Is this bullet chewed on?

[MasonRoberson]

I was at a hunt recently and found this messed up bullet. Iv heard rumors on that they used to chew on bullets during amputations ect but then I also heard that it was a lie that they never did that so I dont know for sure.

 

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[relic nut]

That's a tough one. I don't think there is anyway to prove or disprove this. I have one that I think was chewed. I have found several that were chewed by animals, smaller teeth. I think it is very possible. Ether way it is a cool conversation piece.

 

[ARC]

I can tell you this...
I don't know where people come up with the conclusions that an act like biting a lead bullet during an amputation would be a lie...
First they were not there... second they are full of crap to act like they knew what people did or did not do...

I will also tell you...
If my arm or leg was getting sawed off in the field...
I would chew GLASS...
And would be thankful to "bite the bullet"... WHICH IS where that "phrase" came from.

OF COURSE they bit bullets !

 

[ARC]

By the way Relic Nut...
I would DEF say your bullet has been "bitten".

I use to chew lead split shot weights when I was a kid.
And play with mercury...

Where do you think I got this extra arm from...
WHICH comes in very "handy" when detecting. :P

 

[MasonRoberson]

Thank you guys

 

[ARC]

MAson... btw I am not so sure on yours... could have "glanced" something then hit sideways... causing this to collapse like this...
OR run over by wheel of cannon...
OR run over by tractor later on... who knows...
This is a mystery that will prolly remain just that... a mystery.

 

[luvsdux]

Lots of ways for lead bullets to become deformed. If you clean the bullet so that possible tooth marks may be easier to see if they're there, or not, will help.
luvsdux

 

[villagenut]

I have heard a few theories about these bitten bullets. Some like myself, agree that soldiers bit them for pain. Others say that wild hogs would forage for acorns and mistake the dropped or fired rounds for a nut. One more theory that I have read of is that soldiers would chew and suck on the bullet or roundball during night watch as they had a sweetness to them like a piece of candy would be to you and I. I do believe that all three possibilities are probable and each bullet should be judged on its own merits or bite marks. Here is my own example to show the molar marks.

 

[Skippy SH13]

By the way Relic Nut...
I would DEF say your bullet has been "bitten".

I use to chew lead split shot weights when I was a kid.
And play with mercury...

Where do you think I got this extra arm from...
WHICH comes in very "handy" when detecting. :P

Mercury, huh? That's powerful stuff, though usually the extra arm doesn't show until the NEXT generation.

In all seriousness, it's not the playing with mercury that's wicked bad; Mercury Vapors are the nasty ones... Most of us handled the metal at some point in our childhood. Nothing to worry about:
The facts about mercury poisoning: Its (supposed) dangers and when to be really worried - Heraclitean River

Skippy

 

[ARC]

Oh yeah... used to play "light sabers" with fluorescent bulbs... :P