Ammo Expert Needed

[Texas Kid]

I found this item with my ol' Bounty Hunter in the ruins of an old rock house in New Mexico. It seems to be a brass (maybe 12 gauge) shotgun shell. I found what seems to be the hull and the head piece separate, but in the the same hole. It looks as if the primer is missing and might have been re loadable. or maybe all three pieces were. I just don't know. There is no head stamp or markings of any kind. I need help with the vintage, what kind of fire arm it went in, and any other information someone might have. I think it is ammo of some sort and not a lipstick tube!!LOL!! I sure would appreciate any in put you might help me with! Thanks! The Kid

 

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[Tedyoh]

Texas - I have found 2 of these all brass 12 gauge shotgun shells, I do not know a lot about them other than they were all brass for re-loading purposes, some are over 100 years old and I think they are still available today, mine were stamped "UMC" and they were all one piece, so I'm pretty sure mine were the early style, not sure if the head could or would separate so "cleanly" on your item but I guess it is possible. I also do (or did) quite a bit of re-loading and the primer pockets do tend to loosen up (which would cause the primer to fall out in your case) over 4 to 5 reloads so who knows......if I'd have to guess by looking at your item I would say it is not a shotgun shell.....only because I do not see an extended rim on the head / no extended ridge to keep the shell from sliding down the barrel.

 

[Texas Kid]

TEDYAH,
Thanks so much for the return! I see what you're saying and it makes sense. I feel like the pieces belong together, but I'm just stumped. My other thought would maybe be an old livestock syringe used to doctor cattle,but I found no other pieces that would indicate that,all I found is what you see. Thanks again and if you have any other thoughts let me know!! The Kid .......................................................maybe it is a lipstick holder??!!??