bullet question

[johnnyi]

I know nothing about these. It is large, about 50 something caliber. That's all I know, except it looks strange. Thanks

 

[Montana Jim]

Looks like a Williams cleaner... I'll find you a link for more information.

 

[johnnyi]

Thanks Montana Jim

 

[Montana Jim]

Eh... gotta run, no time to post a link...

It was fired to clean the rifle bore about every 15 or so rounds... it's a mini ball.

 

[DCMatt]

Eh... gotta run, no time to post a link...

It was fired to clean the rifle bore about every 15 or so rounds... it's a mini ball.

It is a Civil War era bullet. It was issued to soldiers to clean the bore of their rifles by shooting these cleaner bullets. There was a zinc washer in the space that got mashed and expanded into the rifling. As the bullet travelled the length of the barrel, it swept out any residue from previous firings. Good concept but apparently hated by soldiers. Most of them were dropped (like yours) rather than loaded and fired.

Yours is a Type III (two rings). Nice find. I've dug my share of CW bullets and never found a cleaner.

DCMatt

 

[johnnyi]

Thanks Matt