyone here! Say goodbye to your loved ones, get them on the bomb shelters...... This could be it, this could be the end of the world - Armageddon is happening!
I meant 'wasn't sure what to do' as in whether to leave it there and pretend I didn't see it, leave it in the car in a more obvious position, show my work colleagues etc.
I ended up telling the manager, who advised I placed it in an envelope and put it in the locked key-cupboard.
Having seen hundreds of empty ones (Clay Pigeon kart circuit down in devon is swamped with them!) it was a surprise to find a full one. Every day is a school day
You need a liecense to buy them, unless you're at a shoot with an exemption. But they're legal to own without a license and there's nothing special you need to do about storing them other than being sensible really.
Section 1 firearms ammo is a LOT different and you're right that each one of those has to be accounted for. But shotgun cartridges are no big deal from a legal point of view. However if you're not familiar with the rules then you're right to err on the side of caution.
Section 1 firearms ammo is a LOT different and you're right that each one of those has to be accounted for. But shotgun cartridges are no big deal from a legal point of view. However if you're not familiar with the rules then you're right to err on the side of caution.
I shoot. With clays we do try to pick up as many ejected cases (and large pieces of the clays) as possible, but we will miss some in the long grass, heather, bracken, etc. A reconciliation would, I guess, come up around 5% short. Mind you, we regulate the number dished out in competitions.
When rough shooting, it's impractical to collect all the spent cases, but we do try to pick up as many as possible. I guess, though, that 50% would be a good haul.
When shooting wild fowl or clays from a stand, it's easier to collect all the cases, as they tend to fall in a tight area.
When shooting water-fowl from a boat, unrecoverable cartridge cases will run around 90% plus. Except when using a punt gun.
At the end of a shoot, I dilligently search my pockets and return unused cartridges to an old .303 ball ammunition box, and never carry any loose. But then, I was taught strict range rules, and I apply basic firearms rules to my handling of a shotgun and cartridges. "Safety first" is the only motto.
Streaky
When rough shooting, it's impractical to collect all the spent cases, but we do try to pick up as many as possible. I guess, though, that 50% would be a good haul.
When shooting wild fowl or clays from a stand, it's easier to collect all the cases, as they tend to fall in a tight area.
When shooting water-fowl from a boat, unrecoverable cartridge cases will run around 90% plus. Except when using a punt gun.
At the end of a shoot, I dilligently search my pockets and return unused cartridges to an old .303 ball ammunition box, and never carry any loose. But then, I was taught strict range rules, and I apply basic firearms rules to my handling of a shotgun and cartridges. "Safety first" is the only motto.
Streaky
Edited by streaky on Saturday 4th May 12:30
[quote=SpeedMattersNot]
I ended up telling the manager, who advised I placed it in an envelope and put it in the locked key-cupboard.
[quote]
This sounds spot on to me. Responsibility passed to management. Potentially risky item recovered and secured. Returned lost item to owner. Job jobbed!
I ended up telling the manager, who advised I placed it in an envelope and put it in the locked key-cupboard.
[quote]
This sounds spot on to me. Responsibility passed to management. Potentially risky item recovered and secured. Returned lost item to owner. Job jobbed!
Super Slo Mo said:
What you need to do is clamp it lightly in a vice, then get a punch and a hammer and whack the pin on the back of the cartridge. 
This will be entertaining, and will amuse everyone in the workshop.
We used to cut the pellets out of them, then throw bricks at them till they went off.This will be entertaining, and will amuse everyone in the workshop.
Made a hell of a bang!
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