Polymer Ammo: A Lightweight Approach to Support the Warfighter

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Source:  U.S. Marines, https://media.defense.gov/2022/Jan/13/2002921695/-1/-1/0/211103-M-YO040-1117.JPG
Source: U.S. Marines, https://media.defense.gov/2022/Jan/13/2002921695/-1/-1/0/211103-M-YO040-1117.JPG

February 8, 2022 | Originally published by U.S. Marines Corps. on January 13, 2022

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
The Marine Corps is on a mission:  get lighter, more mobile, and more lethal. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) plays a critical role in accomplishing this goal. The Command’s Program Manager for Ammunition has been in the process of researching the myriad ways to lighten the Warfighter’s load while maintaining or increasing lethality.

One potential solution:  polymer-cased ammunition. In 2020, MCSC awarded a contract to test and evaluate new, lightweight, .50-caliber polymer ammunition to lighten the Warfighter’s load. The ammunition, to be used in multiple, .50-caliber weapon systems, is significantly lighter and easier to haul than the traditional brass-cased ammunition.

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