Blended-metal bullets

The US Navy defines blended-metal bullets as, "projectiles which utilize cores manufactured with materials other than lead, using processes other than melting."[1] The solicitation elaborates as follows:

The base metals used in these formulations are usually a very fine powder. Copper, tungsten, and brass are examples of some of the base powdered metals used to date. These powdered metals are mixed with a binder such as tin, zinc, or a polymer such as nylon. Once the powdered metal(s) and binder(s) are mixed, they are pressed or molded into the final projectile core form, and in some cases sintered.

Blended-metal rounds are commercially available at this time in limited quantities from independent dealers in a variety of calibers, and sintered non-lead bullets have been available for hand loading since at least 2006.

RBCD Performance Plus, Inc.

One company, RBCD Performance Plus, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, produces ammunition marketed as blended-metal bullets.[2] However, RBCD's "Blended-Metal Technology" (BMT) is a trademark and not a description of bullet composition.[3] Independent testing by Gary Roberts showed that RBCD ammunition is, "nothing but lightweight, repackaged varmint bullets disguised with a black coating of moly, and driven to higher than normal velocities with concomitantly higher than normal pressures."[4] Roberts cites a USSOCOM and ARDEC study published in 2007 which supports his findings.[4]

References
  1. "Blended Metal Projectile Solicitation Number: N0016404R4846". United States Navy. 17 September 2004. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
  2. Roos, John G. (2003-11-24). "1-shot killer". Army Times. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  3. Vail, Dr. Sydney. "Dr. Sydney Vail's Report on LeMas BMT Ammo (Live Animal Tests)". Defense Review. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  4. Roberts, Dr. Gary (4 Oct 2008). "LeMas/RBCD Ammunition Analysis". Retrieved 22 May 2011.
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