How Old? How Can Ya Tell How Old A Bullet Is?

[Nana40]

Just how can one tell how old a bullet is? You would think I would know that by now. :P

Like I found two of these bullets today...



You see those little lines inside the rings? Does that mean these bullets are not that old?

And the size of the hole in the bottom? Does that mean anything?



Thanks! Nana

 

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[Siegfried Schlagrule]

I believe you have two fired minie balls. I also believe that if you had a mated pair that hit each other in flight and were still attached you would have a very valuable find. congratulations, siegfried schlagrule

 

[BuckleBoy]

I believe you have two fired minie balls. I also believe that if you had a mated pair that hit each other in flight and were still attached you would have a very valuable find. congratulations, siegfried schlagrule

I must disagree. These are not minieballs. They are more modern.


-Buckleboy

 

[stoney56]

I have to agree with Buckleboy on this. The knurling (diamond pattern) is used to hold the bullet lube. It's about twice as effective as a regular groove. Picture a pancake w/syrup vs. a waffle with syrup.

 

[Nana40]

Hey! Thanks ya'll!

OK...next question...

Knowing that these are 'not that old'...how old is 'not that old'? When did they change?

Last question..bear with me here...I'm learning...

Keeping in mind that CW bullets had no lines in the groves, I am supposing that the groved lined ones were next generation? And after that model, were these?

Lines going up the sides....



Thanks for the info! Nana

 

[BuckleBoy]

Hey! Thanks ya'll!

OK...next question...

Knowing that these are 'not that old'...how old is 'not that old'? When did they change?

Last question..bear with me here...I'm learning...

Keeping in mind that CW bullets had no lines in the groves, I am supposing that the groved lined ones were next generation? And after that model, were these?

Lines going up the sides....




Thanks for the info! Nana

Nana,

Someone will help you with these--but it unfortunately won't be me. I know my CW relics pretty darned well--but above and beyond that, I'm kinda dense... I even had to ask about that 1850 Model Belt Plate I found. I knew what it was, but didn't recognize when it was from--just because it wasn't quite Civil War. I'm sure someone will come along with more information soon.

Best Wishes,


Buckleboy

 

[stoney56]

Nana, I'm not a ballistic expert but if you're refering to these lines (see pic)...those are rifling marks. The rifling grooves cut into pistol and rifle barrels to cause the bullet to rotate while traveling down the barrel and give the bullet more stability and accuracy. Someone else might be able to tell you what manufacturer made those based on style. Each manufacturer had their own unique style, Winchester, Colt, S&W, etc.

 

[Nana40]

Thanks BB.

And thanks Stoney.

 

[Michigan Badger]

Great thread Nana and I'll bet many of us have wondered about this. Thanks for taking the time to ask.

I always wonder about the age of my horseshoes and other relics.

Badger

 

[RevJoel]

From the size and the cannulae on the projectiles, I would suggest that there are .38 caliber hollowbased wadcutters. If you weigh the lead it should weigh between 140 and 160 grains. This is a usually a target round that has a flat point that punches nice clean holes in the paper target. As to the age, the bullet design came about around the 1930's ~ 1940's.