Bullet ID (Civil War?)

[joe_dirt]

I found this bullet and it's the first one I've found like it. It was in an area where I had previously found a couple civil war buttons. At first I thought it was a civil war bullet but once I cleaned it I'm really not sure, now I'm thinking it might be more modern. It has no rings and a small dimple base. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[SMS]

If lead it is a cast bullet. The mold was cold when that one was poured. I can see the line down the side and the sunken dimple on the bottom which happens when pouring hot lead into a cold bullet mould. I don't see any evidence it was fired. Rifling marks are not evident in your photo so I would say it is a dropped bullet. Measure the outside dimension to get a caliber. Might have to get a micrometer to get it perfect but a ruler will get you in the ball park. Without handling just a good guess on my part.

 

[joe_dirt]

If lead it is a cast bullet. The mold was cold when that one was poured. I can see the line down the side and the sunken dimple on the bottom which happens when pouring hot lead into a cold bullet mould. I don't see any evidence it was fired. Rifling marks are not evident in your photo so I would say it is a dropped bullet. Measure the outside dimension to get a caliber. Might have to get a micrometer to get it perfect but a ruler will get you in the ball park. Without handling just a good guess on my part.

Thanks for reply and info. It's definitely lead. With a ruler it measures right about .375" (I ordered a micrometer so I can give a more accurate measurement when it arrives if needed). Thanks again.