Bullet casing and button help needed.

[CliffHanger]

The casing has no writing on the base. I'd like to know the caliber and when it was made.
[attachment 79857 BulletCasing02.JPG] [attachment 79858 BulletCasing03.JPG]

The Button says VIRGINIA SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS on the top and SUPERIOR QUALITY on the back. Is it genuine?
[attachment 79859 SemperButton01.JPG] [attachment 79860 SemperButton02.JPG]

Thanks for your input

CliffHanger

 

[d-2]

Button looks good to me, the shell could be a .25-20 carrtridge but I cant tell...d2

 

[brnn53]

Can't help with the shell casing. I can't find the button in Albert's book. I would say it is not CW but I could be wrong. Ask my wife!
Mike

 

[tonyb]

Seen another button like that on another forum but don't remember which one.

 

[spittenred]

n/t

 

[Lt4ever]

It difinately looks like an origional Virginia coat button civil war era.

 

[jdstawker]

The casing is a bottle neck casing and is probably a 44-40 WCF or a 38-40 WCF. Both were loaded by winchester. the 44-40 is a 44 caliber round originally loaded with 40 grains of black powder. The 38-40 is a 40 caliber round originally loaded with 38 grains of black powder. Both cases had the same rim diameter and were both the same length. Only difference is the caliber. Hard to tell the difference between 44 and 40 caliber in a picture.

Look down inside the case and see if the primer pocket seems to stick up from the base with space around it. If so it is a Balloon head case and would lead to thinking it was older. If the bottom of the inside is flat with a hole it the case is a modern case. Also check and see if it is copper or brass. Copper cases were used early on but then switched to brass.

See if there are any Cowboy Action Shooters where you live or work. Find somebody into Black powder cartridges and they should be able to help you further identifiy your case.