Greenest ammunition and most thoroughly tested – enhanced performance rounds

On 23 June 2010, the US Army announced that it had started sending the new M855A1 5.6 mm cartridges, Enhanced Performance Rounds, to troops in Afghanistan. What is notable about this type of ammunition, lethal and the most thoroughly tested small calibre round though it is, is the fact that it has been manufactured with regard to environmental considerations. The bullet (slug) is made of copper, making the projectile non-hazardous to the environment and up to 2,000 tons of lead is thus removed from the manufacturing process each year.