Lead Ball - smaller than a musket ball?

[grafer]

Found this small lead ball in this mornings hunt. I believe it's smaller than a musket ball (I am by no means an expert on these type of relics.. if that's what it is). It's about 10mm round and weighs about 10 grams. Is it old? And any ideas about what type of lead ball it is, or used for? Any help appreciated ..

Thanks..

 

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[Montana Jim]

Your ball looks like approx 12 or 13 mm.  Thats a normal size for a musket ball... 12.7mm is .50 cal.


If it's a little over 11 mm then BigCy is correct. (below)

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I tried to add my picture and decided to start over. Here is a pic of a .45 caliber roundball that I use for my primitive hunts. I have killed many wild pigs in these Florida swamps with this small accurate patch and ball caliber used in my long barrelled Mountain Rifle. Its also possible that yours could have come from a pistol. Try using a micrometer. A .45 pistol revolver caliber is about .445 because they dont use a patch. There are also smaller calibers.

 

[l.cutler]

Musket balls are generally .69 caliber or larger. Rifle balls or pistol balls came in almost every size imagineable, whatever the gunsmith made the barrel. Todays muzzleloaders are much more standardized than those of the 19th century and earlier. Judging by the patina yours is an old one.

 

[civilman1]

Musket balls are generally .69 caliber or larger. Rifle balls or pistol balls came in almost every size imagineable, whatever the gunsmith made the barrel. Todays muzzleloaders are much more standardized than those of the 19th century and earlier. Judging by the patina yours is an old one.

I agree.....69 ruled out,even the "buck" from a "buck and ball".....the buck's are around 7.9mm.They did make a round ball in the CW time's that were .40 which is 10mm and was considered a .44,again with the patina this could be what you have.....just a guess.Cool find!!!