What Is Black Tip Ammo?

Black tip ammo isn’t commonly found in the civilian marketplace. Still, it’s not extinct; it just roams in a different habitat. In this guide, we’ll hunt down the rare species that is “black tip” armor piercing ammunition and get an idea of what it is, how it works, and if it’s legal. 

Black tip ammo is also known as “armor piercing” (or “AP”), which means it is designed to punch holes in materials that other ammunition cannot. It works via a hardened core, allowing it to penetrate steel, concrete, and bulletproof vests. For this reason, it can be illegal for the general public to buy and use. More on that below. 

Overview: Black Tip Ammo

Black tip ammo lives in the shadows, with many confused about its history, legality, and purpose. Is it really armor-piercing? Can civilians use these bullets in their own firearms? Where did armor-piercing ammunition even come from? 

We will answer your questions here, and here’s how this guide is laid out:

• History of black tip ammunition (and armor-piercing rounds in general) 
• The difference between black tip & regular ammo 
• Is black tip ammo legal? 
• Types of black tip ammo 
• Uses for black tip bullets 

History Of Black Tip Ammo 

As we now know, these rounds are also known as “armor-piercing” ammo. So, as you might suspect, the history of it is tied to the history of armor-penetrating ammunition in general. You may be surprised to find that armor-piercing history dates back over 150 years! 

Some of the first armor-piercing ammunition was the Palliser Shot, a hardened shot developed around the 1860s to penetrate ironclad warships. From here, we have seen many iterations of AP ammo. 

As for black tip ammo specifically, this designation was popular in World War II. A lot of this black tipped 30-06 ammunition was produced, and some of this old ammunition is still lurking around various military surplus sites. 

Now that you know about the DNA of this ammo, let’s talk about what makes it fundamentally different from regular ammunition by defining what it is (and isn’t). 

Black Tip VS Regular Ammo 

Black tip ammunition has a hardened core, allowing it to punch through materials like steel or body armor. Regular ammunition has a softer core that is often designed to crumple or fracture on impact. 

Each type of ammunition has its own use. For example, the military employs black tip ammo to immobilize vehicles. In contrast, they use regular ammunition (even blue polymer-tipped ammunition) against an enemy with relatively light armor. 

Is black tip ammunition more deadly? Well, one could argue that regular ammunition is more lethal when used directly against anything with flesh and vital organs, as it will potentially create a larger wound cavity.

Why Is Black Tip Ammo So Heavily Restricted?

But wait––if regular ammo is just as deadly as black tip ammo, why is black tip more likely to be restricted? 

While there are a number of answers (and no shortage of opinions) as to why black tip rounds are banned in many states, the main reasoning is probably the potential for it to cause unwanted or accidental damage. 

For example, using black tip ammo at an indoor range could potentially cause damage to the facility. Also, while hunting, it’s is much less likely to stop when it hits a tree or an embankment (potentially harming an unseen hunter).

If there’s an accidental discharge indoors, black tip ammo will barely slow down after impacting residential walls. The result is more danger for neighbors or someone in another room. 

Finally, law enforcement officers wearing protective vests face more danger if they are fighting against an armed attacker who may have armor-piercing rounds. This has led to many states regulating their use and distribution. 

What Is Armor-Piercing Ammo? 

What does armor-piercing mean, and to what depth of penetration does it pierce? To that extent, what armor does it refer to: vehicle, personnel, or physical structure? Those may seem like logical questions to ask when looking for a definition; however, don’t expect an official answer. It’s a quandary that becomes more murky each time you stir the legal waters. The current federal definition defines armor-piercing ammo as follows:

18 USC 921(a)(17):

(B) The term “armor piercing ammunition” means—

(i) a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or

(ii) a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.

Although the federal definition mentions handgun projectiles, that doesn’t mean it is limited to handguns. What they are referring to is any projectile that could be fired from a weapon they define as a handgun. Their interpretation of this includes many calibers that would typically be considered centerfire rifle cartridges, including .223 Rem. With the rise of AR-15-style pistols, this definition opened the doors to increased restrictions and regulations on gun owners.

Is Black Tip Ammo Legal To Own? 

Well, yes, but also no, depending on where you live. Let me explain. It’s perfectly legal to sell, purchase, and own “AP” ammo, unless you live in a state where ownership is restricted. Some localities have more or fewer regulations, so before purchasing, check your local laws to find out if black tip ammo is allowed for civilian use. 

