Need Bullet ID

[myelo1023]

Okay, found this in New Caney, texas at a construction site where they had dug about over 4 fee of dirt. Hit the pit and found this lead about 4 inches deeper. too small for me to identify, so wanted to see you anyone else could. I photoed it next to a dime. It has 3 grooves and a a solid base. if you have a clue what it is and how old, I'd much apprciate it. Thanks. Susan

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Treasure of Victoria Peak - Grab it through Amazon!

[ivan salis]

the 3 ringer type flat base style makes me think older blackpowder type bullet --- looks like a partial bullet broken off a bit -- put it on a ruler to see how wide it is 5/16 (32 cal) or so up to say 7/16 (44 cal)of an inch --pistol--- above 7/16 (44 cal) and up most likely rifle --Ivan

heres the spot to assist you with CW era bullet iding it got a HUGE data base --you can thank me later
http://www.baymediapro.com/collection/bullet_weapon_list.asp

 

[duggap]

Assuming it is civil war era, which I can't say for sure from the pictures, I would guess a Merrill or Spencer carbine bullet. The base doen't look high enough to be the Merrill but it is fired and that will distort the bullet. And there might even have been some Merrill with a higher base.

 

[myelo1023]

Well, the bullet only measures 1/4 inch (.25 cal?). can't find anything in that reference that small, so I'm guessing it's not a great find....still would like to know what it is though. Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[myelo1023]

Re-measured...it's closer to .312

 

[ivan salis]

31-32 cal was a common size for small caliber civil war "cartridge" pistols --- like the 32 smith and wesson --- rim fire ---it was a early cartridge round started in 1861 .

also 32, 36 and 44 caliber were other very common "blackpowder" or non cartidge pistol bullet sizes

highly common rifle calibers were---44 to 54 --58 and 69 cal

there were also many oddball guns of various caliber sizes and types used too.

 

[myelo1023]

Oh wow, that would be so cool!!!!! it would be my best find then. thanks for the help!

 

[AZ-Mtnman]

Since the front part of the bullet is missing, if you could give a length from the base to the top ring, that would help. Most of the bullets made for rifles (muzzle-loaders) had a hollow base to help the bullet expand during firing to grip the rifling, so my guess would be the 32-20 Winchester introduced in 1882. If you could weigh the bullet you have, that may tell you which load it was since they offered it in either 85 or 110 gr bullets.