38 Special Bullets for DR

Rule 3.3 (e) specifies 158 gr. RN or SWC projectiles as only ones eligible for DR matches.  If manufacturer specifies bullet as RNFP (i. e. like these ones from ACME - 38 CAL 158 Grain RNFP - COATED (acmebullet.com)), would it be acceptable?

Thanks,
AP

I guess it depends on the match director.  I have yet to see anyone complain as long as it still is 158 gr.  You could argue that a round nose flat point is still a round nose.  As a match director I have never disqualified anyone over something like that.

Shoot CMP service revolver matches and shoot whatever ammo you want. For NRA DR stuff though, I have never seen a match director check ammo.

Unless you are shooting a Model 10 or 15 in the Service Pistol Match. Then you have to follow the service pistol ammunition rules. 
(According to what I can read?)
CR

CR,

CMP Service Revolver matches are new for this year, the complete rules are in the eratta sheet https://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2021PistolErrata.pdf?vers=121720
Highlights:
-Any caliber .32-.45
-fixed/adjustable open sights
-at least 2.5lb trigger single action

Most relevant to topic on hand Rule 4.4.4
"CMP Service Revolver Match competitors may fire any safe single projectile  ammunition"

Be very careful reading the CMP rules.  Service Revolver (4.2.5) does not equal Service Pistol, which can now be 2 specific revolvers you can use to get EIC points. 

You are referencing the ammunition requirements for the Service Revolver used for Centerfire Revolver match; not the Service Pistol matches (EIC Distinguished, / Presidents, etc.) as I quoted.  

Smith and Wesson Model 10 and Model 15 now qualify as a Service Pistols.  Section 4.1.4 Other Approved Service Pistols.

And the requirements for Service Pistol ammunition was not modified to accommodate lead load for revolvers used in Service Pistol matches.
 
"4.4.1 Service Pistol Ammunition Service Pistol competitors may use any safe ammunition that is loaded with metal-jacketed or metal-plated bullets. Non-jacketed, wad-cutter or lead bullets may not be used."

The terms Service Pistol and Service Revolver are not interchangeable.  So according to my reading, if you use your Model 10 / 15 or any revolver in a Service Revolver match, then have at it. 

But if you are going for EIC points then you would need Jacketed or plated.  

Hence my comment.  Just another way the CMP confuses things.  The more rules we have the more we have to read and figure out where we are. 

CR

It is only confusing of you are too lazy to read the rules.

Sounds like that is true.  

Yes, I am very aware of all the new CMP rules and rule changes. 

Read my posts carefully.  Notice I said "unless" and  "Service Pistol" in the first post and then carefully explained the difference.

CR

If the match director allows it, chances are a competitor won't.  RN or SWC is what the rules say, shot DR twice and both times ammunition was checked.  On a side note I shot a USPSA match where they disassembled the ammo to verify bullet weight for power factor classification...  So anything is possible at a match.

CR, 

I agree with your break down of CMP rules, which is why I mentioned CMP Service Revolver Matches, not Service Pistol. If one wishes to shoot DR matches, follow they shoot read and understand the rules related to that particular match (even though in my personal experience the written rules for NRA DR are highly debated often in a somewhat hostile matter regardless of what the text actually states).

PhotoEscape wrote:Rule 3.3 (e) specifies 158 gr. RN or SWC projectiles as only ones eligible for DR matches.  If manufacturer specifies bullet as RNFP (i. e. like these ones from ACME - 38 CAL 158 Grain RNFP - COATED (acmebullet.com)), would it be acceptable?

Thanks,
AP

As match director I would say no to a RNFP, which is neither a RN or SWC, but would have to allow anything per below.

3.3 Distinguished Revolver - "The revolver must be capable of chambering and firing a 158-grain round nose or Semi-Wadcutter .38 Special cartridge."
This rule requirement says nothing to effect that they shall be "Lead" or "jacketed" and the your term "coated" qualifies just about anything - Copper, wax, polymer, or even grease. 
Additionally there is no min/max tolerance on the 158gr weight requirement. 
As a machinist and welder these specification flagnote's need some re-engineering............
My .02,
Wes

+1 for Wes:  

NRA Rules  

3.3 Distinguished Revolver

(e) Ammunition- Any safe .38 caliber ammunition using the 158 grain round nose or Semi-Wadcutter bullet only.

Wes / Cecil,

Thank you!  That settles for me, - no RNFP.

AP