It’s also legal to manufacture black tip ammo, assuming, of course, that you have the correct licensing requirements to do so. In order to make any ammunition intended for sale, you first need to acquire a Federal Firearms License (FFL). If you want to make black tip “AP” ammo for yourself or resale, you’ll need a specialized FFL and a Special Occupation Taxpayer (SOT) Class 3 License. 

The US military and some law enforcement agencies currently use black tip ammo. So, if you plan to become a manufacturer, you’ll need approval to sell your products to these agencies. 

A few additional things to remember regarding the legality of this ammo.

First, some states may allow ownership if you have special civilian licensing or clearances. Second, old military surplus ammo may be less restricted and permitted for “collectors.” As we mentioned, some WWII-era black tip 30-06 are still out there. 

Now let’s talk about different types of black tip ammo and their uses. 

The Different Types Of Black Tip (And Their Uses)

When would you use black tip ammunition? Well, if you’re a civilian, there are relatively few practical uses for black tip ammo. However, for the military, this ammo is used to give them an advantage when fighting an enemy that may have considerable armor and deep cover. 

Here are a few types of black tip ammunition (and some of the materials they’re designed for):

• 5.56 black tip ammunition 
• 30-06 surplus black tip ammunition 
• Green tip ammunition (honorable mention)
• Black tip ammo vs. armor plates 
• Black tip ammo vs. vehicles
• Black tip ammo vs. buildings and bulletproof glass 

See more details below.

5.56 Black Tip Ammunition 

This is your standard NATO round with a hardened core designated with a black tip. You won’t find this for routine civilian sale or use, but it is out there. One of the goals of this round is to give soldiers an advantage against an enemy who may be wearing (or driving) any kind of armor. 

World War II 30-06 Military Surplus (AP)

The infamous 30-06 of the notorious M1 Garand once fired black tip during WW2. This ammunition has greater punching power than the 5.56; however, it is not as commonly manufactured today as the military favors 5.56 and 308 ammunition. 

With all that said, if you find civilians with black tip ammunition, it’s likely this one. 

Green Tip Ammunition 

I know, green isn’t black, but what if it’s really dark green? Although green-tip ammo does have increased penetration power over regular ammo, it is not technically armor-piercing. In some cases, it’s known as “low armor” or “light armor” piercing. 

You can find green tip ammo (M855) available for civilian use. Still, you still need to be careful about local laws, as well as regulations at public ranges, as green tip ammo can damage targets.

Black Tip Ammo VS Body Armor & Plates

Black tip ammunition can penetrate many types of body armor. Can black tip penetrate all body armor? This depends on the rating of the black tip ammunition, the shot’s distance, and the body armor’s rating. 

However, when it comes to these “body armor vs. bullets” questions, remember that there’s a never-ending battle of technology: when the black tip ammunition improves, then the body armor does, and so on.

Black Tip VS Vehicles 

Vehicles were at least one of the reasons that black tip AP ammo was developed. Particularly in military situations, when an enemy vehicle is approaching, regular ammunition can do little to stop the threat. However, black tip ammunition can pierce the engine compartment in some vehicles and can fairly easily punch through doors. 

To get a better understanding of how some ammunition interacts with vehicles (which is a particularly helpful exercise when thinking about personal defense), you can watch some YouTube videos. You’ll find many examples of different types of ammo against cars. 

Now let’s talk about buildings. 

Buildings VS Armor-Piercing Ammo 

Unless the building has thick concrete or is reinforced with thick steel, a black tip round will easily penetrate the walls. This is one of the reasons black tip ammunition is highly regulated among civilians, because accidental discharges become extremely dangerous. 

How does black tip ammunition do against bulletproof glass? Well, it depends on the glass. But remember that the word “proof” is often changed out for the word “resistant.” Any bulletproof glass will fail eventually (and is more likely to fail against a black tip round). 

Understanding Armor Piercing Ammunition 

Black tip ammo contains a hardened core that resists deforming on impact and can punch through steel up to one inch thick. The armed forces use most black tip, and it’s not available on the civilian market, except in some cases for collectors. 

While black tip ammunition may not be available at your local firearm shop, it can play a significant role in military and law enforcement operations. When it comes to something like black tip ammo, one perspective is that (even though you may not be shooting it), it’s wise to understand its effects and characteristics to keep yourself safe. 

While we’re learning our colors, be sure to check out this guide on blue-tip ammo.