complete bullet and shell ID help

Jaichim24 · Dec 7, 2010

I found this intact bullet, along with several discharged samples at a house that dates back to 1860, borders on main street of the town which was incorporated in 1712.

I've posted another topic in the what is it forum in regards to another in tact bullet that appears to maybe be a toy, but this one I know is real.

It appears to be a rim fired type bullet.

I would like to lean towards it being a Spencer type round, perhaps a 56-56, but the actual shell looks to be too long for that.

I know some of you Civil War buffs out there will be able to point me in the right direction.

If someone could provide guidance on the date it was made, the type, size, purpose of the round, and perhaps what types of firearms were used to shoot it that would be very cool!

Thanks in advance for your input and assistance.

Jai

PS, sorry about the last pic showing so much stuff, but it's in there as a point of reference for the size of the shell since there are some well know object in it.

GL · Dec 7, 2010

Its rimfire...41 rimfire?

Monty · Dec 8, 2010

OK, it's not a bullet, rather the entire thing is called a cartridge or round or even shell is close, but not a bullet. The lead part that goes down the barrel when it is fired is the bullet. The part that is left in the chamber of the firearm is the case, sometimes referred to as the casing to a lot of the old timers here. ( I am one of them). To know exactly the answer to all your questions may be impossible but if you can get a micrometer and do some measurements of the diameter of the bullet and diameter of the case just above the rim and even the rim itself along with the length of the case it will be much easier for those who know about ammo to make an educated guess. There were so many cartridge variations in that period, (before smokeless powder) and so many that were almost the same dimensions, you just about have to have the measurements to know what you have. Not trying to be a smartass, just providing some basic information about what needs to be given to make an Id on "bullets". See, now you have me doing it! :wink: