Area: Forensic Ballistics

Content: Branches of Ballistics, History of Forensic Ballistics, Firearms, Ammunition, Crime Scene Search,
Gunshot Residue Analysis, Examination of Evidence, Ballistic Exhibit

I. Definitions and Branches (c) Trajectory- it is the actual curved path of

the bullet
A. Definitions (d) Range- it is the straight distance between
the muzzle and the target
Forensic Ballistics is the science of 1. Effective range- the
firearms identification which involves the distance in which the
scientific examination of fired bullets, fired shells, shooter has total control of
firearms, and other allied matters the target
2. Maximum range-the
Ballistics- the study of motion of projectile farthest distance the bullet
Forensic- application of science (knowledge and can travel
technology) to law, to settle legal issues for the (e) Velocity- it is the speed of the bullet per
administration of justice unit of time
Science- it is the systematic body of knowledge (f) Air Resistance- it is the atmospheric
Motion- it refers to movements of the bullet resistance encountered by the bullet
during its flight
Types of Motion (g) Pull of Gravity- it is the downward force
 Direct- it is the forward motion of the that let the bullet drops
bullet caused by exploding force of (h) Penetration- it is the depth of entry of the
gunpowder. bullet to the target
 Rotary/ Rotational- it is the spinning
movement of the bullet during its flight 3. Terminal Ballistics- it is the branch of
due to helical formation of rifling. ballistics that has attributes and properties
 Translational- it is the deflecting of when the bullet has strike the target.
bullet from the target upon its strike to an (a) Terminal Accuracy- it is the grouping of
object causing it to failure of hitting the the bullets to the target
target. (b) Terminal Velocity- it is the speed of the
bullet when it hit the target
B. Branches of Ballistics (c) Terminal Energy- it is the energy of the
1. Internal Ballistics- it is the branch of bullet when it hit the target
ballistics that have attributes and properties (d) Terminal Penetration- it is the depth of
when the bullet is moving inside the firearm. the bullet when it penetrated the target
Attributes
(a) Firing pin hitting the primer 4. Forensic Ballistics- it is the study of firearm
(b) Ignition of priming mixture identifications
(c) Combustion of gunpowder (a) Field investigation- it is the branch
(d) Expansion of heated gas of forensic ballistics that concerns on
(e) Pressure develops the collection of physical evidence
(f) Energy generated from the crime scene
(g) Recoil of the gun (b) Technical Examination- it is the
(h) Velocity of the bullet inside the barrel analysis, evaluation and comparison
(i) Rotation of the bullet of the physical evidence submitted to
(j) Engraving of cylindrical surface of the the crime laboratory
bullet (c) Court Presentation- it is the
presentation of ballistic exhibit to the
2. External Ballistics- it is the branch of court
ballistics that has attributes and properties
when the bullets is moving during its flight. 5. Shot Ballistics- it is the new branch of
Attributes ballistics that deals with the study of smooth
(a) Muzzle Blast- it is the noise created in bored firearms.
the muzzle of the firearm
(b) Muzzle Energy- it is the energy created
in the muzzle of the firearm
Classes of Shotgun Projectiles

