Australia
Practice Relating to Rule 78. Exploding Bullets
Australia’s Commanders’ Guide (1994) prohibits the use of “projectiles weighing less than 400 grams which are either explosive or charged with fulminating or inflammable substances (St. Petersburg)”.
Australia’s Defence Force Manual (1994) states: “Bullets or other projectiles weighing less than 400 grams which are either explosive or contain fulminating or inflammable substances (exploding small arms projectiles) are prohibited.”
Australia’s LOAC Manual (2006) states:
Bullets or other projectiles weighing less than 400 grams which are either explosive or contain fulminating or inflammable substances (exploding small arms projectiles) are prohibited. It should be noted however, that tracer and incendiary ammunition are not prohibited.
The LOAC Manual (2006) replaces both the Defence Force Manual (1994) and the Commanders’ Guide (1994).
Australia’s War Crimes Act (1945) considers “any war crime within the meaning of the instrument of appointment of the Board of Inquiry [set up to investigate war crimes committed by enemy subjects]” as a war crime, including the use of explosive bullets.