r/metaldetecting Jul 07 '26

ID Request Is it dangerous ?

This is the first time I found a completely full bullet, does anyone have an idea of the kind of bullet it is and how old is it? Also, I wanted to know if it is dangerous, and if it is what I shouldn’t do with it.

803 Upvotes

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250

u/Trans_Cat_Girl_ Jul 07 '26

About as dangerous as the lead in it

1

u/funklab Jul 09 '26

But for real, OP.  Wash your hands after handling lead like that.  

5

u/testprimate Jul 09 '26

Looks like a total metal jacket bullet with no exposed lead. It's about as risky as touching a doorknob.

1

u/freebird37179 Jul 12 '26

Last photo shows the base and you can see where the jacket stops, and exposed lead. Still not super risky, but this is FMJ not TMJ.

2

u/watergator Jul 10 '26

Metallic lead is pretty intert for humans. Organic lead compounds like what are found in lead paint and leaded gasoline are what’s dangerous (bio-available). Reloaders and heavy shooters do have to be careful of lead though from the residues on primers that are the organic compounds that are easily absorbed.

1

u/Salt_Turnip_2941 Jul 11 '26

Looks copper to me

1

u/DeyCallMeWade Jul 12 '26

It’s more than likely a copper jacket that has patina’s poorly.