What type of civil war bullet is this? NEVER SHOT !

[Antique lover]

I fould this in a old box of junk from a local yard sale. It looks like it was NEVER shot. Someone cut it to get the powder out. Any info would be great.

 

[srf2112]

I've never dug civil war relics but I've seen enough photos of some great finds to say I'm pretty sure that's a three-ringer. ( the slug that is )
HH
Scott

 

[GoGoGopher]

.32 Caliber Rim Fire???

 

[edjcox]

Bullet may still have perchlorate in rim area, careful!!

 

[Jim West Pa]

it was struck by another bullet. Probably used as a target.
No way to judge it's caliber without more info from you but my guess is an old .22 long.
Either way, definately not Civil war era.

 

[Jim West Pa]

a 3 ringer would not be a cartridged bullet.

 

[srf2112]

My bad, guess that is.
HH
Scott

 

[fenian13]

Sometimes when a round jams in a gun it dents in the side. My guess is it was jammed in the action and pried out. When pried out the case was split.

I have had .22 cal semi's that would do that when the action got dirty. The denting looks very similar.

Hard to tell the bullet size from the pic. If I had to guess I'd say .22 short. The case looks too short in comparison to the bullet to be a long rifle. (if it's a .22 that is)

That's my 2 cent stab at pinning the tail on the donkey.

If someone wanted to get the powder out it would be easier and less risky to just wiggle the bullet out with pliers. It can be done to a .22 with bare hands. (opened up a few when I was a kid)

 

[fenian13]

On second guess it looks too long for a short, but not long enough for a long rifle. looks more like just a .22 long as Jim West PA guessed earlier.

 

[jajayo]

Measure the diameter of the lead portion, if it's 1/2 inch I would say it's a spencer rifle round.

 

[Antique lover]

I measured it and it is 1/2 inch. I am about 99% sure it is a spencer.