Musket balls ????

[michigan michael]

I found these two in 2 different places. An 1800's farm field and the big one at a school. One weighs 5 grams and the other 15 grams. I have not ever seen one before so, I am not sure if it is just wishfull thinking or if they really are old musket balls. Any suggestions?

 

[Montana Jim]

Are they lead? I'd bet they are musketballs.

 

[Likely Guy]

It's an ant's shot-put (or cannonball).


Sorry MM and Jim, I just had to.

 

[BioProfessor]

Look for a flat spot with possibly a small ridge. That is where the excess lead was cut when it was taken from the mold. If it has one, 99.99% musket or pistol ball. If not, 99.99% modern buckshot.

Daryl

 

[l.cutler]

The first is too small to be a musket ball, it is either a pistol or rifle ball. It is hard to tell the size on the second, it may be for a large rifle or musket.

 

[tabdog]

Look for a flat spot with possibly a small ridge. That is where the excess lead was cut when it was taken from the mold. If it has one, 99.99% musket or pistol ball. If not, 99.99% modern buckshot.

Daryl

You may be right.

This is what they looked like out of tha mold.

Wether there was any ridge left depended on
how well tha user cut tha ridge off.

Happy Huntin,

Tabdog

 

[BioProfessor]

Looks like a musket/pistol ball to me. The caliber is the diameter in decimal inches - .22cal = .22 inches, .45cal = .45 inches, etc. The caliber will help narrow down the year and maybe the weapon.

Daryl

 

[Desy5]

Hello! I'm not an expert in all this yet, but I'm interested in such questions. I esteem your opinions, I think it will come in handy.

 

[Wampum]

I like to think that smaller diameter lead balls may have been from fur trade or revolutionary buck and ball so I always keep that under consideration.

 

[sutphin]

MAYBE