Ballistics

Ballistics

Firearm Identification

Determining whether a bullet or cartridge

was fired by a particular weapon
Includes:
1. All types of weapons
2. Restoring serial numbers
3. Detection of gunpowder residue
4. Establishment of muzzle to target
distances.

Bullet Identification
1.

2.
3.

Gun barrel is
hollowed out by
drilling
Bore interior of
firearm barrel
Rifling the spiral
groves that are
formed in the bore
of a firearm barrel to
impact a spin to the
projectile when fired.

Bullet Identification
4.

5.

Grooves the cut

or low-lying
portions between
the lands in the
rifle bore
Lands the raised
portions between
the groves in a
rifled bore

Bullet Identification
6.

Caliber The diameter of the bore of a

rifled firearm. Usually expressed in
hundredths of an inch or millimeters.
Ex. 22 caliber, or 9mm

7.

A bullet is impressed with the rifling

markings of the barrel when it emerges from
the weapon. The are called striation
markings.

Bullet Identification
8.

9.

No Two rifled barrels, even those

manufactured in succession will have
identical striation markings.
Examination of bullets are done using a
comparison microscope. Two bullets can
be observed and compared at the same
time using these microscopes.

Examinations Conducted

Firearm is fired several

times into water tank
Fired standards are
examined for unique
striated marks and
patterns
Compare bullets using
a macroscope

Macroscope

Magnification
of 5X 40X
Stage allows
bullets to be
moved in all
directions

Class vs. Individual Characteristics

Class
Caliber
Rifling
Cartridge Casing
Individual

marks produced by the random

imperfections or irregularities of tool
surfaces.
They are unique to that tool and
distinguish it from all other tools.

Anatomy
of a
Bullet

Types of Bullets

Jacketed Bullets
Hard jacket covering a core of lead (or steel)
Covering not easily removed
Jacket made of copper, nickel, aluminum, steel

Copper jacketed
full-metal-case bullet

Winchester "Silver-tip"
nickel-plated copper
jacket bullet

Copper plated
steel jacketed bullet

Types of Bullets

Non-Jacketed bullets
Made primarily of lead
Can be coated with bronze or brass (copper washed)

Plain Lead
Round-nosed bullet

Copper-washed or "Lubaloy"
lead round-nosed bullet

Bullet Shapes

Shape of bullet is determined by variances in the

nose and the base
Two most common shapes

Round nosed lead

Full Metal Jacket

So whats a hollow point bullet?

Hollow point bullet

When the bullet hits the target it expands to
twice its original size (mushrooming)
Bullets designed to expand usually have a hollow
cavity formed into the nose of the bullet

Speer Gold-Dot Jacketed

Hollow-point bullet

Blank Ammunition

Rifling Impressions

Count the number of lands

and grooves around the
circumference of the bullet

Measure width of marks etc.

Determine the direction of

the twist along the bullet
(to the left/right) as well as
the pitch/angle of twist

Bullet Comparison

Bullet was fired from the firearm

Bullet could neither be identified nor
eliminated as having been fired from Exhibit
firearm (inconclusive)
Bullet was not fired from firearm

Cartridge Cases

As soon as cartridges are loaded into a firearm

the potential for the transfer of unique tool
marks (identifiable marks) exists.
Any surface of the cartridge case that meets the
inner workings of the firearm may be marked.

Cartridge Cases
Can be made of brass, steel or plastic
When a bullet is fired, the spent cartridge
case is pushed against the breech block
The back of the barrel. And is impressed
with its markings.
Examined using comparison
microscope/macroscope

Cartridge Case Markings

Striated Action Marks - scratches

Chamber marks
Shear marks
Firing pin drag marks
Extractor marks
Ejector marks

Impressed Action Marks indented

Ejector, breech, firing pin impressions

Impressions

Striations

Cartridge Case Identification

Cartridge case was identified as having been

fired by firearm
Class and Individual characteristics match

Cartridge Case Identification

Cartridge case could neither be identified

nor eliminated as having been fired by
firearm. (inconclusive)
Comparison lacks individual characteristics

Cartridge Case Identification

Cartridge case was not fired by firearm.

No class or individual characteristics

Cartridge Case Identification

Cartridge case was identified as having

passed through the action of firearm.
Loaded and unloaded ammunition

Automated Firearm Search Systems

Drug Fire used by the FBI

IBIS used by the ATF
Both
a. Work similarly to AFIS
b. Narrow list of suspects.
c. Ultimate decision made by forensic
examiner.

Gunpowder Residue
1.
2.

3.

Need to find the point shot was fired.

When gun is fired, unburned and partially
burned particles of gunpowder in
addition to smoke are sent out of the
barrel with the bullet.
Chemically test for particles on suspects
body, entrance holes on victim or target.

Gunpowder Residue
3.

4.

Residue can be found on those

around shooter.
Revolver spreads more residue.

Distance Determination

The process of determining the distance

between the firearm and target, usually
based on the distribution of powder
patterns or the spread of a shot pattern.
Primer and powder residues may stick
to bullet gradually fall off leaving a
path up to 200 meters.
Can be more accurate if weapon is
found

Testing for Residue

Greiss Test
A chemical test to develop patterns of
gunpowder resides around bullet
holes.
Chemically test for deposits of
barium, lead and Antimony.

Collection and Preservation of

Firearm Evidence
Firearms

Safety First
Record:
1.
2.
3.

Hammer and Safety Position

Location of fired and unfired
ammunition.
If revolver: Chamber Position.

Tag it and place it in bag and develop

chain of custody

Collection and Preservation of

Firearm Evidence
Ammunition
Most

important: protect class and

individual markings on bullets and
cartridges.
Must be carefully removed from victim
or other material
Wrap in tissue or filter paper and is
placed in small box or envelope so it
cannot move around during transport.

Collection and Preservation of

Firearm Evidence

Gunpowder deposits.
Victims

clothing items around

shooters location or victim.
Each item placed in separate plastic
bag.