Posted on 11/07/2007 7:54:06 AM PST by BGHater
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Taiwan has shipped one billion rifle bullets to the United States for NT$560 million in a rare arms sale to the United States, it was reported yesterday.
The 5.56 mm bullets are mainly used to replenish supplies which have run low after wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Taipei-based China Times reported, citing a military source.
Taiwan's defence ministry last year beat off competition from the likes of Singapore and South Korea to win the five-year contract from a U.S. military subcontractor, it was reported.
In a separate deal, the China Times said the Taiwanese Army plans to purchase 60 UH-60M Black Hawk transport helicopters from Washington for NT$71.7 billion.
The US is the leading arms supplier to Taiwan -- something China objects to -- with Beijing regarding the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Taiwan has been seeking more advanced weaponry amid China's repeated threats to invade.
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian last week accused China of provoking the island by targeting it with nearly 1,000 missiles.
Tensions between Taipei and Beijing escalated since the independence leaning leader was elected president in 2000. He was narrowly re-elected in 2004.
Will they be recalled because they contain lead? ;~)
Thanks - I hadn’t realized the distinction between rifle and handgun ammo.
I think it is totally ridiculous. All these rules make me angry, as though warfare is some sort of game like football. You're supposed to do what it takes to win. So what if my weapon inflicts ghastly injuries?
And yes, canteens are 'equipment' so using the 50 on it is allowed. Of course, if a wounded combatant poses a threat (still breathing) I think it would be prudent to eliminate the threat.
I don't quite understand that statement. A wounded opponent may still be in the fight. I suppose a captured combatant could provide intelligence information, if he felt so inclined. Of course, the purpose of war is not just to kill and destroy everything, but to accomplish an objective.
20,000 dead enemy combatants, if the 50,000 rounds per dead enemy is to be believed.
The American way of war is to break things and generally disrupt supplies. A starved enemy doesn't fight quite as hard if he has no place to run to. IF you kill a lot of them on the way to that objective, so much the better.
Considering these are for the US military, most of them will be "ball" made to US/NATO spec, M855 catridge, ball. (Assuming we're really buying loaded ammo, not just bullets, but you can't tell from the article, but even so, the bullets would be the same).
The NATO standard, M855 round is intended for use against light matériel targets and personnel, but not vehicles. Identified by a green tip, the 62 grain projectile is constructed of a lead alloy core topped by a steel penetrator, the whole contained within a gilding (copper alloy) metal jacket.
So, lead and steel.
More infomation in the manual (PDF file).
Thank you for the comprehensive answer. I’m going to read that pdf.
No the spec itself would only specify the type of steel, not the source. The laws may require use of US components, but often, by necessity, those are waived. I say "by necessity" because often US made components are not available. It's as true of electronics as bullets, more true in fact.
That's OK, there aren't any Geneva convention limitations on 500, 1000, 2000 or 5000 lb precision guided bombs either.
Generally that doesn't matter, the requirements flow down to subcontractors and suppliers.
the chinese ammo contained TOO MUCH LEAD !
Neither statement is absolutely true. The bullets can be coated with a softer material to protect the barrel, and they are. Heavy is good, lighter is faster, and steel penetrates better than lead. As it turns out, the SS-109 projectile loaded into the M855 standard round, is made of lead and steel, and is coated with copper.
Actually the M855 round can be sold to civilians, under a BATFE waiver. It's doesn't really have a steel "core" in conventional sense, but it does have a steel component.
No and no.
As explained above, the ban only applies to handgun ammunition. Dumb I know, but it was thought up by the likes of Chuckie Schummer, and Diane Frankenstein, so what do expect?
Nope, use liberally, rinse, repeat.
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