For the record, only men use bullet shells as talismans known as "liwas-bala".

These talismans:

--are NEVER live ammo.
--are shells of bullets that were fired specifically at taladros and panyos that did not get riddled through during "testingan" sessions on Good Fridays, meaning that there can't be that many floating around.
--are filled with herbs collectively known as "iba't ibang lason", a metaphorical phrase.
--are inserted with one mutya each.
--are worn round one's neck.

In most cases, depending on provenance, the casings/bullet shells are not talismanic at all. It is their contents that are talismanic, or, since they are made of natural materials, amuletic. Such casings/bullet shells are purely DECORATIVE and simply meant to come across as masculine, which is why they are worn by men.

When an albularyo uses a LIVE bullet to insert between the toes of a person allegedly possessed by a spirit, on the other hand, that bullet is NOT a talisman. It is an instrument of healing. It may be given to the patient but kept inside the patient's room or on the patient's altar rather than be carried about. The albularyo should give the patient a panyo or a sheet of paper with an oracion to fold up and keep on his/her body or to travel with.