Randy,

Since I worked on a bombing range and watched EOD in action my first reaction would be if it has not been 'safed' by a professional you'd better kept it at a distance and do not handle it. Even Civil War ear shells still can explode and many have killed the innocent mule. This may not be that old and you need to get it identified quickly.

With the warning made...

Many shells have types of descriptions you gave. To identify it you need to post exact deminsions. Length, and diameter are a must.

Does the shell come to a sharp point or a rounded or flat face? Is it shaped like a bullet? Is the bottom of the shell square with the edge or does it slope inward? Is the hole you mention on the edge or in the middle of the bottom?

Need a picture.

_____________________
David Upton