three ringed minnie ball

[gmsparky]

i was at an 1860's farm house on sunday, south of flint ,michigan. i found what looks like a 3 ringed .58 caliber minnie ball from the civil war era. being there were not any civil war battles in michigan, i wondered if people used this for hunting and protection at that time. someone told me we have a long rifle and black powder season here,could this have been from more recent times?? are these still used?? it was about 5 or 6 inches down. i was very excited, not expecting it, but i want to know the truth , if possible, on it's age. thanks for any help on this!!

 

[kg6yll]

Post some pictures and someone will help.

 

[DougF]

I'm no expert, but I would guess many of the soldiers brought their rifles home after the war and used them for deer hunting, etc. If you post a pic, one of the CW people should be able to tell if it's old or not.