identifying 1700s-1800s bullets

[bergie]

Anyone have a link to a reference on identifying bullets and other projectiles from 1700s and 1800s (particularly Rev. War if possible)? Much appreciated. Thank you.

[aazzxx]

Hi There,

I have written a book on Ballistics and had always an interest in the historica development of fire arms and other weapons.

The first thing you have to do is to measure the diameter, then find out if it was fired from a smooth bore or rifled barrel.

Whether it has a cavity in its rear and the type and number of grease grooves.

If it is of military origin, then it should be quite easy, but if it is civiliian, many gunsmits did their own thing and you will have a problem.

There is a book CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD but that will not go back that far, contact a muzzle loading shooting club, they might be able to help you.

aazzxx F