Gun rights advocates see as a sneaky move a proposal from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to prohibit the sale of ammunition for assault weapons. The proposal includes the 5.56mm "green tip" bullets for AR-15 rifles.

In 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama introduced a similar bill to prohibit assault rifles and high-capacity magazine clips. But because the legislation did not get majority vote in Congress, the advocates see the bureau's proposal as the administration's way of giving Obama's proposal new life, reports National Monitor.

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While the bureau's proposal would make it illegal to buy or produce the ammunition, people who own these bullets could use the current stock with no consequences.

The bureau explains that motive behind its bill is because the bullets could penetrate bulletproof vests, presenting a threat to law enforcement agent.

In opposing the bureau's proposal, gun rights advocates cite the 1986 Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act (LEOPA) that exempts the 5.6mm bullet from the ban since it is used in rifles by shooters and hunters, not criminals.

However, the bureau pointed out that there are new handguns in the market designed to use the 5.6mm as ammunition.

More than 100 congressman wrote ATF Director Todd Jones to oppose the legislation, noting that millions of M855 rounds were sold and used in the U.S., but there is no evidence that even one round has been fired from a cop's handgun.

ATF has on its side the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which asked, "Do civilians really need to walk around with handguns chambered for military-grade. Armor-piercing bullets?" said Brian Malte of the campaign.

The Nebraskan's Against Gun Violence also backed the ATF bill, saying in a statement, "It's a completely sensible measure that's in keeping with the LEOPA which was designed to protect law enforcement. The ATF is trying to adjust to the marketing of dangerous, hybrid guns to the public. These have changed the content or the ammunition."

The proposal has agitated some assault owners who started to stack up on the bullet. CNEB.com reports that on news of the bill, Liberty Arms sold 6,000 to 7,000 rounds of 2.23 mm or 5.6mm on Friday, said Colton May, manager of arms store.

It didn't only clear stock off his shelf but also caused a surge in the price of the bullet which use to cost US$10 to US$11 per box of 20. Now, it is selling at US$20 per box of 20 or higher.

TagsBullets, assault rifle, AR-15, Gun rights, Barack Obama, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms