Bullets in the campfire

[nshumate]

All right, folks, here's a question I don't even know who to ask, so if someone could set me on the right path, I'd appreciate it.

I drop a handful of cartridges of mixed calibre into a small campfire. How soon should I expect them to start going off?

[Joseph Gillis]

Unlike some of your other questions, this is one you could easily answer for yourself.

[nshumate]

Not in this county I couldn't, or without considerable risk to property and life, Wiseacre.

[Joseph Gillis]

I thought you'd be flattered by the quote.

[alipali]

since nobody seems to know, and or care, I'd have the shells go off when it works best for you in the context of the story.

Scientifically speaking, it would depend on how hot the fire was, where they landed in the fire (centre or edge), what the cartridges are made of. As nobody will be privy to these details feel free to make it up as you see fit as per first paragraph.

:)

[iembalm]

I got boiling D-cell battery acid sprayed on my pants and coat after a numbnuts friend of mine tossed one into a campfire. It makes a high-pitched hiss just before it goes.

[Deus Ex Machine]

Do what serves your story.

[robertpr007]

I asked this question at a gun range. In this area, it can get +100F plus, and inside the car, much hotter when parked in the sun. I worried about cartridges going off.

[on the way to the range--I don't carry a loaded weapon--gun and cartridges are legally locked in separate containers--thought I should add that]

Range Master said no, not to worry, but a fire might cause them to "pop". The bullet would probably not actually be projected like you see in the movies, but once exposed, the gun powder would make a hell of a fizzle.

Your answer? write whatever works--nobody will probably check