Polycase Ammunition (www.polycaseammo.com) was founded in 2012 by Paul Lemke, who is a retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. Paul and the other founders of Polycase were in the business of injection molding precision engine parts using the newest heat-tolerant cutting-edge materials. It was no great leap for them to apply that technology to developing an entirely new type of copper-polymer matrix bullet for handgun ammunition, one that was lighter than conventional lead-core jacketed bullets, accurate and effective.

We have previously tested and reviewed the Polycase ARX ammunition sold under the Ruger brand (Ruger Ammunition by Polycase) and it performed very well. Reduced was reduced in all calibers tested and it proved very accurate. ("inceptor" means: one that begins or introduces. -Editor)

Our only concern was the price for regular range use. This is one reason why Polycase introduced the Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo line of ammunition. Polycase states:

"Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo line of ammunition was designed to be ballistically matched to the ARX defensive loads, allowing the shooter to train the same way they may have to defend. It is designed for training purposes. The lead-free, copper-polymer blended bullets were designed for use on hardened steel, providing unmatched frangibility with safe range distances measured in feet, not yards, for the safest and most realistic training experience. This allows it to be incorporated into close quarters drills using steel targets."

The purpose of our tests was to compare the performance of the Inceptor ammo to their equivalent ARX loads. We did our shooting at 25 yards, using a Caldwell Pistolero handgun rest. We used Hoppe's 25 yard slow fire, bullseye pistol targets, firing multiple five shot groups for record. The results were as follows:

9 mm Luger (Springfield Model XD-9)

• 65 grain ARX (Ruger), MV 1,620 fps, ME 379 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.12 in.; Largest group 1.50 in.; Mean group size - 1.35 in.
• 65 grain Inceptor, MV 1,540 fps, ME 342 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.25 in.; Largest group 1.60 in.; Mean group size - 1.40 in.

.45 A.C.P. (Colt Gold Cup Series 80 MK IV)

• 118 grain ARX (Ruger), MV 1,307 fps, ME 448 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.25 in.; Largest group 1.75 in.; Mean group size - 1.55 in.
• 130 grain Inceptor, MV 1,210 fps, ME 423 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.60 in.; Largest group 2.12 in.; Mean group size - 1.65 in.

.40 S&W (Springfield XDM)

• 97 grain ARX (Ruger), MV 1,410 fps, ME 428 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.60 in.; Largest group 2.25 in.; Mean group size - 1.75 in.
• 97 grain Inceptor, MV 1,380, ME 410 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.50 in.; Largest group 1.75 in.; Mean group size - 1.60 in.

.38 Special (Smith &Wesson Model 19-2)

• 77 grain ARX (Ruger), MV 1,116 fps, 213 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.40 in; Largest group 1.80 in.; Mean group size - 1.50 in.
• 84 grain Inceptor, MV 1,210 fps, ME 273 ft. lbs.: Smallest group 1.50 in; Largest group 1.75 in.; Mean group size - 1.55 in.

Our test results confirmed that the folks at Polycase have succeeded in producing Inceptor rounds that mimic the ballistic performance of their ARX ammunition. It is both economical and practical to use the Inceptor ammunition on the range for practice and then switch to the ARX stuff for defense, without worrying about having to re-sight your pistol.

Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo is available in .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special and the newly launched .300 ACC Blackout Short Range Rifle. It is competitively priced with other premium range/utility ammunition.

Note: We do not recommend copper-polymer matrix ammunition for use in derringers. The minimal rifling in their short barrels will not stabilize the bullets. Stick to lead core bullets in derringers.