This bullet I dug at a spot where 20,000 Confederates camped on their way to Gettysburg. No one seems to know what it is. It was in very clean soil and had no patina, I have not cleaned it. We have found others like it but they were in rough shape and disfigured.
It's modern. Looks like it's probably a .38. There have been thousands of that type and caliber made over the years. The .38 Special was the standard service cartridge of most police departments in the United States from the 1920s until after the Korean War, probably into the 60's and was also a common sidearm cartridge used by soldiers in WWI. My uncle was a marine in WWII and he carried my fathers .38 police revolver on Guam and Iwo Jima, but by the the standard issue was the .45 Colt.
The Spot I found it is within the Borough limits ...I wonder what it is doing at a Confederate camp site. Especially with all the musket balls and 2 ringers we have found. Now I am even more confused but thank you BosnMate!!
BosnMate is dead on. Have worked in and around the gun business a big part of my life as well as hunting CW relics for over 20. Still doesn't make me an expert but feel very comfortable in agreeing with him. I have found many modern bullets, coins, and trash in CW sites.
Look up Lyman 358311 bullet mold and I think you will agree. To my knowledge every bullet company has a close variant of what is considered the standard 38 special load but this is a good example.
You guys are awesome...sucks I dont have a civil war bullet but id rather know I don't than claim it is and it not be. Thank you guys for all the help! I still want to know why this was in the borough though haha! Who shoots those off in town!
Some knuckle head on New Years Eve, shooting into the air, or a cop shooting at a bad guy, or a bad guy shooting someone, or somebody accidentally discharging a weapon. Any number of reason, your guess is as good as the next guys. The condition of the bullet looks like it was pretty well spent when it hit the ground though, so possibly a shot into the air.