1.2 Billion. Not that much, if it was for a war. 120 rds a piece for 10 million soldiers. Or 1200 rds for 1 million. Or 12,000 rds for 100,000. You get the idea.
I didn't read the article, but did it say what type of ammo? I saw one before that claimed hollow points. Illegal per the Geneva convention for enemy combatants, but perfectly ok against US citizens.
Do you want LE using ball?