5.8 Official Match Ammunition
The following rules dictate the use of match ammunition and what is to be done regarding the sale and use of match ammunition.
5.8.1 Ammunition Specifications
When match organizers make official match ammunition available for purchase by competitors at a match, the Match Director must, both in advance in official match literature (and/or on the official match website), and by way of a sign certified by him and posted at a conspicuous place at the point of sale, clearly identify the: manufacturer, brand(s), calibers, cartridge case lengths, shot size, shot weight, velocity, powder dram equivalent (if available). The subject rounds will usually be exempt from Rule 5.6.3 testing by chronograph, subject to the following conditions:
Whenever metal targets or metal hard cover are used in a course of fire, minimum distances apply while they are being shot. Where possible, this should be done with physical barriers. If Fault Lines are used to limit the approach to metal targets, they must be placed further away so that the competitor may inadvertently fault the line and still be outside the minimum distance (see Rule 10.4.7). Care should also be taken in respect of metal props in the line of fire
5.8.1.1 Competitor Requirements
The competitor must obtain, and retain for the duration of the match, an official receipt from the match organizers (or their nominated vendor) at the match evidencing details of the quantity and description of the subject ammunition purchased at the match, and said receipt must be produced on demand by any Match Official, failing which the provisions of Rule 5.8.1 will not apply. Ammunition not purchased from the match organizers (or their nominated vendor) at the match will not enjoy the provisions of Rule 5.8.1, regardless of whether or not such ammunition appears, for all intents and purposes, to be identical to official match ammunition.
5.8.1.2 Competitor Equipment
Official match ammunition purchased by competitors is deemed to be competitor equipment (see Section 5.7), therefore malfunctions will not be grounds for a reshoot and/or an appeal to Arbitration.
5.8.1.3 Ammunition Availibility
Official match ammunition must not be restricted solely for sale to, and/or use by, competitors representing the host country and/or the vendor.
5.8.1.4 Ammunition Approval
Official match ammunition must be approved by the Regional Director of the Region in which the match is being held (and by the IPSC President in respect of Level IV or higher matches).
5.8.1.5 Ammunition Testing
Match Officials reserve the right to conduct chronograph or other tests on all and any ammunition, at any time, and a reason need not be given.
5.8.2 Test Firing Match Ammunition
Where possible, match organizers (or their nominated vendor at the match) should make available a test firing bay, supervised by a Range Officer, where competitors can function test a small quantity of official match ammunition of the same batch through their firearm(s) prior to purchase.
5.8.3 Match Literature
For matches at Level III and above the Match Director must, both in advance in official match literature (and/or on the official match website), and by way of a sign certified by him and the Range Master, and posted at a conspicuous place at the match, clearly state the specifications of the calibration cartridges being used for the match (see Appendix C1). This is a recommended practice for Level I and II matches.
Appendix C1Chapter Rules
