Just a cursory statement, but .357 is the standard .38 special bore diameter, which was and is the most common police revolver. Not to be confused with a .357 magnum round which has a flat "meplat", or tip. The one you describe has a rounded tip so it seems to be a .38 Special round. These were introduced in the late 19th century as a service round for the occupying forces of the Phillipines. It became, and remains the most common revolver round in use throughout the world. So, unfortunately whether it is a police round or not is probably not decipherable from the bullet alone.

Sean M.A. Doyle
Historic Resources Specialist
SWCA Environmental Consultants
Broomfield, CO 80021
Office: 303.487.1183 x1449
Mobile: 720.394.6021


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stacy Kozakavich
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 12:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Single Bullet ID?

Hello Listmembers,

One of my neighbors here in Oakland, CA found a bullet in his yard a few years ago and is curious if one can tell what kind of weapon it was fired from. I'm not an ammunition analyst by any stretch, so I thought I'd put the question out to the many capable historical archaeologists on the list in case any of you is feeling generous with your expertise. (and no, this isn't a "backyard digger" scenario - the thing popped out during gardening and the homeowner is mostly curious if it came from a police revolver).

The bullet dimensions are .356" (9.05mm) diameter and .704" (17.88mm) length.  It has a rounded tip, and two rows of crimp marks from the cartridge at about 3mm and 6mm (or about 1/8" and 1/4") from the base. 

I welcome either ideas as to the type of firearm this came from, or pointers to bullet identification resources. Everything I have in my library/links has to do with cartridges.

Thanks in advance,
Stacy Kozakavich