The Obama Administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has long been in opposition to modernization in the ammunition industry, attempting to ban alternative metals that might be used as rifle projectiles as being “armor-piercing.”

Americans are tired of the rabidly anti-gun President attempting backdoor gun control through stifling ammunition development, and it looks like they’ve found a way to force the ATF to do their jobs instead of stonewalling advances in ammunition manufacturing.

U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) today introduced the Alternative Ammunition Manufacturing Act (H.R. 3802) to ensure ammunition manufactures have the certainty they need to produce alternative types of ammo.  H.R. 3802, which is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), National Rifle Association (NRA), and Gun Owners of America (GOA), requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to issue a ruling within 60 days of receiving a waiver application, or else the application will be automatically granted.

“Over the past three and a half years, the ATF has failed to respond in a reasonable and timely manner to requests from ammunition manufacturers who are seeking waivers to produce alternative rifle ammunition for the hunting market made with brass instead of lead or copper,” said Rep. Brian Babin.  “This has created considerable uncertainty for ammunition manufacturers and gun owners alike.  Manufacturers looking to comply with the law and produce alternative types of ammunition should not be given the silent treatment by the ATF.  Our legislation will hold the ATF accountable for their inaction by requiring a timely and detailed response to all waiver requests.”

“This legislation will allow ammunition manufacturers to more quickly bring to market alternative hunting ammunition products to serve consumers in markets like California where traditional ammunition is banded for hunting and for those hunters who prefer to use alternative products,” said Lawrence Keane, Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary & General Counsel of the National Shootings Sports Foundation.

“If the Obama Administration wants these companies to use alternative materials when producing ammunition then they have to tell them what those materials are.  It shouldn’t be a secret,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox.  “On behalf of the NRA and our five million dues-paying members, we thank Congressman Babin for his efforts to require ATF do their job and answer waiver requests within 60 days or provide a detailed explanation for their denial.”

It remains to be seen if Democrats will oppose the measure, which is designed primarily to assist in the development of hunting and long-range target shooting ammunition for rifles.

Image via AR-15.com.