Abstract: A cartridge includes a case and a bullet received in the case. The bullet has an encrypted spectral taggant therein. Optionally, the bullet includes a slug and the encrypted spectral taggant may be embedded in the slug. The slug may have a metal matrix material and the encrypted spectral taggant may be mixed with the metal matrix material to form a generally uniform composition. The material of the slug may be doped with the encrypted spectral taggant. Optionally, the bullet includes a jacket surrounding the slug. At least one of the slug, the jacket and the case may have swage lubricant or sealer thereon with the encrypted spectral taggant part of the swage lubricant or sealer. Optionally, the encrypted spectral taggant may be coded for identification purposes. The encrypted spectral taggant may be luminescent and/or fluorescent.