What is the minnie ball?

The Minié ball is a conical-shaped bullet used in the mid-19th century, particularly during the American Civil War. Designed by Claude Étienne Minié, it featured a hollow base that expanded upon firing, allowing for improved accuracy and range compared to earlier round musket balls. Its design contributed to higher lethality in battles, significantly impacting military tactics of the time. The Minié ball was typically used with rifled muskets, enhancing their effectiveness.