Cadmium projectiles

[wkndwarrior]

I bought a hodgepodge lot of .224 projectiles from an old timer recently and found this box in the mix. A quick google says cadmium is pretty toxic so obviously I'm not going to handle or shoot them. Nothing came up on google relating to the bullets though. Curious if anyone has a story on them or if they appeal to any collectors.

 

[M-61]

Cadmium is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, genetic defects, and damage to fertility and unborn children.

 

[M-61]

Years ago little was known about toxic substances.
Even to the point your parents took you to a shoe store to have your feet X-rayed.
Is more known today? Well maybe but they sure missed out on agent orange. Basically the presumptive list just gets longer.
Small wonder some people have serious doubts about the Covid vaccine.

 

[Fire Dog]

I bought a hodgepodge lot of .224 projectiles from an old timer recently and found this box in the mix. A quick google says cadmium is pretty toxic so obviously I'm not going to handle or shoot them. Nothing came up on google relating to the bullets though. Curious if anyone has a story on them or if they appeal to any collectors.

View attachment 1689318View attachment 1689319

They appear to be coated as the lead tip can be seen… Looks like early attempts of reducing friction such as seen in the use of “Moly” and hBN these days…
I can recall bullet lube that had asbestos fibre in it to be used in sizers for cast bullets…
The idea being it would help reduce friction…
We just did not know… Now many of the folks using some of those toxic products are paying the price…
A bit late in the day but I always wear nitrile gloves these days while loading and cleaning… {:~/

 

[ISS]

Let me know if you have any questions about Agent Orange. I have had five surgeries requiring organ partial or complete removal in the last 22 years.

Rich

 

[gdbleb]

Cadmium bullets are a type of ammunition where the bullets are plated with or made from cadmium. While cadmium has been used in some ammunition, particularly for specialized applications like high-velocity hunting loads in the past, it is not widely used in modern ammunition due to cadmium's toxicity.Cadmium is a known carcinogen that is toxic if inhaled or ingested, and it can cause serious health issues and environmental contamination.

Historical Use

• Specialized Ammunition:
  Cadmium plating was used on bullets in the past, sometimes for high-velocity ammunition.
• CleanFire Ammunition:.
  Montgomery Ward sold a brand called "CleanFire" in the 1930s that featured cadmium-coated bullets.

Another discredited "miracle" substance.

 

[wkndwarrior]

I was curious what the coating is for, using it like Moly sounds about right. Other than dumping them into another container to weigh/quantify I haven't handled them.

Thanks for the info, I tried google but reading the last reply - should've plugged the question into Gemini

 

[DocBII]

Good day,

May want to keep them away from any Ti components, as well. I recall the Air Force had to quit using cadmium plated tools to keep from having problems with the SR-71,

FWIW,
DocBII

 

[gdbleb]

A little research reveals 220 Swift and 22-250 came out in the 1930's and were "barrel burners" so FireDog is most likely correct.

 

[SeabeeKen]

I recall during our deployment to Guam in 1990-91, the navy gave out permethrin aerosol by the case and told us to spray our uniforms but had to let it dry before wearing. When I asked about the reason for letting it dry, I was told it had to dry to be safe. I then commented about my men working in 98 degree, high humidity and sweating which re-hydrated the stuff, I got silence. I refused to give it to my platoon.