Extreme Polymer Research, a Spanish company, has developed a line of all-polymer handgun cartridge cases. Made of automotive-grade polymer, these cases do not have metal bases.

EPR will only produce straight-walled handgun rounds such as .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP) because they’re generally loaded to lower pressures.

PCP Ammunition’s new ammunition line is scheduled for fall 2011 delivery. The company said, “Our current offerings meet SAAMI specifications while matching or exceeding the performance characteristics of brass ammunition. We are currently ramping up our production to meet the anticipated demand while establishing key supplier/dealer relationships to expedite distribution to the end users.”

This ammunition is interchangeable with conventional brass ammunition requiring no changes to the weapons or logistics that other designs have required.

Reader Comments

OK. I think I'll wait until the public pronounces it good to go. I have tried some Spanish made polymer in 223 in 2001. The stuff melted in my chamber when a round was left in a hot receiver. What a mess trying to get out the stuck case. The head was ripped off when I tried to extract it. Learned my lesson. Glad I didn't spend much money on it. I guess it MAY be OK in a bolt gun but NOT an auto loading rifle. I cannot afford to have my rifle go down with such a stoppage as the case melted to the chamber.

Comment by: M_E_ | September 29, 2011

Although not mentioned, I doubt they are reloadable or biodegradable, so is this a solution in search of a problem?

Comment by: Larry L | September 29, 2011

Larry L - I suspect so. Either some manufacturers decided it's cheaper than brass or steel and to try it, or somebody got taken in by a slick plastics salesman, or maybe both. To me this just a dumb idea.

Comment by: david b | September 29, 2011

I have some 38 sp. ammo polymer case came with a hand reloading tool but this came from 1986

Comment by: jayroy | September 29, 2011

Funny how plastic items are always cheaper, no matter the price of oil.

Comment by: Mister E | September 29, 2011

I read this a being lighter to carry. Cut the weight of carrying 500 rounds and you'll carry 700 or perhaps some other additional gear. For the non-military market, I doubt there is a market.

Comment by: CAR311 | September 29, 2011

If it costs less, there will be plenty of market CAR311!

As for weight savings, I took a quick jaunt into the reloading room and dropped an old .30-'06 empty onto the scale. At 183.4 grains, with a weight savings of 50% as stated in the video, your 500 rounds would weigh about 6.5 pounds less.

Comment by: PVB | September 29, 2011