It looks like this is a historically interesting and informative thread that is turning into a yet another tempest in a pi$$-pot.

Let me make an attempt to simplify and clarify.  The ASSRA Schuetzenmeister ruled some years back that only factory loaded unaltered 22 s/l/lr rimfire cartridges are allowed in ASSRA matches.   This was a schuetzenmeister's ruling  It is not in a rule book.

IF at another range at a different time Breech seating 22 rf ammo was permitted by the local schuetzenmeister it would have been legal at that range at that time.  it was a local judgement and not "cheating" there.     End of argument---please! Eat some more turkey and chill out!

In general with written rules,  if it is not prohibited, it is permitted.  However the local match schuetzenmeister can and does make interpretations in gray areas, rules on safety, fair play etc etc.

IN MY OPINION,  Until primed empty cases become commercially available on a much wider basis I think that reloading the 22rf for use in ASSRA matches raises legitimate questions of "fair-play" (because of a lack of general availability) and "safety" (because of  the risk of mishandling by less experienced shooters).  For those reasons I consider the ASSRA schuetzenmeister's ruling not to permit anything except unaltered factory 22 s/l/lr RF ammo in ASSRA 22 rf matches to be a reasonable one

I DO think its an interesting subject for experimentation and of historical interest.

I also recognize a gray area exists in how the ASSRA schuetzenmeister's local match ruling is applied on other club ranges.

If you think that this or any other Match or match equipment rule need to be addressed in the handbook; the proper procedure would be to submit a written request/proposal to the BOD for referral to the rules committee for discussion and possible action.  However, logically, something that affects only half a dozen or fewer shooters would need wider support t

NRA match regulations.  Notice the difference.  There is no wording in Cowboy Lever Action that precludes breech seating black powder rounds but Smallbore Silhouette with the word factory would rule out breech seating and also black powder rounds - there are no factory made ones ...

One would have a better chance winning the Mega Million than to try and convince the Committee to change the rules to make both discipline's ammunition the same (smokeless & Black powder) plus allow breech seating

3.1.3 Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette Rifle
Ammunition may be loaded with smokeless or black powder, using jacketed or cast bullets, with or without gas checks

3.2 Smallbore Silhouette Rifle - Identical to the description of the High Power Silhouette Rifle, except that the rifle shall be chambered for only factory loaded .22 caliber short, long or long rifle rimfire cartridges.

Dear Mr Pope,
I am NOT happy with anyone saying that I BENT the rules or some else BENT the rules for me!!!

Those were YOUR words! I asked that you retract them, not apologize, just that you retract them. They were aimed directly at me and ARE NOT true.

Frank

Based on the regulation - there is no wording that precludes: black powder & smokeless reloads, plus no wording that these rounds rounds cannot be breech seated ... Correct?
If so, I believe this is good

The only board decision was that competitors may not dismantle .22RF on the range.  It was felt that it could be a safety issue if bullets were pulled on the line. It is not in the Rule Book as it was viewed as a range safety rule.
I am sure the board will be revisiting this but feel that as both bullets and empty cases were available for many years, and we have a tradition of experimenting it is a nonissue. 
Reloaded or breech seating .22RF are not prohibited by the ASSRA Rule Book published in 2010. 
Cheers,
Laurie

Yes, thank you, it is truly appreciated.

Frank

KAF - Thanks for the details.
Paper patched 22LR's!  Very interesting!

DWS, I have contacted 3 ammunition vendors so far asking for empty primed cases to be sold as a stock item.  ArmsCor - yes, but the order has to be 500,000 cases and they don't want to carry them in inventory.  The other 2 companies - no, legal liability.  Afraid some yo-yo would pack the case to the mouth with nitro based powder.  I sent a mail to another vendor and have not heard back from them

I believe the only want it's going to happen is associations and their members call & write