A lead collection system and method for reducing the incidence of equipment failures, equipment breakages, and/or safety hazards is provided. The lead collection system may include one or more augers that carry lead to a lead containment barrel. The auger(s) may be equipped with a specialized shear coupling designed such that the shear coupling breaks and stops auger movement before the auger may break. The auger(s) may also be equipped with one or more rotational sensors to detect actual shaft speed and compare it to the inputted speed, and cause a system error if a difference is detected. A lead containment barrel may also be provided, with an ultrasonic sensor for detecting lead fill in the barrel.