Need help please. How can i identify a lead ball

[Anonymous]

How can i tell if its a musket ball or a lead ball for some other purpose. It is just over a half inch in die, its lead gray not whiteish, found 2 inches deep,no dents, small little dimple crater,i can just barely make out the mold seam, found in the woods about fifty yards from creek, very little trash in the area., Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

If it's "lead gray" like you explained, then it's more likely to be a recent musketball.

 

[Anonymous]

Do a google search on civil war bullet and musket balls.You should find out fast.Very good pictures will show.
GOOD HUNTING
Jim Pa

 

[Anonymous]

sorry,couldn't resist.gotta agree with tim,no oxidation would indicate to me it's recent.slightly over a half inch would make it a 54 calibre or there aboutsi don't know a lot about relics but i do shoot muzzleloaders a lot.probably dropped by a hunter.

 

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

Sounds like what Jim/MO suggests: a modern musket ball. However, I had dug CW era bullets that didn't come out of the ground oxidized. Usually the soil will be very damp or acidic. Hang on to it. If you ever dig a CW era bullet/ball you'll have something to compare it to. Take your ball to a Gun Shop and ask them to weigh your ball in grains. Get an accurate measurement with calipers. Retain this info to compare with future finds. Good hunting, David @ Dixie