California legal term
handgun ammunition in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “handgun ammunition” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “handgun ammunition” mean in California criminal law?
“handgun ammunition” means ammunition principally for use in pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person, notwithstanding that the ammunition may also be used in some rifles. (Cal. Penal Code § 16650)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.