Surprise ATF re-classification of wetted nitrocellulose

DanGuy48 · Aug 30, 2016

I hope this isn't a repeat...wasn't sure where to post it.

"ATF’s sudden and unexpected change in policy on wetted nitrocellulose will likely have a significant impact on industry’s ability to deliver products to the military and commercial markets. Industry members have relied on the exemption for wetted nitrocellulose for many years and are aware of no accidental detonations or diversion of this product into illicit channels. Consequently, it is unclear why ATF believed it necessary to change its policy and, more importantly, why ATF announced the change in a newsletter article with no advance notice to industry."

Read more: http://www.ammoland.com/2016/08/atf...e-materials-under-federal-laws/#ixzz4IsBJ8MhQ
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rbird7282 · Aug 30, 2016

Dupe, although the thread probably belongs here instead of in School of The American Rifle
https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=198847

Sev89 · Aug 31, 2016

The ammoland article stated the atf pulled this little stunt back in June, why is it just now coming to light/ becoming a problem?

Edit: Or did I miss something in the article?

Doctor_M · Aug 31, 2016

Don't these people have anything real to worry about??

Pushrod · Aug 31, 2016

This could potentially cause ammo prices to skyrocket. I'm not sure yet what the effect will be on reloaders, besides the obvious of powder prices going through the roof.

bpm32 · Aug 31, 2016

Not sure what effect this has. Reloaders, ammo manufacturers, and gun shops have nothing to do with straight NC. It could hurt St Marks and Radford though?

ken792 · Aug 31, 2016

Pushrod said:
This could potentially cause ammo prices to skyrocket. I'm not sure yet what the effect will be on reloaders, besides the obvious of powder prices going through the roof.

It won't have anything to do with retailers and consumers. The rule change only affects the raw material, not the finished products. It would affect whatever chemical plants are making nitrocellulose and then turning it into smokeless powder, but I'm guessing that they probably already have the proper licensing and storage facilities.

https://atf-eregs.18f.gov/555-141/2015-25190#555-141

https://atf-eregs.18f.gov/555-11/2015-25190#555-11

Mdeng · Aug 31, 2016

Sev89 said:
The ammoland article stated the atf pulled this little stunt back in June, why is it just now coming to light/ becoming a problem?

Edit: Or did I miss something in the article?

No you are not missing anything. This is another attempt by Ammo land to start another panic buying frenzy. :sad20:

Z_Man · Aug 31, 2016

this will, at most, have an impact on a dozen facilities. most places that make this stuff and turn it into smokeless powder also make things that are already classified as explosive. fear propaganda to sell more ammo at higher prices.

Speed3 · Aug 31, 2016

They issued a statement that they previous rulings are still on the books while they reassess what they wrote. Seems blown out of proportion a bit for sure.

bpm32 · Aug 31, 2016

Z_Man said:
this will, at most, have an impact on a dozen facilities. most places that make this stuff and turn it into smokeless powder also make things that are already classified as explosive. fear propaganda to sell more ammo at higher prices.

Ironically it'll probably affect government manufacturing more than anything else. I assume that anyplace that needs NC but doesn't make it themselves would ship it water-wet as a Class 4 flammable solid. Now it's a Class 1 explosive presumably.

dblas · Aug 31, 2016

And it appears to have been rescinded: https://www.atf.gov/explosives/docs...dustry-newsletter-june-2016-addendum/download

whistlersmother · Aug 31, 2016

Sounds like the rocket motor fiasco all over again... Or someone got caught with his hand in the 2A infringement cookie jar...

bmkoenig · Sep 1, 2016

A good summary of the whole story:

https://blog.princelaw.com/2016/09/01/atf-just-banned-ammunition-well-not-really/

BeoBill · Sep 1, 2016

Here's the ATF Explosives Industry Newsletter that arrived today:

ATF’s June 2016 Explosives Industry Newsletter included a brief discussion of Nitrocellulose, and attempted to clarify the circumstances under which wetted Nitrocellulose is considered a high explosive under 27 CFR, Part 555. As with all explosives, ATF’s focus is on the potential public safety risks associated with materials that can be misused or diverted to unlawful purposes. Subsequent contact from industry members who import, transport, store or employ wetted Nitrocellulose in the production of ammunition, however, has brought to our attention issues that were not fully addressed in the Newsletter and require further consultation and consideration with the industry. Accordingly, ATF has and will conduct further industry outreach concerning wetted Nitrocellulose. In the interim, previously authorized industry practices concerning wetted Nitrocellulose will not be affected.

Emphasis added.

Source: https://www.atf.gov/file/109341/download

Doctor_M · Sep 1, 2016

Nice that they think things through before issuing "guidance", eh?

BeoBill · Sep 1, 2016

My mother told me if I couldn't say anything nice to not say anything at all, so... Their reputation is well earned.

Surprise ATF re-classification of wetted nitrocellulose

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