Civil War Location Finds

[bunker314]

Hi All,
I have been hitting a friends property here in the Atlanta area. This is probable the 5th or 6th time with no luck except square nails. But today I finally found what I was told was a cleaner bullet. (cotton was placed in the groove then fired, thus sort of cleaning the barrel as it exited) Correct me if I am wrong please. Also in one hole under a downed tree was the buckle and I'm not sure what the other thing is. (strap connector?)
The nails are everywhere and come in -1 to -10 low grunt to high squeal in all metal mode. The bullet was crazy sounding and jumping around from a minus to a plus 26. Air tested it at a solid 33.
Thanks for looking,
Bunker

 

[surf n turf]

Hey Bunker, in that dropped Williams "cleaner" bullet was zinc to lube the barrel. There are many dropped ones because the bottom would break off and jam the gun.

HH Dale

 

[bunker314]

Thanks Dale...I appreciate that! Kinda cool.
Bunker

 

[kschae4]

Way to go Bunky. Love old buckles. Much of that rust should come off with several electrolysis baths and using an old toothbrush.That does look like a leather strap
connector.

 

[TomH]

Bunker,

That is a Williams Type III bullet, commonly called a "cleaner" bullet. Williams patented a bullet using a zinc washer attached to the base which was intended to collapse, thereby increasing diameter, which would destroy windage and engage the rifling in the barrel. The type I was replaced by a shorter Type II, still with the washer, and finally with the type III which replaced the washer with a hardened lead disk and pin. Once the bullets were used in testing it became apparent that the washer also cleaned out fouling when fired, so even though it was not the original intent these bullets were issued as cleaners.

Nice find,
TomH

 

[bunker314]

Great info Tom, thanks!
Bunker