Proposed rifle bullet ban causing outrage

ROCK HILL, S.C. — A popular semi-automatic rifle is again in the spotlight as the federal government looks to ban one kind of armor-piercing bullet.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is now taking public comment on the fate of a .223 bullet called the M855. The green-tipped rifle bullet is fired from an AR-15 rifle and is considered armor-piercing.

That designation didn't used to mean very much because the government recognized that the rifles are mostly used for sport and hunting.

However, the M855 bullet can be fired from pistols and that has raised concerns about them being used in violent crimes.

Those rounds can puncture body armor and bulletproof vests. Former FBI agent Chris Swecker told Channel 9 that the issue is about police officer safety.

"I think sometimes the police are outgunned. We see that time and time again," Swecker said. "I think law enforcement would prefer to see these types of ammunition magazines in the hands of law enforcement."

Blair Wisher owns Sportsman Inc. near Rock Hill. He told Channel 9 that banning one kind of ammo is simply an open door to banning guns.

"That's like a first step. If they ban one type of ammo they'll go after the next thing and the next thing and the next thing," Wisher said.

Since the 1980s, many ammunition manufacturers have sought an exemption from the ATF to allow their powerful rifle bullets to be sold legally, though they could penetrate body armor.

The ATF granted such exemptions because the rounds were used mostly for sport, hunting and target shooting. However, the agency is taking another look at high-powered rifle bullets due to the risk to law enforcement officers.

Under this proposed ban, only law enforcement would be able to buy the M855 round.

However, Wisher showed Channel 9 another .223 bullet he said is equally powerful, but not being banned. He can't understand why one type of bullet has become its own target.

"There's no reason for this because the other rounds that people use for hunting are a lot more powerful," he said.

Wisher said several of his customers have come in asking about the ATF's proposed ban on the ammo, but it hasn't led to a rush on AR-15 rifles or ammunition.

On Friday, the ATF in Washington, D.C., told Channel 9 the agency has received thousands of comments on this issue. The public comment period lasts until March 16.

It is possible then, that an executive order from President Barack Obama could ban the ammunition.

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