.50 caliber still have juice?

Jimmi

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Apr 24, 2013
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Guess I should know if this big boy still has powder in it. I have some from my Grandpa from WWII all but this one are obviously empty. Is this filled with lead?

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Jimmi, GIVE IT TO THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT JURISTICTION. Your family will love you for it. Not only is it possible that it will fire, but someone in your home or family may try to pry it apart and possibly get seriously injured. PLEASE! It is not worth the risk. TTC
 

looks like lead do ya hear anything in it if ya shake it?
 

Trivia.... Are you familiar with the expression, "Give 'em the whole nine yards!" ? The length of a .50 cal bandoleer (in .50 cal ammo box) is 9 yards long (27feet). About the equivelant to "Give 'em hell!" TTC
 

Jimmi, GIVE IT TO THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT JURISTICTION. Your family will love you for it. Not only is it possible that it will fire, but someone in your home or family may try to pry it apart and possibly get seriously injured. PLEASE! It is not worth the risk. TTC

You think it looks loaded still I take it? .. I'm leaning towards filled with lead , but not worth the risk I suppose.. I have no plans on prying of course... But I got kids
 

Jimmi,

You just cannot believe how powerful and destructive that particular round is. Safety, period, not around your home or children. Save it only for those of us who have experience and respect of that round. Happiness and safety was the security of traveling a road guarded with Korean troups with quad-fifties mounted on duece & a halfs. They shoot down planes, or cut enemy troups in half. Through a solid brick wall at one mile plus and blowing apart what hides behind.
 

prob a paper weight how heavy is it
 

It looks like it is filled with lead because of the bottom view. But I would take it to a gun shop or a police station to make sure.
 

Inherently, that cartridge is no more dangerous than any other caliber that is kept in a gun locker, or even a dresser drawer. Yes they are a large caliber specialized caliber, but there it ends. Use it as a paperweight, or put it in a display case, but don't fear it unless it's loaded in a Browning M2.
 

that doesnt look like a primer in the end of it looks like lead to me
 

I would not speculate if its lead or not.It does look as though the primer was tampered with. Do what TerryC said.
 

Maybe you could find a spec on what that round should weigh and then weigh it. If it is heavier than that could reassure you it is filled with lead...
 

The primer may have been drilled. The round may have been fired and a new bullet put in (years ago). BUT....BUT.... when in doubt, get it out! Take it to the police. Tell them you will not part with it and you want to make certain it is inert or spent. THEN, when sure, enjoy your Grandpa's momento. Personally, I would like to put it and others through a Ma Duece! But that's just me. TTC
 

Could you please tell me how your certain? Thanks

Years of experience for one. That's definitely not a primer in the end and does look to be lead or solder. If it had been a live shell and someone had gone at the primer enough to gouge it it would have gone off. Yours is made by Remington by the way.

Even if it were a live shell, they are not dangerous unless you pound on them with a hammer or throw them in a fire. Absolutely nothing to worry about.
 

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True story: When I worked on the Wauwatosa Police Dept., (Milw, WI subburb) a lady called to say that her late husband kept a foot locker in the attic. She cleaned the locker out and found AMMO in it. Two of the guys went to retrieve the stuff and plopped two LIVE sabot rounds on the Lt.'s desk. Neat. Civil War stuff. What did they do? Called Fort Sheridan Illinois EOD team, of course. Know what they said? EVACUATE THE BUILDING... NOW!! They came and blew them in the police parking lot. The contents could have blown the guys to their maker. I was a police firearms instructor for many years and have been on the police shooting circuits since 1970. Probably more than 99% of all firarms "accidents" occur from over familiarity with the safety precautions. Do not listen to those above who DO NOT KNOW what is possible! Safety first! Then enjoy. Terry
 

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