[SHOT 2020] True Velocity and Sierra Bullets To Introduce Commercial Polymer-Cased Ammunition
![[SHOT 2020] True Velocity and Sierra Bullets (1)](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/19/14632282/shot-2020-true-velocity-and-sierra-bullets-to-introduce-commercial-polymer-cased.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
True Velocity and Sierra Bullets have partnered to introduce composite cased commercial ammunition that should be available in 2020. The cartridges will be composed of True Velocity’s steel-base polymer cases loaded with Sierra bullets. This ammunition will be initially available in .308 Winchester with more caliber options such as 6.5mm Creedmoor to be added in the future.
The cartridges shown at SHOT Show 2020 Industry Day at the Range were loaded with Sierra Tipped MatchKing (TMK) and Sierra MatchKing (SMK) bullets, most likely with 155, 168 or 175-grain ones.
![[SHOT 2020] True Velocity and Sierra Bullets (3)](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/19/14632285/shot-2020-true-velocity-and-sierra-bullets-to-introduce-commercial-polymer-cased.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
![[SHOT 2020] True Velocity and Sierra Bullets (2)](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/19/14632288/shot-2020-true-velocity-and-sierra-bullets-to-introduce-commercial-polymer-cased.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
One of the drawbacks of this ammunition is that the cases are non-reloadable. However, from a military standpoint or for those of you who don’t reload your ammo anyways, that should not be a huge concern. This ammunition is also often criticized for not being environmentally friendly. While technically it is true, I think during wartime the negative impact on the environment caused by polymer small arms ammunition will be negligible and a needed sacrifice for gaining the huge advantages provided by this type of ammunition. In terms of training, the military drills are normally held in controlled environments so the issue with contaminating your own soil will be relatively easily alleviated. For the civilian applications, should you need to clean an area from fired cases, the steel bases of these cartridges are, obviously, magnetic allowing to easily collect them with a magnet similar to how shotgun shells are collected.
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
More by Hrachya H
Comments
Join the conversation
It seems to me that this is marketed towards the users of Federal's Gold Medal Match ammo. This stuff is supposed to shoot really good groups, and should cost less than GMM. The weight saving for civilian rifle shooters doesn't mean a thing. If you were feeding a machine gun then it makes a difference. A cost saving to LE snipers for training could really impact budgets.
Lighter ammo is not going to change the weight loadout of the soldier. The Army will just add more rounds to their combat load. More rounds are great, but don't be pushing this as some weight saving for the grunt.