"The instruments employed for the removal of lead bullets required little more than small teeth and minimal pressure.  However, these instruments were of little value in removing steel cased bullets.  The latter called for concave and serrated jaws that would approximate the exact dimensions of the bullet and employed sharp, hard teeth.  “When the course of the ball is circuitous, or when it is embedded among swollen and infiltrated tissues, the flexible bullet forceps may be used with advantage.” - 1889 Tiemann p.82.