FAQ

OUR AMMO.

What does polymer-based even mean? Is it rubber? Plastic?

No. Inceptor® Ammunition has implemented injection molding technology and cutting-edge engineering to create a proprietary polymer-copper compound. The ARX® is injection-molded from a proprietary copper and a high-tensile strength nylon mixture. This process allows us to create designs that make precise, consistent, accurate, low ricochet, lead-free bullets with sound terminal performance.

The ARX looks like it is designed to rotate in one direction. Will the ARX work in a left hand twist barrel?

Yes. The ARX is designed for maximum effectiveness out of a RH twist barrel, but it works almost equally effectively in LH twist. In fact, the difference is immeasurable in all of our terminal ballistic (gelatin) testing. This is because the bullet’s rotation is actually a nominal factor in the energy transfer mechanism. Instead, energy is transferred to the target by the shape of the radial flutes, which serve to pressurize and redirect fluid matter laterally regardless of the twist direction of the bullet.

Does the fluted nose of the ARX bullet cause any issue for stable bullet flight?
No. The bullet spins in the air at the same rate and no differently than a traditional projectile.  The bullet nose creates a pressure cone during supersonic flight so the grooves do not affect rotation or bullet stability in air.
How does ARX stand up in lab tests?

Our ARX cartridges have been independently tested by Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB), the largest independent test laboratory in the world. DTB tests ammunition for the Department of Defense and major ammunition manufacturers. Test results like high speed photography of gelatin block shots show that the ARX transfers force to targets in a completely new way. Through rotational and lateral transfer of energy, it produces large temporary cavities.

Check out our YouTube page for product videos. 

Is Inceptor lead-free?
Yes. We use copper as the primary metal in the ARX because it is easier to work with in injection molding than lead. (As an incidental benefit, the bullet is non-toxic.) We are also fully range compliant, making this ammo the perfect choice for those states dealing with the associated costs of cleaning up leaded ammunition.
Is Inceptor law enforcement and military grade?
Yes, its heritage was born out of real-world military experiences. Inceptor Ammunition is available for certain law enforcement and military agencies and the civilian consumer market.
Why should I give up my current hollow-point self-defense bullet for this?

We’d never tell you to give up your favorite bullet. We believe we can make a case for ARX. Once you try it, it just might become your new favorite. Why? Maximum force combined with reduced recoil. The Inceptor ARX transfers force as effectively as competing lead-core expanding hollow-point rounds.

Since it doesn’t rely on expansion to transfer energy, the ARX can’t fail to expand like some hollow-points either, nor does it get hung up on feed ramps. And, even though some ARX cartridges carry more energy out to the 15-yard practical limit for self-defense situations than hollow-points, they have less felt-recoil and muzzle flip, allowing for quicker follow-up and higher accuracy over multiple shots.

What’s the deal with the arc shape?
The unique arc-shaped grooves in the profile of the ARX are a perfect blend of form and function, and essential to its performance. These ‘flutes’ act to harness both the rotational and directional energy of the bullet as it impacts a semi-solid target (gelatin, or a deer shoulder, for example).

While the flutes have no effect on the ARX aerodynamically, and thus do not affect accuracy, they grab onto semi-solid or fluid targets to redirect the bullet’s forward energy laterally. This creates the large temporary (wound) cavity you see in our gelatin block photos, and results in the complete transfer of energy to targets that makes this an effective self-defense cartridge.

Why should I choose a polymer-copper bullet over a traditional bullet?

The polymer-copper bullet incorporates both metal powder and an epoxy resin, and it’s the way we’ve put them together that makes it unique when compared to conventional ammunition.  The ARX® is injection molded from a proprietary metal and high-tensile strength epoxy mixture.

Can I store it like my other ammo and expect it to work the same?
Yes.
Why is lighter better?

Think of it in terms of energy, not just weight. The energy of a bullet is a function of its mass and its belocity. On average the ARX weighs about 2/3 the weight of comparable lead-core bullets, allowing it to be fired at a much higher velocity. In total, the ARX bullet is designed to carry more energy during the first 15 yards than any slightly heavier competition. And when it comes to carrying extra ammunition, be it competition or otherwise, lighter means you’ll be able to carry more.

Lighter and faster is one thing, but I need stopping power. Does this ammo penetrate?

And then some. If you’re using a gun in self-defense, chances are you are engaged at a distance of less than 15 yards. The ARX™ is designed to balance the need for damaging penetration with complete transfer of kinetic energy (to ensure the target gets the full blow from the bullet).  Just take a look our gelatin block tests, which show temporary (wound) cavities that rival those created by the leading hollow-point bullets.

We’re not about big shallow entry wounds that cause superficial damage, the ARX® is designed to cut into and penetrate to a significant wound depth and cause massive hydrostatic shock damage through cavitation along the way. The ARX® creates temporary (wound) cavities that rival other bullets in the same caliber.  When the bullet encounters dense bones it fragments, it creates multiple wound channels.

What about over-penetration?
With high-velocity comes another real concern: over-penetration. The ARX® is specifically designed to harness the forward energy and turn it into maximum damage to targets. The fact that the ARX® bullet stops within 16” of entering a properly calibrated 10% ballistics ordnance gelatin block means it is dumping 100% of its energy into its target, not innocent bystanders.
Why doesn't the ARX perform in synthetic gelatin?

