Tiny fired bullet?

[DJDigger]

It appears to be a fired bullet of some sort and its smaller than a 22. I found it near Shiloh. I've heard some southerners used whatever they had but don't know what this is.

 

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[NOLA_Ken]

Need an accurate measurement of it's diameter to help you out, 5mm pinfire comes to mind though

 

[BosnMate]

Back in the 40's and 50's, probably right up until now, there were air rifle pellet guns that shot .177 lead pellets. One of those would have a hollow base like a minnie bullet, and could show rifling marks.

 

[DJDigger]

I don't know if this helps bit it's just slightly smaller than a 22 which is on the left. The lead has bright white patina so I thought it must be old.

 

[skeeterd]

BosnMate could be right. There have been all kinds of .17 caliber bullets and 5mm bullets over the years. Mostly wildcats but air rifles were the most common years ago.

 

[BosnMate]

You are comparing it with the base of a .22 case, which is a rimfire, has a rim much larger than .22. In that photo your bullet looks to me like it's close to .22 caliber. Do you have calipers to get the exact size, or if not, perhaps an empty .22 shell to compare the business end of that with your bullet.

 

[skeeterd]

Is that an unfired .22lr cartridge? I can't really tell from the photo. If it is, then your bullet may be a .22 caliber bullet or maybe even larger. All the more reason for an accurate measurement.

 

[DJDigger]

You are comparing it with the base of a .22 case, which is a rimfire, has a rim much larger than .22. In that photo your bullet looks to me like it's close to .22 caliber. Do you have calipers to get the exact size, or if not, perhaps an empty .22 shell to compare the business end of that with your bullet.

I see what you mean there. I think it is a .22 as its just about the same size of the .22 without the rim. Thanks.

 

[cti4sw]

Here are the bottoms of a .22 next to a .177:




Here they are side by side: