The Minie ball is a type of conical bullet that was widely used during the American Civil War. It was designed to be more accurate and have a greater range than earlier round bullets. Made of soft lead, the Minie ball expanded upon firing, creating a tight fit in the rifle barrel, which improved its stability and accuracy. Invented by French Army officer Claude-Étienne Minié, the Minie ball revolutionized warfare by increasing the lethality of rifles. Its design allowed for faster loading and more effective shooting, contributing to the high casualty rates seen in battles during the Civil War.