Nessler ball

It was developed to increase the accuracy and range of smoothbore muskets and was used in the Crimean War.

[1] It featured a short conical-cylindrical soft lead bullet, with a conical hollow in its base.

Its intended purpose was to expand under the pressure and obturate the barrel and increase muzzle velocity.

It was then rammed home with the ramrod, which ensured that the charge was packed and the hollow base was filled with powder.

[4] When fired, the expanding gas pushed forcibly on the base of the bullet, deforming it to form a better seal for consistent velocity, longer range, and accuracy.