The type of bullet that was named after an arsenal near Calcutta is the Minié ball. The Minié ball was a type of muzzle-loading rifle bullet named after the French inventor Claude-Étienne Minié. The Minié ball was designed to be used in the Enfield rifle, which was a popular firearm during the American Civil War. The Minié ball was developed at the Dum Dum Arsenal near Calcutta, India, in the mid-19th century. The Dum Dum Arsenal was known for its innovation in weaponry, and the Minié ball was one of its most famous creations. The bullet was designed to be more accurate and deadly than previous bullets, making it a game-changer in the world of firearms. The Minié ball was conical in shape, with a hollow base that expanded upon firing to engage with the rifling of the gun barrel. This allowed for greater accuracy and range, as well as increased velocity and stopping power. The Minié ball quickly became the standard ammunition for military rifles of the time, including the Enfield rifle used by both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. The Minié ball's devastating impact on the battlefield led to calls for its ban due to its ability to cause severe injuries and fatalities. The Hague Convention of 1899 outlawed the use of expanding bullets in warfare, including the Minié ball, due to their inhumane effects on soldiers. Despite its controversial history, the Minié ball remains a significant development in the evolution of firearms technology. Its impact on military tactics and strategy cannot be understated, and its legacy continues to be felt in modern ballistics research. To learn more about the Minié ball and its impact on warfare, visit HistoryNet for detailed information on its history and usage. Additionally, Encyclopedia Britannica offers a comprehensive overview of the Minié ball and its significance in the history of firearms.

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