will a bullet explode if you drill a hole in it?

Answer 1

No. A bullet is a chunk of metal. There's nothing explosive or flammable in it. Or did you mean to ask about a metallic cartridge?

Answer 2

Most Bullets I know of are made of lead or have a lead core with a copper jacket. Both are nonflammable. If you are wanting hollow points why not buy them. If you want to take a bullet apart try using a bullet puller hammer. To render a primer safe,I would pull the bullet, dump out the powder then use a depriming tool or place the cartridge in a rifle and pull the trigger. Like the other answers, unless you cause a spark or extreme heat to contact the powder or primer the cartridge will not explode.

Answer 3

Tom K is right. brass doesn't spark, but heat is your enemy.

If you are making a dummy or a key chain, I would strongly recommend pulling the bullet from the case, dumping the powder, firing the primer, and then you can safely drill away.

Rather than drilling even, if you know a reloader, you could him/her make you a few dummy rounds without a primer seated.

Answer 4

Bullet - no; shell - maybe; cartridge - maybe but probably not. It you are talking about putting a hole in a cartridge to drain the powder, a slow-speed drill will cause no problems. Muzzleloader accessories are brass because brass does NOT spark. Just drill slowly enough that there is no heat build-up.

Answer 5

As others have said the projectile is inert by itself (Unless its a incendiary or tracer!). The powder and primer in the case is what you need to worry about. Unless you are into "Russian Roulette" don't drill a loaded case! If you must have a bullet necklace or whatever they are sold at gun shows and novelty shops. If you have to ask this (no offense intended) you apparently don't know enough about the dangers to try it. Better safe than explaining a scar!!

Answer 6

the bullet itself will not explode. the friction and sparks from the drill bit on metal might get down into the shell and ignite the gunpowder.

live in western PA, and damn proud of it <((((><

Answer 7

the bullet, no. but it's possible if you drill into the brass casing. (drill can cause sparks and ignite the powder) then your in trouble.

Answer 8

Depends what u r drilling. Is it a live round? Maybe?

Answer 9

NO....It won't explode..It might break into pieces if it hits a semi-hard surface but not much else. Hollowpoint bullets are designed to mushroom on impact, and basically expand while they are turning inside out. (Example) A .22 caliber hollow point opens up about the size of a dime when it hits a semi-hard or hard surface. It's an old wives tale that you can make your own hollow points by drilling out the bullet points...Hope this answers your question.

Answer 10

if you drill the primer it might!