Rubber bullet

Rubber bullets (also called rubber baton rounds) are a type of baton round.^[1] Despite the name, rubber bullets typically have either a metal core with a rubber coating, or are a homogeneous admixture with rubber being a minority component. Although they are considered a less lethal alternative to metal projectiles, rubber bullets can still cause fatal injuries as well as other serious injuries such as blindness or other permanent disabilities.^[2][3]

Like other similar projectiles made from plastic, wax, and wood, rubber bullets may be used for short range practice and animal control, but are most commonly used in riot control and to disperse protests.^[4][5][6]

Rubber bullets were invented by the British Ministry of Defence for riot control purposes in Northern Ireland during the Troubles,^[7] and were first used there in 1970.^[8]

Rubber projectiles have largely been replaced by other materials, as rubber tends to bounce uncontrollably.^[9]