Strange bullets and pick

[Arthur-Canada]

I was out the other day detecting in the forest and hit on a really strange collection of bullets. 8 of these bullets were found in the same hole down about 6 inches and as deep as most of the musket balls found in that forest (just on top of the clay/sand layer below the topsoil). The one on the right with the rings on it was found later in a different spot. They look like some sort of musket bullet, but with a flat head and rifling on the outside of the bullet. I don't think they would have been shot already because how could they all end up together in the same hole?

Also found this strange looking pick in that forest a while back. The handle appears to be solid brass or copper as well as the shaft part. On the underside it says "3/4 15 20". I thought it might be something used to clean out the hole on the musket under the flintlock, but the number stamping is very precise suggesting something newer than war of 1812 era.

 

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[timekiller]

All modern wad cutter bullets,that's been shot.Looks like in the 30 cal. range 32-38etc.
Take Care,
Pete,

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

The bullets are hollow-base wadcutters used for target pistol shooting. 1930's to present.

I don't think they would have been shot already because how could they all end up together in the same hole?

Good shooting.

The pick. Much harder to say. If the shaft diameter is 1/16" or maybe 5/64" then it could be a vent pick, but usually they lack a large handle and invariably have a way to attach them to a chain or string. But not always. Could also be an oil applicator (top was the bottle plug). I don't have a guess at this time. Possibly some kind of alignment tool.

 

[timekiller]

May have been a snake on the ground & they wanted to make sure it was dead. Or like me & just get bored & shoot for no reason.

 

[dozer dan]

lead bolt anchors?

 

[Kieth-Tx]

That was my first thought also Dan...but they would have holes all the way through. I believe they are right...wadcutter bullets...you can see the rifleing.

 

[digging wv]

Doesn't really looks like a used bullet. Why would a bullet have three areas of rifling marks with no twist? I would lean towards some type of anchor or plug also.

 

[aka da Prof]

as for anchors, you can see the flair at one end on some of them, though, I have yet seen any like them in my line line of day work--- da Prof

 

[digging wv]

I wonder what those grooves (or whatever) that run about 3/4's of the way up them? May be a clue there to the mystery

 

[d2]

The one on the far right has grooves and those are called gas checks they are usually filled with grease of some type to help keep the barrel from fouling. The other "lines" are cannelure's and are used for seating the bullet in the brass case when they are reloaded. They are bullets...d2

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Doesn't really looks like a used bullet. Why would a bullet have three areas of rifling marks with no twist? I would lean towards some type of anchor or plug also.

The "rings" or grooves are knurling for lube. These are swaged - not cast - and have been so since the 1930's.

Trust me, I buy them in boxes of 500 and have fired thousands and thousands of these. They are hollow-based wadcutter bullets.

PS = the rod shown earlier could be a burnisher for hand plane and wood scraper blades.

 

[Monty]

Charley P is absolutely correct. The bullets are swagged from pure lead with the marks that are there to hold bullet lube so they won't lead up the barrel of the gun. They are usually fired at lower than normal velocity ergo they don't get deformed as much. Monty

 

[Arthur-Canada]

The pick. Much harder to say. If the shaft diameter is 1/16" or maybe 5/64" then it could be a vent pick, but usually they lack a large handle and invariably have a way to attach them to a chain or string. But not always. Could also be an oil applicator (top was the bottle plug). I don't have a guess at this time. Possibly some kind of alignment tool.

I cleaned up this "pick" device and discovered something written around the rim at the top of the plug (--- NUPRO ---). On the underside where the pick part comes out it clearly says "3/4" then "15 20". The whole unit is definitely brass.

 

[timekiller]

Might be some part of a valve as that's what comes up when looking for (--- NUPRO ---). The bullets are bullets (wadcutters).No doubt.

 

[Monty]

Well gosh dang time killer, you are a little late! But thanks for the pictures. Monty

 

[timekiller]

Well gosh dang time killer, you are a little late! But thanks for the pictures. Monty

Late? I was First!!!
Take Care,
Pete,

 

[Monty]

No, I thought of it first, just didn't post it first. What's the matter, can't you read minds? My goof, I was misreading the earlier plosts I guess? Or I am nuts. Probably the later! M nty