What is this?? Bullet??

[zjkm10]

I found this on a dig but not sure if it is a bullet or how old??

 

[pepperj]

Yes you have dug a bullet.
If you have a good measure the members can narrow it down to caliber and possibly the era.

 

[zjkm10]

I need to get a caliper but this is what I have for now.

 

[ncsuwolf]

Calipers, and an accurate measurement would help, but guessing a .38 pistol bullet

 

[vpnavy]

I found this on a dig but not sure if it is a bullet or how old??

I moved ya from HELP! over to WHAT IS IT? for more exposure.

NOTE: Forum HELP! contains guides tutorials on how to use the new TreasureNet.com software.

 

[k0bgalan]

I agree, it is a pistol bullet. It could have been shot from a rifle, but typically not due to its weight.

 

[zjkm10]

I did get some caliper measurements and it my be a .41 caliber

 

[ncsuwolf]

Take several different measurement around the bullet and give us an average (of at least where you think it’s the most accurate). Bullet has been shot, so there’s been deformation, and it has oxidation/patina. I’m sticking with a .38

 

[crashbandicoot]

Take several different measurement around the bullet and give us an average (of at least where you think it’s the most accurate). Bullet has been shot, so there’s been deformation, and it has oxidation/patina. I’m sticking with a .38

If it has a jacket, it could be 9mm. I can't tell for sure. Maybe .380 ACP.

 

[k0bgalan]

All of this is interesting to me, but for an obtuse reason—bullet diameters. Technically, 9 mm bullet diameters are .355" or .356" depending on the maker. Whereas a .35 caliber is in reality .357". Worse, we call the Police Special a 38, when in reality it is a .35 caliber with a diameter of .357" Add in all of the various in-between calibers over the years, and we end up with a mishmash. And, we need to remember, back in the Civil War days, machining wasn't as precise as it is now with SAAMI setting the sizes officially. Things get even worse for blackpowder muzzle loader calibers, as many were over-bored to facilitate faster reloading. It'll never end me thinks!

 

[AstralDruid]

I used to regularly visit my gun club, shooting range.. Once tried a 38 special... 50 rounds, only one on target... swapped back to the 9mm Glock pistol and was as devastating as ever.. plenty of good hits... I dunno,,, but never underestimate folks who can put revolver rounds on target.. some skill..... think Lee Van Cleef and Clint..

 

[Mine Shaft]

I just measured my police Positive 38 cal and at the widest diam, its .350 so at .400 its not a 38 cal

 

[ncsuwolf]

I just measured my police Positive 38 cal and at the widest diam, its .350 so at .400 its not a 38 cal

Not to be argumentative, but assuming you measured an unfired bullet? If so, I agree 100% with your measurements and theory. However, the bullet in question has been fired, and even with no obvious impact deformations that does/can change measurements, thus the request for an “avg” diameter measurement. Additionally patina can add up to .01”, so .02” accounting for both sides of the projectile. With the color of the patina, it’s an older bullet, and given the prevalence of calibers at that time (think horse, not zebra), I’m sticking with .38.

A weight in grains couple well disprove my opinion if the OP has that capability.

 

[Mine Shaft]

Yes I measured a unfired slug.

 

[k0bgalan]

To AstralDruid: For several years I shot in competitions where the ONLY gun and caliber was a Model 10 S&W Police Special. The loads were very light, typically with. few grains of Unique. This sort of leveled the field perhaps, but nonetheless the accuracy at 25 and 50 yards was nothing short of amazing. That experience taught me one thing. When the big bore guys stepped up, so did the target size! In all my years of shooting all kinds of weapons, I've never seen a possible shot with a big bore! Heck, even Elmer Keith admitted to that fact!

 

[AstralDruid]

To AstralDruid: For several years I shot in competitions where the ONLY gun and caliber was a Model 10 S&W Police Special. The loads were very light, typically with. few grains of Unique. This sort of leveled the field perhaps, but nonetheless the accuracy at 25 and 50 yards was nothing short of amazing. That experience taught me one thing. When the big bore guys stepped up, so did the target size! In all my years of shooting all kinds of weapons, I've never seen a possible shot with a big bore! Heck, even Elmer Keith admitted to that fac

So,, you agree that putting a 38 special round on target at 50 yards is a pretty skilled shot ? not sure if i understood you correctly ?...

 

[Mine Shaft]

Not to be argumentative, but assuming you measured an unfired bullet? If so, I agree 100% with your measurements and theory. However, the bullet in question has been fired, and even with no obvious impact deformations that does/can change measurements, thus the request for an “avg” diameter measurement. Additionally patina can add up to .01”, so .02” accounting for both sides of the projectile. With the color of the patina, it’s an older bullet, and given the prevalence of calibers at that time (think horse, not zebra), I’m sticking with .38.

A weight in grains couple well disprove my opinion if the OP has that capability.

Good morning, in regards to total Patina build up I would guess by the looks of the rifling not being covered up I would say the patina build up to be maybe .005 - .010 total diameter would be .370 with a total build up of patina .020 your basic debit card measures .028 and that slug is no where near that amount of patina.

 

[Picketwire]

It is probably from a .41 rimfire cartridge.

 

[Mine Shaft]

It is probably from a .41 rimfire cartridge.

Hi Picket, No such animal in a "Rim Fire" with that large of a caliber. 22 Calibers are rim fire.

 

[releventchair]

410?
40-70 Sharps?