The Buffalo Bullet

[Tom Hughes]

I wanted to put this rifle bullet up on this thread for two reasons:
1. For me to tell you what kind of bullet I think this is.
2. For you to tell me what kind of bullet you think this is.
Either way, I hope you find it interesting.

I found this unusual bullet at a camp site used heavily during the civil war. But, occupation troops also occupied the grounds. The site was a popular place militarily for a while.

I thought I had found a standard 3 ring minie ball till I noticed that it had a solid base and evidence of "crimping" indicating that it had been in a metallic cartridge. I had never found one quite like this. I believe it is .50 calibre.
I saw a photograph of a similar bullet featured in American Digger Magazine where it was identified as a Buffalo Sharps Bullet. These bullets came out right after the civil war and were used in Sharps carbine rifles. They were military rifles but also used for hunting.
If anybody else has a different interpretation, let me know. I'm open to all suggestions.

 

[poorjack]

First thought is a 50/70. Many Sharps were converted to that right after the War.

 

[Tom Hughes]

First thought is a 50/70. Many Sharps were converted to that right after the War.

Sounds about right. Thanks.