NIST Bullet Tests Make Frangibles More Tangible

National Institute of Standards and Technology News Release, 8 Jun 2006 Frangible bullets, often made from sintered metal powders that will break into tiny fragments, are designed to disintegrate on impact with a hard surface. They are becoming increasingly popular in situations where ricochets or "splash-back" from bullets is not tolerable. These include firearms training facilities and crowded places such as airports, courtrooms and office buildings. Additionally, the lead-free nature of frangible bullets eliminates the risk of exposure to that hazardous substance. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology are measuring precisely the disintegration of frangible bullets when they strike a surface to better understand how the ammunition might affect body armor. Read more