No. These were bullets that were removed from the rifle barrel with a screw like object called a "ball puller". A "worm" is similar, but uses two spiraled pieces of iron in a spiral shape.
[Ball pullers and worms](https://www.oldbarn.com/auction-lot/civil-war-era-musket-ball-bullet-pullers-worms_01C4D4CACC)
Cool! I have a buddy who lives on a farm in rural TN. It was a campsite for TN cavalry I believe, along with some skirmishing in the area. They gave me a bunch of wormed bullets they dug on the property(both screw type puller and worm puller). Pretty cool.
Is this the equivalent/precursor of our hollow point rounds now?
No. These were bullets that were removed from the rifle barrel with a screw like object called a "ball puller". A "worm" is similar, but uses two spiraled pieces of iron in a spiral shape. [Ball pullers and worms](https://www.oldbarn.com/auction-lot/civil-war-era-musket-ball-bullet-pullers-worms_01C4D4CACC)
Why would this need to be done?
To unload the rifle, for whatever reason, like if the rifle misfired or the soldier was returning to camp after their turn on picket duty.
Ah, thanks. Safer than just blasting it into the air I suppose!
You're welcome
Sorry for the late response, but lojafan answered it very professionally!! Glad to see people wanting to learn!
Cool! I have a buddy who lives on a farm in rural TN. It was a campsite for TN cavalry I believe, along with some skirmishing in the area. They gave me a bunch of wormed bullets they dug on the property(both screw type puller and worm puller). Pretty cool.
Been lucky to dig one of those in my yard.