WASHINGTON » The Senate has voted to kill an effort to prohibit ammunition magazines that can carry more than 10 rounds.

The proposal was one of the responses to the Newtown, Conn., elementary school massacre that were advanced by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats. They argued it was a way of reducing the likelihood that shooters could cause large numbers of casualties.

Such ammunition magazines were found at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown and have been involved in some other mass shootings as well.

Opponents have said large ammunition magazines play a small role in gun violence.

The proposal attracted 46 “yes” votes today, well short of the 60 votes needed for passage. It was sponsored by Democratic Sens. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.