R.D.: Good point about the buck and ball being mainly early war. That had slipped my mind. I’m sure some smoothbores still saw action in later years with the EMM and Confederate forces. Even as late as Price’s invasion in 1864 there were many unarmed rebels in the ranks. I would think they’d grab anything available. But in essence you’re right. The answer must lie elsewhere.

Bruce: Since the Confederates armies were often short of powder, I would not be surprised if regular soldiers underloaded sometimes too. By the way, are you going to continue your guerrilla books for the years 1864 and 1865? I hope so!

Kirby: Good point. If the men were hiding behind fences or rocks, all sorts of material might be flying at them. Plus getting hit by the actual bullet after it ricocheted would usually produce a lesser wound.