I was browsing through my trusty American Heritage dictionary today, and came across the word, “BB.” The definition is a standard lead shot that measures 0.18 inches in diameter. The origin of the word was listed as uncertain.
I recall reading that in the 1840’s a Frenchman by the name of Flobert invented a “bulleted breach” percussion cap (BB Cap), which was a percussion cap into which was fitted a small lead projectile. This was meant to be shot from a gun, and thus became the first metallic firearm cartridge, incidentally of the “rimfire” type.
I do not recall the caliber of Flobert’s bullet, but it was probably of the size to fit into the mouth of then current percussion caps. Probably less than a qurater inch (.25 caliber) I would guess.
As to modern BB’s, they are a bit under 0.18 inches diameter.
My AH Dictionary is from the early 1970’s. Maybe they have updated their etymology.
I read the threads from the SD archives, and I guess that my etymology is correct, and “ball bearing” is not. Thus “BB” comes from Flobert’s “Bulleted Breach” percussion Cap. I don’t know if ball bearings were commonplace, or even existed in 1874. BB caps had been around by then for 30 years…
Someone should contact the egg-head etymologists and let them know that another etymological “mystery” has been solved by one of Cecil’s teeming millions…