The industry standard is 10% ballistics ordnance gelatin and “everybody” (writers and “aficionados”) know that and are skeptical if someone uses a substitute to 10% ballistics ordnance gel.  Clear gel is not an ordnance gel replacement…. and using it with the fluid displacing ARX® bullet will create results that are like comparing apples and rocks.Watch “Clear Ballistics VS 10% gelatin” on YouTube

What makes Inceptor more than just the flavor of the week?
We’re bringing some new technologies to a very old industry. The basic method for making bullets (cast lead, or lead core with copper jacket) has been around for over 100 years. Recent advances in expanding bullet technology have created some very potent self-defense rounds, but most still rely on the expansion effect to transfer terminal energy.

That’s where we come in: Our technology is the result of cutting-edge  scientific research and development, but it is grounded in fundamental, well-understood physics. We are just the first company to develop a manufacturing method that allows us to harness these principles in a mass-produced, affordable product.

Is this a frangible round?

Our ARX and RNPare frangible on hardened steel and fragmenting against dense bone (akin to a jacket being ripped off of a hollow-point that encounters a femur) and certain intermediate barriers. Frangibles are bullets that break up into pieces, none of which total more than 5% of the total weight of the original bullet, upon impact with hardened steel.

What does this mean beyond the controlled environment of ballistics gel and labs? Our bullets achieve solid performance at close distances through certain intermediate barriers like drywall or denim.  They also penetrate but fragment through major barriers such as glass or some types of steel, but they are unlikely to over-penetrate through multiple such barriers. Simply put: It’s less likely to go through your walls and into your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean for the future of hollow-point technology?
As we mentioned above, hollow-point technology has seen some amazing advances in the last 10-15 years, and we love to see other manufacturers push the limits of what works in ammunition. That said, hollow-points will always rely on the expansion effect to transfer terminal energy, and expanding bullets have some inherent disadvantages (clogging and failure to expand, feed ramp sticking, loss of retained weight after impact, etc.).  The ARX® is based on advanced materials and engineering, tested using standard ammunition testing protocols, and produced using a manufacturing method that allows us to put it on shelves at affordable prices.

OUR COMPANY.

Who is Quantum Ammunition?
 

Quantum Ammunition is a subsidiary of Quantum Holdings. Quantum Holdings was established in 2014 focused on providing plastic solutions to the outdoor sporting, appliance, automotive and other industries in North America. Quantum Holdings operates with the objective of being a world-class plastics company centered in the idea of offering a variety of processes within multiple product segments with a growing North American footprint. The fundamental vision to be the undisputed leader in engineering and quality is the driving force behind Quantum Holdings. More information is available at quantumplastics.com

Is it really made in the USA? What about the components?
100% made in the USA. We make the bullets and load right here in coastal Georgia.
Are other calibers available? What about rifle or shotgun?

We are constantly developing new products and new technologies.

Our Inceptor line features the main semi-automatic pistol calibers: 380 Auto, 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 Auot, 38 Special and 357 Magnum. In rifle calibers we offer 45 Colt, 458 SOCOM, 50 Beowulf, 7.62×39, 300 AAC Blackout and 223 REM. We are working to develop new projectiles for new calibers as you read this so if your favorite caliber isn’t in our current lineup, please write us and ask for it.

Where can I get my hands on some of this?

Visit our Where to Purchase page.

What happens if I have a problem with Inceptor Ammunition?

Our ammunition has been extensively tested and goes through a multi-stage quality assurance process designed to ensure that only premium product gets out the door.  In the unlikely event that you receive defective ammunition, we will replace the ammunition.

RELOADING.

Where can I find load data?
Click for Load Data.
Can I use this (insert specific bullet type) in this cartridge (insert specific cartridge)? i.e. Can I use your 300 AAC BLK (300SRR308-88) to load 308 Winchester?
We suggest using only bullet and cartridge combinations for which we have published Load Data. Inceptor bullets are specifically designed for use in those cartridges.
Why does my velocity differ from the velocity on your load data sheets?
Inceptor uses barrels that are made to SAAMI specifications. Differences in the powder lot or rifling, barrel lengths, chambers, barrel temperature, etc., of the firearm can cause either an increase or decrease in advertised velocity.
What would the velocity of (insert bullet type) be out of a short or long barrel?

Generally speaking, the gain or loss will be approximately 25–35 fps per inch of barrel difference. But, this should always be tested and confirmed using a chronograph.

What is the difference between ARX and RNP
The ARX is specifically designed for terminal performance (defense) and the RNP is designed for target and practice shooting.
What does SRR stand for when referring to Inceptor rifle bullets?
SRR stands for Short Range Rifle. These heavy metal free bullets feature unmatched frangibility against hardened steel. They are designed for use at indoor and outdoor ranges, during operations in sensitive, populated areas, for close-in hunting and operations that require an effective bullet against soft targets with the benefit of frangibility/low ricochet.
Can I use (insert propellant type) in (insert specific cartridge)? i.e. Can I use Hogdon HP38 to load the 9mm ARX cartridge?
We suggest using only the powders listed for the particular cartridge/bullet combination as listed on our Load Data sheets.
Why/How does your reloading data differ from other manufacturers with the same caliber and cartridge?

Inceptor bullets are new and unique in the industry. They are light for caliber as compared to conventional bullets and made of a special polymer-copper compound that reacts slightly different during loading and firing than bullets with a metal bearing surface and lead composition. The unique characteristics of Inceptor bullets result in slightly different load data for these cartridges than our customers are used to seeing when loading conventional ammunition.

Why are the bullets that I bought longer (or shorter) than the lengths listed on the load data sheets?

Due to the nature of the material, you may encounter slight variances in bullet length.

Why are the bullets that I bought larger (or smaller) in diameter than what is listed on the load data sheets?

Due to the nature of the material, you may encounter slight variances in bullet length and slight variances in concentricity. This said, our production cartridges using these bullets have been proven to be very accurate with third party assessment.

Have additional questions?