Army Makes $13M Order of Federal’s MK311 Mod 3 Frangible Ammo

via Tactical Life.

The 5.56mm MK311 Frangible Ammo, better known by its ordnance code, “AA40,” features a 50-grain frangible bullet. That bullet is comprised of a non-toxic, copper and tungsten powder matrix in a gilding metal jacket, according to Federal. The frangible ammunition disintegrates into small fragments upon impact, minimizing over-penetration and ricochet hazards. The polymer compound round produces limited splash back, which vastly decreases ricochets, making it ideal for training applications, according to Federal.

“This latest order continues our long history of supplying only the highest quality, most reliable ammunition,” said Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink, “at Federal we use innovative technology, with industry-leading components to produce specialized products for training and the battlefield. The ammunition we produce serves the U.S. military, and we are humbled to do so.”

In December 2018, Federal announced a $41 million contract with the U.S. Navy. That contract called for Federal to produce 62-grain, MK 318 Mod 0 cartridges, with ammo bound for Navy and Marine Corps units.

Story here. 

Interesting.  I get the training application but it would make an ideal round to be fired by law enforcement/security forces.  Most civilians don't own body armor and a frangible 5.56 round in the 50 grain range would probably be extremely effective in urban environments.

Just saying, not speculating.