Fired Civil War Minié Ball

[Dismal Swampy]

I believe its three-groove .54-caliber Minié ball
dug out in woods Holly Springs NC
Flat on one side so must have hit a tree while target practicing or hunting dinner

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Nice find - congrats !

 

[ncsuwolf]

Takes some pics of the other side. Assuming that’s lead at the bottom?

If lead, and there are no rifling marks, that was either a poorly poured field made bullet, or soldier messing around the fire. Either way, spend more time there. Someone did ~165 yrs ago

And most likely it’s (was supposed be) a .58

 

[Dismal Swampy]

 

[ncsuwolf]

Yeah, You found at campsite (at least for a night). That was never shot. Thats a bullet that either didnt get fully melted for recasting, or they threw the bullet in fire, perhaps after using the black powder to start the fire.

Regardless. Spend time at that spot.

 

[Dismal Swampy]

View attachment 2265991

I was thinking .54 caliber due to weight.
I measured diameter best I could using widest part of bullet. 13.9mm

 

[Dismal Swampy]

View attachment 2265991

I was thinking .54 caliber due to weight.
I measured diameter best I could using widest part of bullet. 13.9

 

[ncsuwolf]

I was thinking .54 caliber due to weight.
I measured diameter best I could using widest part of bullet. 13.9mm

That’s the correct method…..if you had a fully formed bullet.

…..and it could be something other than a .58. They’re just the most common.

 

[Dismal Swampy]

I found this skillet handle right in the same area ( about 5'away) as well as this button back

Not saying it's civil war era but you could make an argument

 

[ncsuwolf]

there’s a button front somewhere close by. Being a 3-ringer, no idea north or south. However, once you find the button front, if says Nc/va/sc vs nj/ny/pa…..it really helps to narrow it down.

An aside…that button back appears to be unmarked. Both sides had those, but unless I’m mistaken they were more prevalent with csa.

You’ve got a good spot. Good luck.

 

[Digger RJ]

I believe its three-groove .54-caliber Minié ball
dug out in woods Holly Springs NC
Flat on one side so must have hit a tree while target practicing or hunting dinnerView attachment 2265959

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!