The bullet that killed Lincoln

[Wesley Harris]

(12-12-2014 07:37 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Wes Harris has done extensive studies on the weapons, etc. He's the expert to clarify this.

Jim's explanation is correct. Modern ammunition is made to fit modern weapons. In the 1860s, if you attempted to load a .44 ball in a .44 pistol, you'd have to use a hammer to pound it in. The ball had to be smaller than the barrel and since each ball was made individually by hand, sizes varied slightly. The smaller size also had to account for cloth or paper wadding that went in with every ball.

Since the ball was misshapen by striking Lincoln's head, an exact measurement of its original size is impossible. It has also corroded and oxidized over time so it's actually slightly smaller now than in 1865.

I think Dr. Lattimer was relying on earlier reports that it was Britannia metal. It was tested in the 70s by the Air Force--it's 98% lead.