A bullet system including a bullet body with a tail portion engaged with a polymer cup that provides enhanced engagement of the barrel upon firing. The bullet system may have a radial retracted state that corresponds to an elongated axial state of the bullet system that allows the cupped bullet to be fed down the barrel at a reduced diameter with reduced engagement with the barrel. The radial expansion of the bullet system occurs upon axial length reduction of the bullet system by axial compression. The axial compression can occur upon firing of the propellant or when loading with the ramrod. The bullet system can provide a tactile seat force indicator tip insert within the tip of the bullet body that provides a tactile sensation when the bullet is properly seated against the propellant charge. A cutting edge may be provided for scraping the barrel upon insertion of the bullet.