Can polymer coated bullets be used in sanctioned matches?

Nor the Quigley (and presumably other traditional rifle gong shoots) either.

However, Texasmac is experimenting with them on the Shiloh web site, so the results should be interesting.  If the polymer is tough enough to handle the black powder fouling, and the coating can be put on uniformly enough to not limit accuracy, somebody ought to find some use for them somewhere; in the hunting fields, for instance.

I don’t see anything in the NRA rule book that excludes the powder coated bullets, just metal coated. I suppose a check with the competions dept might clear that up. The only gong matches I’m aware of that prohibit them are the 3 in Montana, they are acceptable at the Alliance Ne matches and several of the smokeless shooters use them there

It all means NO! The whole idea is to shoot early target, and BPCR rifles the way they were used back in the day. Black powder, lead bullets or paper patch. If you want to shoot polymers, you need to find another venue that allows them in competition. You’ll do a lot better if you don’t try to skate the rules.

Tom Klinger

Since I’m the one that started the BPCR polymer coating thread on the Shiloh forum, please allow me to make a few comments on the subject concerning using them in NRA sanctioned matches.  The experiment, which I have not started at this time but bullets have been ordered, will solely be a feasibility study to see if the coating will be effective on grooved bullet and replacing the paper patch on slick bullets.

With that said, yes, there are several matches held around the country that do not allow using coated bullets.  And as I said in the Shiloh forum thread, I imagine my local club (the Yaupon Creek Silhouette Association) would not allow coated bullets, although it's not in our rules & I'm the VP. Even if it turns out the accuracy results are acceptable for BPCR silhouette, I would not use them in competition. And although the current NRA rules do not mention coated bullets, or grease-groove bullets for that matter, I expect it's only a matter-of-time & coated bullets will be specifically excluded.

As to what is considered to be “in the spirit of the rules for NRA Silhouette competition”, I generally agree with Ranch13’s comments.  Is using synthetic wads or even grease-groove bullets in the spirit of the rules?  I think I can safely say there were no buffalos shot with bullets using LDPE wads, & I’ve never read where grease-groove bullets were used although I know the patching paper was greased by some.

BTW, I’m also planning on experimenting with knurled grease-groove & knurled slick bullets (both lubed).  Some of the match directors don’t seem to have a problem with using knurled bullets.  Knurling a bullet makes it capable of holding a lot of lube, & can also be used to increase the diameter, a benefit in some cases.

Wayne

Ranch13 wrote on Mar 6^th, 2025 at 7:54pm:


Don,

I've had several recent discussions with Kurt on the subject.  I may be borrowing his Corbin knurler to knurl a few for testing.  One of the possible negatives may be a reduction of BC.  If I do get around to testing knurled bullets, it will be interesting to see what happens down range.

Wayne

I brought up the polymer question because I asked a match group I shoot in (supposedly following NRA rules) if a Swiss butt plate could be used. The answer is no and I fully unquestionably accept that. But he was so emphatic that it wasn’t allowed I asked him about him using polymer coated bullets which he does. answer, “well we make certain exceptions “. But we go by the NRA rules. Uhh?

Babydriver wrote on Mar 6^th, 2025 at 9:19pm:


Not sure you spoke with one of the match directors.  I think you spoke with a competitor who doesn't set the rules for the Ram Bash.   

My response was only in regard to ASSRA sanctioned matches.

To Maynard Buff
I never mentioned any particular match or individual.

Getting away from traditional rifles and match rules, how well might a smooth (no grease grooves) polymer-coated bullet work in a barrel with polygonal rifling?

From what I've seen they don't make a colored splash on the steel and what ever you do don't toss one back in the lead pot. That stuff stinks like you wouldn't believe.

Maybe the smell has to do with who's coating you are using. I had a slight mis adventure when I went to cook my bullets. I thought I would put them in the oven and then turn it on. Bad Move, glad I was only doing about 2 dozen, they ended going back in the pot and I didn't really notice any bad odor from remelting them. I do however use Carnuba wax as a flux and that may have helped some to mask the smell. 
Sam