The Shaler three piece conical bullet is one of the most interesting bullets to see service in the Civil War.  It is a multi-piece .58 caliber bullet that was invented by Reuben Shaler of New York.  After discharge, the three sections were intended to spread apart allowing for more impact points on a designated target, but with far greater accuracy than its buck ‘n ball counterpart.  The nose section was to follow the line of fire of a standard mini-ball, while the two base portions with less than perfect shape after emerging from the barrel would diverge slightly and broaden the target impact area. As the war progressed, Shaler’s bullet design evolved as he endeavored to improve its accuracy and range. 

Shaler began to market his sectional bullet to the War Department only a few months after the firing on Fort Sumter.  His sales effort was to last through the duration of the war and resulted in only lackluster interest from the Federal army.