Interesting Civil War Bullet

Valley Ranger · Mar 9, 2016

Got out to a winter camp (both Union and Confederate) that has been pounded for just a couple hours this morning. Besides a pocketful of shotgun shells, I did recover this Minie ball. I've seen it before, but am not sure of its proper ID - Sharp Carbine, Merrill? Help please. Thanks!

Steve in PA · Mar 9, 2016

I believe you have a Williams cleaner bullet missing the post with the zinc ring.

Valley Ranger · Mar 9, 2016

Steve in PA said:
I believe you have a Williams cleaner bullet missing the post with the zinc ring.

Thanks Steve. I hadn't considered that possibility. Could be, though it looks a bit short to me. BTW, the hole is very deep.

Valley Ranger · Mar 9, 2016

Actually, there were some "shorter" versions. I think you're right. Thanks.

Steve in PA · Mar 9, 2016

I've dug a few that were missing the "plunger" for lack of a better word. Here are some images for those unfamiliar with this bullet.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wil...0ahUKEwjh1oCXurTLAhVFMSYKHXjzBW8QsAQIKQ&dpr=1

Valley Ranger · Mar 9, 2016

Yep, that's it.

VOL1266-X · Mar 9, 2016

Steve is correct. That's the top of a Type III minus the inset (we call it) that we find in the eastern theater. You are more likely to dig the earlier Type I & II there in the valley Richard. CW soldiers were not fond of them. WTG, Q.

Valley Ranger · Mar 9, 2016

VOL1266-X said:
Steve is correct. That's the top of a Type III minus the inset (we call it) that we find in the eastern theater. You are more likely to dig the earlier Type I & II there in the valley Richard. CW soldiers were not fond of them. WTG, Q.

Thanks Quindy!