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  Birdshot- a projectile that are typically
smaller and more numerous &
commonly use for hunting
 Buckshot- a projectile that is larger than
birdshot and commonly use in law
enforcement and home defense.
 Single Projectile (Rifled slug) – a slug
for shotgun.
Gauge
Gauge is the nominal caliber of shotgun
expressed in the ratio of weight of a lead ball
to a pound whose diameter is equal to the bore.
Grade of Barrel’s Choke
 Unchoked
 Choked
6. Wound Ballistics- it is the new branch of
ballistics that deals with the study of the
effects of gunshot to human body
Gunshot Wound- it is a wound incurred by a person
due to gunshot
Types of Gunshot Wound
 Entrance Wound- wound in which the
bullet has entered
 Exit Wound- wound in which the bullet went
out
Types According to Range
 Contact discharge- pressed against the skin
up to 2 inches
 Close discharge- 2 to 6 inches
 Distant discharge- beyond 6 inches
Features of GSW
 Permanent Cavity- it is the damage in the
skin incurred by the bullet
 Contact Ring- burns incurred due to the
contact of bore to the skin
 Grey Ring- dirt deposits at the margin of
wound composed of oil and scrape metals
filing
 Micro Tears- small tears at the margin
usually caused by high velocity rifle
 Branding- burning of wound caused by hot
gases from gunpowder
 Tattooing- deposition of unburned
gunpowder around the wound
 Smudging- deposition of smoke around the
wound
Factors that affect GSW
As to Target’s strength
 Density of organ
 Length of tissue
 Nature of media (air or water)
As to the Bullet Characteristic
 Bullet Mass
 Energy & Speed of the Bullet
 Size and Shape of Bullet
 Movement ofBullet
II. History of Firearm identification
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
1889- Alexander Lacassagne attempted to
individualize bullets to firearm; the basis of comparison
is the lands and grooves marks found in the bullet
1898- Paul Jesrich–took microphotograph of two
bullets for comparison
1910- Victor Balthazard used enlarge photograph of
bullets to determine the type of weapons
1920- Calvin Goddard, Charles Waite and Phillip
Gravell developed the bullet comparison microscope
and established the Bureau of Forensics on 1923
1926- Goddard took over the Bureau and used the
findings of ballistics examination by using the bullet
comparison microscope in the case of Saco and
Venzetti
1991- Walsh Automation Inc. developed the
Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)
1999- A memorandum of understanding between FBI
and ATF to use the National Integrated Ballistics
Network
Important Personalities in Firearms
Col. Calvin H. Goddard MD - Father of Modern
Ballistics
Horace Smith – Founder of Smith and Wesson and
Pioneered the making id the Breech-loading rifles.
Daniel B. Wesson – Partner of Smith in revolver
making.
John M. Browning – Wizard of modern firearms and
pioneered the breech-loading single shot rifle.
John T. Thompson – Pioneered the Making of
Thompson Submachine Gun.
David “carbine” Williams – Maker of the first
known carbine.
Alexander John Forsyth – Father of the Percussion
ignition
Elisha King Root – Designed the Machinery for
making Colt firearms.
Samuel Colt – Produced the first practical revolver.
Henry Deringer – He gave his name to whole class
of firearms.
Hiram Maxim – Automatic machine gun
James Wolf – Model 1885 rifle musket
III. Firearms
A. Definition
Firearm- an instrument designed to propel bullets
using the expansive force of gunpowder
B. Typologies
i. Two Groups of Firearms
ii. Long Arms/ Shoulder Arms– firearms
meant to be fired from shoulder
(a) Rifles- firearms that have single
chamber, rifled barrel and barrel
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 length of at least twenty two inches
(22 inch.)
(b) Carbines- firearms that have
specifications similar to the rifles
except that the barrel length that does
not exceed more than 22 inches.
(c) Shotgun- a smooth bored firearm
that can propel pellets in one shot
(d) Machine Gun-a firearm that is
primarily used for military that can
propel large amount of bullets
(e) Sub Machine Gun- a firearm that
has mechanical specification similar
to machine gun but propels handgun
bullets
iii. Short Arms/ Hand Arms
(a) Pistol- a single chambered, firearm
with charging slide and magazine fed
mechanism
(b) Revolver- a firearm with revolving
cylinder containing chambers and the
actuation of hammer and rotation of
cylinder
2. General Classification (internal construction)
i. Smooth bored firearm- firearms in
which the muzzles have no rifling
ii. Rifled Arms- firearms in which the
muzzles have rifling
3. Main Types of Firearms (acc. to
caliber/projectile propelled)
i. Artillery- firearms in which the caliber is
greater than one inch
ii. Small Arms- firearms in which the
caliber is less than one inch
4. Classification according to Trigger
mechanism
i. Single Action- firearm in which the
trigger releases only the hammer
ii. Double Action – firearm in which trigger
both pulls and releases the hammer
5. Types According to Mechanical Construction
i. Single shot firearms- a firearm that can
discharge one bullet per loading
ii. Repeating Arms- a firearm that can
discharge several bullets per loading
iii. Bolt Action Type- a firearm that has
outside bolt that is being pulled manually
to load and eject ammunitions
iv. Lever Action Type- a firearm in which
the loading and ejecting of ammunition is
manipulated by moving the outside lever
placed adjacent to trigger and handle
v. Slide Action Type- a firearm in which the
loading and ejecting is performed by
pulling the handle below the barrel line.
vi. Semi Automatic Type- it is the firearm
that propels single bullet in one squeeze
of trigger
vii. Automatic Type- it is the firearm that
continuously propels bullets while there
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
are available ammunitions in stock and
the trigger is pressed.
C. Parts of Firearm
1. Pistol
i. Frame Assembly- this consists of main
frame, hand grip, charging spring,
magazine well, hammer, main spring,
trigger, trigger guard, thumb safety
button, slide release button, magazine
release button, and side straps
