Help with metallic cartridges (safety)

[Solomon]

Just wondering about early metallic cartridges (Spencer, Henry, etc) and their safety, as I would never want kids finding or playing with anything that is potentially live. As I've never owned any of these, but am considering a relics lot that includes a number of them, I just wanted to ask about their status. Have these been emptied of powder by collectors and dealers, or are they simply assumed inert due to weather conditions, etc.? May be a silly question to experienced collectors, but had to ask.

Many thanks!

 

[ikesdad]

I have some vintage and oddball rounds. I have mounted them in shadow boxes for wall hanging. I don't reckon the kiddies can get to them when done this way. They are not made inert.

 

[UCVRelics]

The only ones that you need to worry about is the Henry and Spencer all other required a percussion cap to fire. The Spencer and Henry are rime-fire and take a pretty heavy blow to the rim. They should not be any problems. I have dug many whole Spencer's and have never had any problems. I have several dug Spencer's, Burnside, and others that I'm parting with if you have any interest. I also have many I just listed on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/253185686555?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[Solomon]

Aha. So I should assume they are live rounds and keep them out of reach like any modern rim- or center-fire bullet. In other words (a sufficient blow to the rim aside), there is no worry about the instability of 150yr old powder, in case they were dropped, etc?

I appreciate the replies, ucrelics and ikesdad!

 

[JOHN42768]

In case I missed you, Welcome, enjoy

 

[UCVRelics]

Aha. So I should assume they are live rounds and keep them out of reach like any modern rim- or center-fire bullet. In other words (a sufficient blow to the rim aside), there is no worry about the instability of 150yr old powder, in case they were dropped, etc?

Put them in a display case with nice labeling and you won't have any worries. There's a better chance of me going off then those bullets.

 

[Solomon]

Haha, 10-4.

 

[Specster]

I think when u embark on an endeavor like proving the South was complicit in attacking the north post war, u r setting out on 1 leg

 

[mofederal]

You have some nice things there @ucvrelics.com. I used to have quite a collection, but I eventually got rid of them, as collecting tastes changed. I still like to see them.

 

[ikesdad]

I think when u embark on an endeavor like proving the South was complicit in attacking the north post war, u r setting out on 1 leg

Wrong thread ???

 

[Specster]

Wrong thread ???

Absolutely Thank you sir

 

[Glen_C]

As a youngster tween, I found a big box of British 303 rounds and started fooling around with the cordite. I had about twenty rounds worth in a big wooden box with a lid and held it closed with my foot after setting to go. I should have tried for a rocket Enough of a release and slow enough burn that I didn't lose a leg but it felt like my foot rose a foot or so. It was not until later that I realized how dangerous the stunt had been.

We also used to plead for chemicals at the drug store and did a few pyro experiments approaching decent powder.

Cheers

GC

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Copley - I have an entirely different approach, if you told your children "Do not touch!", why wouldn't they obey your orders?
J.

 

[Solomon]

Hahaha, indeed. My son is actually a very good kid, and probably never would, but I know the little guy's father and remember when he was a boy.. ☺