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black powder rimfire cals.

53hawkeye
Have been metal detecting an old homesite. I mean 1876 old at least. (found a dime dated this old there). Have come up with two different size metallic rimfire cartridges. One is about a .32 and the other is some bigger.
How do I measure case to determine cal.? There are no marks as to cal. or manufacturer. The strike mark from firing pin looks like it was very pointed and nearly pierced the rim.

Thanks to the experts here, I always get premium advise/information.[:D]

Thanx guys,

53hawkeye
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    Get hold of a copy of "Cartridges of the World". They have a specific chapter on rimfire cartridges. Giving the dimensions of the cartridges, generally this will be diameter and length. Measure your cartridges with a dial caliper, compare the measurements with the data found in the book.
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  • v35
    Measure the overall length, the case length, and the case body diameter with a caliper or micrometer.
    There were a load of different rimfire calibers between the Civil War and WW1 so try to measure closely.
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  • rufe-snow
    Don't worry if the dimensions give in the book are slightly off from the actual dimensions of the cartridges you found. Black powder cartridges fouled very badly when shot, leaving a thick residue. Because of this manufacturers sometimes fudged the nominal dimensions so that a cartridge could still be loaded in a badly fouled chamber. Back Powder was a low pressure propellent, so they didn't worry about case failure like they would nowadays with smokeless.
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  • 53hawkeye
    Gentlemen.

    I will be getting the book "Cartridges of the World".
    Excellent advice. That'll help answer a lot of questions.

    As I said, you all can always be counted on. And with no attitude or smart azz comments.[:D]
    For all, I thank you, until you are better paid.

    53hawkeye
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Hawkeye
    The diameter just above the rim, and the bullet diameter are usually the same, and the neck diameter and the bullet diameter are always the same.
    The other dimention that needs to be noted is the length of the case itself (In just 32cal I have short, long, long rifle and extra-long loadings).
    As mentioned above the older rimfires are not held to tight dimentional tolerances, and there are a lot more of them than people realize. IE: "Bacon and Bliss", "Allen & Wheellock", are just a couple of the lesser known ones And than there is the range of calibers, 25, 30, 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 46 etc
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  • 11b6r
    In addition to Cartridges of the World, there is a small but very comprehensive hardback book by Chas Suydam- Us Cartridges and their Handguns. Lots of measurements, good pictures (black and white). Book may be out of print- see a copy come up on Amazon used now and again- or your library may be able to get it on inter-library loan.
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  • He Dog
    Wolf publications put out a book on cartridges a while back that was essentially measurements shoulder angles etc. Not sure it is still in print, but worth looking in their on-line publication list.

    P.S. If you are ever in need of smart-ass answers, we can do those pretty well too.
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  • v35
    No need to buy the book if it's just two cartridges or cases you're interested in.
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