The majority of
battlefield recoveries of this variety of 10-pounder (2.9-inch caliber) Parrott
chilled-nose bolt projectile have been from Vicksburg, Mississippi. The purpose of this
bolt was to punch through fortifications, buildings, and other structures. The thick brass
sabot was cast flush with the bottom of the iron base with no gap or space for the
expansion gases to enter. This sabot often failed to enter the grooves of the cannon
rifling, thus affecting the range and accuracy of the fired projectile. This style of
projectile is also found in a 20-pounder (3.67-inch caliber) size.
