Double Rimfire Cartridge?

[ThTx]

Found this while hunting an old mule train stop with pyledriver. It is about a .36 or .38 caliber. There are two rimfire firing pin strikes 180 degrees apart. Any know anything about it?

 

[thrillathahunt]

I have found some just like that and I think they were ID'd as Model 1873 Winchester 38-40 casings.

 

[ivan salis]

1866 * 38 - 40 rim fire henry rifles used the dual striker type of firing pin - two hits insured that the round went off ---some times a single strike from a "normal firing pin" would not cause the round to go off ---the double hit pretty much insured it would fire if it was going to at all. --its why henry's were very very popular -- YOU want a misfire while bear hunting at close range or in a case of self defense?

 

[ThTx]

I was thinking Henry, but just wasn't sure. Thanks folks.

 

[ivan salis]

yeppers my money is on--- henry 38 - 40 -- the fact its 38 cal -its a rimfire and has dual strike firing pin marks -- henry 38 - 40 black powder type catridge * all the way. -- most likely fired from henry model 1866 rifle (38-40)

the 44 cal henry repeaters used during the civil war by union troops -- the casings found at battle sites have that same exact rimfire type casings but in 44 cal with dual strike firing pin markings , it was done that way because your life could depend upon it going -BOOM .

well johnny --what do I win?

 

[Monty]

Great job ivan. I have seen several of these old Henry cases on here lately. They had dual firing pins because the priming compound in the early rim fires were made of a corrosive mercury compound and didn't always ignite like they were supposed to. Two firing pins prevented misfires. Monty

 

[Newt]

It's just like in a modern day .22 LR. Older shells might not fire the first time. Reload the gun and the firing pin is at a different position to the rimfire area. Or turn the shell.

Or the double pins as others say.
Newt

 

[sounder]

Where in Texas did you find that one? I found one just like it in Starr county Texas.

 

[kuger]

Where in Texas did you find that one? I found one just like it in Starr county Texas.

...when you pull up old posts good chance the poster is no longer on here..............and these Henry casings are every where across the US....not Rare