Is there any way to tell if a converter is bad other than looking for the "bulging"? If it is bad, how does the car act (symptoms i guess is what i'm getting at) and does anyone have a ball park figure on a cost perhaps?
It's a '93 sixty special....Thanks:)

I've never seen one bulged...interesting thought...like a balloon?

Several failure modes. The core breaks away from the shell and makes random clunking noises until the core looks like a potato and blocks the exhaust. It can plug up from contaminants or overheating. It can get coated from antifreeze and look OK but not operate.

For the first condition you will hear the noise. For the second condition you can tap into the exhaust and measure the difference in pressure before and after the cat. The last is harder to determine. If it's running good but won't pass an emissions test you may have to go with a new cat by elimination.

I've never seen one that looked "bulged" either to be honest LOL...I was told by a couple different "shade tree mechanics" that it will sorta expand when it's full or clogged...so, i'm just trying to figure out if that is true or is there a more accurate way to check...or should I just have it done...almost 200,000 miles and I'm sure it hasnt been touched.

If the cat is clogged enough you should notice a loss of performance. you can check it but unbolting the exhaust at the cat and look at it. the holes are tiny like maybe a 1/32 but you can see thru them. if you can see through it and can see clogged holes then i would go to you local trusty exhaust shop and inquire about having it replaced.