Hexagonal Whitworth Bullet

[John P]

Can any one help with information on this bullet. It weighs approx 490grs, approx .454in (11.55mm) dia, 1.46in (37.36mm) length and has a paper sleeve with "Whitworth Patent" written in old fashioned writing. At the base is a leather or felt disc with a thin metal disc with 6 small holes in. I can find general info and photos on whitworth bullets but not one that looks like this. If any one can help it would be appreciated. The .22in rimfire is for comparison.

 

[ydnum303]

Hi John P,

This may be a "clean-out" bullet, used to remove the fouling from the barrel. Although not an expert on this early ammunition, I know someone who is, and I will ask him about it.

The ordinary Whitworth bullets turn up occasionally, but the clean-out type is much less common.

Regards,
Roger.

 

[John P]

Thanks for this Roger, another avenue to go down.

 

[ydnum303]

Hi John P,

Spoke to my friend today, who confirmed that it is the patent "clean-out" bullet. Not sure when the patent would date from; probably somewhere in the 1850s.

There must be some info about this bullet somewhere on the internet, but don't know where.

Not all that helpful for you, but at least you know you have a scarce and interesting bullet from one of the pioneers of accurate long-range shooting!

Regards,
Roger

 

[John P]

Thank you once again for this. I'll let you know if I find any further information on this bullet.

Regards

John

 

[John D. Bartleson Jr.]

Good info and images here:
http://www.picketpost.com/bullets.htm

Regards,
John