Buck
'n Ball
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Fused Buck 'n Ball A fired .69 caliber round ball and two buckshot (Buck 'n Ball) fused together on impact. Note the indentation from where the third buckshot had broken away. This unusual artifact was found 100 yards east of West Ox Road and about 50 feet to the front of where Trimble's Brigade was positioned. |
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A "Buck 'n Ball" cartridge usually contained one .69 caliber round ball and three .22 caliber buckshot. When fired, the buckshot would spread out from the .69 ball which increased the chances of hitting the intended target(s). Although inaccurate at long range, the effect was quite devastating at close range, especially when the enemy was standing shoulder to shoulder and several ranks deep. |
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Unfired Buck 'n Balls The paper wrapping and powder had long since disintegrated leaving only the lead balls that had been wrapped inside. This grouping was found (along with many other discarded bullets) in the same section of the Confederate battleline that the fused Buck 'n Ball was found in front of. |
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 This is what the original paper cartridge would've looked like |
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Interpretation These artifacts were found where the 21st Massachusetts had encountered Trimble's Brigade east of West Ox road. Over 100 Massachusetts Volunteers fell when Trimble's Brigade fired a massive volley into their ranks at an extremely close range (about 30 to 90 feet). The "Buck 'n Ball" most likely hadn't traveled far enough for the buckshot to spread before impacting. Due to the storm the soldiers discarded quite a few paper cartridges since so many had gotten wet. Subsequently, more bullets have been recovered along the battleline than normally would have been the case . This unusual factor, along with finding the impact zones of fired bullets, made it easier to identify exactly where the combatants were positioned. Distinctive types of bullets, known to be issued exclusively for one side or the other, also helped to collaborate or expand on what occurred during the battle. |
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