Musket Ball?

[dlh]

I was out for a spell with my Vaquero today trying to learn its language. I was in an area that at one time had a grist mill, c1765. In 1777, along the stream that powered this mill, George Washington entrenched over 10,000 troops for battle. I found the target shown in photos about 100 yards from this stream. Could this be a musket ball? I thought they were made mainly from lead and lead didn't rust. I know nothing about ammunition or firearms so I thought I would ask here. Could this be a musket ball or some type of early shot?

Thanks
Denis

 

[WV62]

I would think it is not a musket ball, my guess it may be a bearing ball.

 

[jabbo]

Musket balls are made of lead. Lead turns white after being in the soil many years.

 

[dlh]

Thanks.....They were my my thoughts also, but didnt hurt to ask.

Denis

 

[hershey1]

Small cannister ball. They were made of different sizes and fired in mortars and artillery like shotgun pellets. Very effective in close range combat. The most common size we find is a little larger than a golf ball but have found a lot around one inch. CW relic shows usually have a lot of different sizes displayed. Look closely in the area where you found that one because you may be close to a skirmish or battle site. HH

 

[dlh]

It is funny you say that about the cannister ball. I was told the same thing by someone I was on the phone with this morning. He is a Revolutionary War buff. This ball is much smaller than an inch though.
Would a cannister shot been used during the Revolutionary War? There was troop entrenchment in the area.