Mary Beth,

At our institution one of the Texas Rangers actually deactivates them
for us.  Hopefully if you do contact local law enforcement agents in
your area they may be able to do the same for you.  Deactivated bullets
usually have a hole drilled in the bottom where the firing pin would
strike.  The bullets are fairly stable and must be acted upon to fire;
they will not explode by themselves.  If you choose not to have them
deactivated you should keep them in a fireproof, heat resistant
container.  Our live ammo is kept in a 12" thick safe - however we do
have several specimens of mainly historic rounds, balls, etc.  More
modern ammo is much more stable.  

Good Luck
Rachel Barnett
Collections Assistant
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 2570
Waco, TX 76702-2570

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