In article , says...
This is sort of metalwork - it involves lead. I was watching the Iraqies
celebrating the capture of Saddam by firing their rifles and guns into the
air. How dangerous are the bullets coming down ?
...snippage...

General Julian Hatcher did *extensive* experimentation on this very
topic and wrote about it in "Hatcher's Notebook" (required reading in
some circles).

An interesting tidbit, it's almost impossible for the shooter to land
bullets near the firing position. Even with mounted weapons; the winds
aloft, especially during the last second of upward and first second of
downward travel when the bullet travels up 16 feet and down 16 feet at
an elevation of approximately 9000 feet, really can push a bullet
around.

Anyway, it's an interesting study, documented in book that is quite a
good read with plenty of metal (eg. heat treatment) content.

Highly recommended!
--
Doug d e s @ i n d i a n c h i e f d o t c o m
http://www.des.indianchief.com/index.htm