The Minié ball is a conical bullet that was widely used during the mid-19th century, particularly in the American Civil War. It was designed to be more accurate and to expand upon firing, which increased its lethality. The bullet was named after its inventor, Claude-Étienne Minié, a French army officer. This projectile was typically fired from rifled muskets, such as the Springfield Model 1861. The rifling in the barrel allowed the Minié ball to spin, improving its stability and range. Its introduction marked a significant advancement in military technology, changing the dynamics of warfare during that era.