Blended-metal bullets
{{Notability|date=February 2023}}
The US Navy defines blended-metal bullets as, "projectiles which utilize cores manufactured with materials other than lead, using processes other than melting."{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=456f6ecf27008730a808b52b805d4c77&tab=core&_cview=0 |title=Blended Metal Projectile Solicitation Number: N0016404R4846 |publisher=United States Navy |date=17 September 2004 |accessdate=22 May 2011}} The solicitation elaborates as follows:
{{Quotation|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 handloading since at least 2006.
RBCD Performance Plus, Inc.
One now-defunct company, RBCD Performance Plus, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, produced ammunition marketed as blended-metal bullets.{{cite web |url=http://www.armytimes.com/legacy/new/1-292925-2426405.php |title=1-shot killer |accessdate=2011-11-23 |last=Roos |first=John G. |date=2003-11-24 |publisher=Army Times}} However, RBCD's "Blended-Metal Technology" (BMT) was a trademark and not a description of bullet composition.{{cite news | publisher = Defense Review | last = Vail | first = Dr. Sydney | title = Dr. Sydney Vail's Report on LeMas BMT Ammo (Live Animal Tests) | url=http://www.defensereview.com/dr-sydney-vails-report-on-lemas-bmt-ammo-live-animal-tests/ | accessdate = 2011-11-23}} Independent testing by Gary Roberts showed that RBCD ammunition was, "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."{{cite web |url=http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19888 |title=LeMas/RBCD Ammunition Analysis |last=Roberts |first = Dr. Gary |date=4 Oct 2008 |accessdate=22 May 2011}} Roberts cites a USSOCOM and ARDEC study published in 2007 which supports his findings.