What is this "bullet"?

turtlefoot · Oct 21, 2014

Okay, this "bullet" has so many problems with it, isn't funny. I will be very honest, I don't believe that it is a real bullet. I don't know if it is a degraded toy, a salesman's sample (think cut away) or ???

Here is what it is. Look at the pics below.

The headstamp reads RMP 44-40. The rim diameter is 0.395". The bullet diameter is 0.348". The complete length is 1.031". All measured with a digital caliper.

Here are my questions.

1. What is this thing?
2. What is the "rod" going from the primer area into the bullet itself.
3. What company made this thing?
4. Why does the base have a "stair step look to it"? No bullet casing I know of is like that.

The size is not right for a .44-40, bullet or rim. Any help is appreciated.

Doug

Longhair · Oct 21, 2014

Almost looks like an old "go/no go" gauge. For checking chamber OAL and headspace.
It's certainly not constructed like any fire-able cartridge.

What's the "bullet" made of?

Dsm_mechva · Oct 21, 2014

That's the craziest thing I've seen in a while Doug.

Very interesting !

coin chaser · Oct 22, 2014

Dsm_mechva said:
That's the craziest thing I've seen in a while Doug.

Very interesting !

What's that? The fact that he posted a question for bullet ID!

turtlefoot · Oct 22, 2014

Longhair said:
Almost looks like an old "go/no go" gauge. For checking chamber OAL and headspace.
It's certainly not constructed like any fire-able cartridge.

What's the "bullet" made of?

It has the look, feel and weight of lead.

Doug

jdjax · Oct 22, 2014

First off nice find. But I don't appreciate all the research you are making me do. :grin:

This caseless cartridge bullet
http://iaaforum.org/forum3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6778
makes me think that you have something like that, or maybe it was paper that contained the powder which has disintegrated.

Is the primer in it still and if so my guess is it has not been fired?

And yes that headstamp does not make any sense to me.

ctmcklowe96 · Oct 23, 2014

Very cool find, congrats!

Philbyfile · Oct 24, 2014

Doug, I looked up the RMP 44-40 (which I am sure you have done too) and found this fleabay link:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/VINTAGE-West...4-40-Bullets-WALL-HANGING-DECOR-/181287433713

unfortunately, no photos...but maybe the context in which you found it will help?

George

coin chaser · Oct 24, 2014

Man I have looked and looked and get nowhere with it! I'm starting to think it was some sort of a test round for a test gun that never made it to full production????

BottleCapKing · Oct 24, 2014

Are you sure it is a bullet and not a fuse or something like that?

turtlefoot · Oct 24, 2014

I am thinking that Philbyfile is on to something. I found a cached pic of the decorative gun and gun belt that was in the ebay auction. I cannot find a bigger version, but I think that the "bullet" that I have might have come out of it. I can see a kid trying to remove one thinking it would be real and it just being a dummy without any case.

Doug

What is this "bullet"?

turtlefoot

Headstamp Addict

Longhair

Elite Member

Dsm_mechva

coin chaser

turtlefoot

Headstamp Addict

jdjax

Full Member

ctmcklowe96

Full Member

Philbyfile

coin chaser

BottleCapKing

Elite Member

turtlefoot

Headstamp Addict

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