Yes, you need a current licence for a firearm matching the ammunition being purchased to legally purchase ammunition. The black market rate on even low calibre ammunition is rather prohibitive.
There’s a whole chain of checks and balances to acquire a firearm licence including gun club membership and a sponsor, and therefore get access to ammunition.
Is ammunition also controlled? Are people DIYing ammo as well?
Yes, you need a current licence for a firearm matching the ammunition being purchased to legally purchase ammunition. The black market rate on even low calibre ammunition is rather prohibitive.
There’s a whole chain of checks and balances to acquire a firearm licence including gun club membership and a sponsor, and therefore get access to ammunition.