 The ballistic performance and range of "balle M" with the new propellant eclipsed all the previous military ammunitions in existence at the time (1886).This "balle M" was replaced in 1898 by a new design, a 12.8 g (198 grains) 90/10 bronze mono-metal, pointed (spitzer) boat-tail bullet called ""balle D"", which provided a flatter trajectory and improved long-range performance.Designed at the Atelier de Puteaux (APX) by Captain Georges Desaleux, the "balle D" was the first pointed "and" boat-tailed bullet to be placed into service by any military.