Bullet and Shell Civil War Projectiles Forum

Author Topic: Bullet Identification Help Requested  (Read 2503 times)

misipirelichtr

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
    • Email
Bullet Identification Help Requested
« on: August 24, 2019, 08:43:10 PM »
OK, since the leadheads have been quiet lately, thought I'd ask opinions on this carbine bullet.  Recovered in Vicksburg (on private land with permission). Dia .508  Length .868  Groove width approximately .190.  Base cast.  While at first glance it seems to be a Smith or Sharps and Hankins, it has several characteristics that seem to make it unique from either.  Any thoughts?

Tex27

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 22
Re: Bullet Identification Help Requested
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2019, 02:32:18 PM »
Starr carbine?

misipirelichtr

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
    • Email
Re: Bullet Identification Help Requested
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2019, 11:25:11 AM »
Tex27. thanks for the feedback.  I believe the groove is too well defined for a Starr unless there's a variant I'm not familiar with.  If you do have a Starr that matches up to this, I'd appreciate a photo or a reference. 

Tex27

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 22
Re: Bullet Identification Help Requested
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2019, 09:08:32 AM »
N. Miss & SC river

misipirelichtr

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
    • Email
Re: Bullet Identification Help Requested
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2019, 10:06:32 PM »
Nice - thanks.  I’ve not seen a Starr with that pronounced a groove before.  One of the reasons I posted this bullet was in hopes that someone would confirm it as being a .48 caliber Smith.  In Vol 2 of RBTRF, there is a .48 Smith with a question mark behind it illustrated.  The photo and this bullet match up pretty well.  Any other thoughts folks?