no...you read something into my post...and I may have oversimplified your original question...again not argueing...but the last comment that you made to me referred to the Berry Ammendment and I was asking you to educate me on your concern.
Bullets are not made of steel (unless you have some alloy harder than steel for your gun barrel).
These bullets would have been manufactured to mil-spec and full copper metal jacket would have been called for.
The Berry Amendment is a WWII law that requires that the DoD give preference to American suppliers when procuring items. It has been amended many times, such that some items (including some types of steel) are required to be supplied by American companies. However, it was again amended in 2004 stating that it can be waived in times of compelling need.
Since our troops are currently using ammo faster than American sources can make it, this waiver applies. Also, I do not believe that the tiny steel core in M855 ammo would fall under the jurisdiction of the Berry Amendment, but I could be wrong. Regardless, even if it does the compelling need waiver is in effect.