ii. Slide Assembly- it consists of top strap,
ejecting port, ejector, extractor, charging
grip, front sight, rear sight, breech, firing
pin and firing pin spring
iii. Barrel Assembly- it consists of the barrel
tube, chamber, bore, muzzle and rifling
iv. Magazine Assembly- it consists of
magazine case, ramp, spring, magazine
lips and magazine butt
2. Revolver
i. Frame Assembly- it consists of frame,
hand grip, side strap main spring,
hammer, trigger, trigger guard, top strap,
cylinder release notch, and rear sight
ii. Barrel assembly- it consists of barrel
tube, bore, muzzle, rifling, and front sight
iii. Cylinder Assembly- it consists of
cylinder, chambers, ejector, ejector spring
and yoke
3. Long arms
i. Frame Assembly- it consists of frame,
shoulder butt, trigger, trigger guard, rear
sight and fore handle
ii. Barrel Assembly- it consists of barrel
tube, bore, muzzle, rifling, front sight and
chamber
iii. Stock Assembly- it consists of bolt,
hammer, firing pin, firing pin spring.
IV. Ammunitions
A. Definitions
Ammunition- is the complete unfired
unit composed of cartridge shell, bullet, primer and
gunpowder.
B. Parts of Ammunition
1. Bullet- it serves as the projectile of the
ammunition
2. Shell- it is the metallic case that holds the parts
into one complete unit
3. Gunpowder- it is the propellant that moves
the bullet upon its combustion
4. Primer- it is the part of ammunition that
ignites the propellant
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 C. Types
1. According to Power
i. Low power-cartridge that has a muzzle
velocity of less than 1,850 fps.
ii. High Power- cartridge that has a muzzle
velocity between 1,925 fps and 2,500 fps.
iii. High Intensity- cartridge that has a
muzzle velocity of more than 2,500 fps
2. According to Firearm where it is used
i. Handgun Ammunition- these are
ammunitions used in handguns usually
with straight shaped shells
ii. Rifle Ammunition- these are
ammunitions that are used in long arms
with bottle necked shell and pointed/ or
boat tail shaped bullets.
iii. Shotgun Ammunition- these are
ammunitions for shotguns with straight
shaped shells with wad inside the shell
that pushed the pellets upon combustion
of gunpowder.
D. Bullet
1. Definition
Bullet- it is the metallic or non metallic
cylindrical part of ammunition that serves as
its projectile
2. Parts
i. Base- it is the part of the bullet that
receives the impact of explosion of
gunpowder
ii. Heel- it is the part of bullet where the heel
and bearing surface meet
iii. Bearing Surface-it is the peripheral part
of bullet that encounters friction with the
muzzle surface when the bullet moves
iv. Core- it is the mass part of the bullet
v. Cannelure-a depression around the
bearing surface that locks the bullet to the
crimp during manufacture process
vi. Shoulder- it is the meeting point between
ogive and bearing surface
vii. Head Height-it is the length of the head
between the bearing surface towards the
point
viii. Ogive-it is the curved part of the bullet
extending from shoulder towards the nose
ix. Nose/Point- it is the most anterior part of
the bullet that hits directly the target
x. Meplat- it is the diameter of the bullet’s
nose.
3. Types
i. According to mechanical Structure
(a) Lead Bullet- the type of bullet that is
made up of lead, tin and steel
(b) Jacketed Bullet- type of bullet that is
covered by copper/nickel strips that
prevents it to be dismembered
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ii. Types According to Shape of Nose
(a) Round
(b) Pointed
(c) Flat
(d) Hollow Point
(e) Wad
(f) Semi Wad
iii. Types According to Shape of Base
(a) Flat base
(b) Round Base
(c) Hollow base
(d) Boat tail
iv. Other Types
(a) Armor Piercing- a bullet designed to
penetrate armors
(b) Tracer bullet- bullet that illuminates
when discharge to guide the shooter
whether the bullets strikes the target
or not
(c) Incendiary bullet- bullet that
explodes due to explosives in the core
and fuse at the nose.
(d) Fragmentary Bullet- bullet that
dismember when it strike the target
(e) Soft Point- bullet that has a hollow
point but has a rubber that expands to
avoid penetration beyond the
targeted human
E. Shell
1. Definition
Shell/ Casing- it is the container for the
ammunition and holds all the parts together.
2. Parts
i. Mouth- it is the opening where the bullet
is inserted during manufacturing process
ii. Crimp- the part of the mouth that locks
the bullet to avoid unnecessary movement
iii. Cannelure- it is the part inside the bullet
where the bullet is based to avoid
shrinking inside the shell
iv. Neck- it is the part that holds the bullet
v. Shoulder- it is the part that supports the
neck
vi. Brass case- it is the tubular metallic part
that covers the propellant
vii. Extracting groove- a groove around the
anterior part of shell that is being held by
the extractor of firearm for easy extraction
during unloading
viii. Rim- it is the part of shell that prevents
the shell from moving forward while
inside the chamber
ix. Base- it is the part of shell behind the rim
x. Shell head- it is the surface of the rim
where stamps are located
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 xi. Stamp- these are entries indicating the i. Berdan – primer that is large and anvil is
brand and caliber of ammunition attached to shell of ammunition
xii. Primer Pocket- it is the space at the base ii. Boxer- smaller primer in which the anvil
where the primer shall be inserted is placed inside the cup
xiii. Vent/Flash hole- it is the hole extending
from primer pocket towards inside the 4. Types of Priming Mixture
shell that allows flame to combust the i. Corrosive
propellant. ii. Non corrosive

3. Classifications V. General Characteristics of Firearms

i. According to Shape
(a) Straight- shell with no shoulder A. Definition
(b) Bottle necked- shell with shoulder General Characteristics pertain to the set
and neck is smaller than shell of indicators that comprises the identity of the
(c) Tapered- an obsolete type used in Jet firearm.
magnum .22 B. Types of General Characteristics
1. Class Characteristics- these are
ii. According to Rim characteristics of firearms that is within the
(a) Rimmed- the diameter of rim is will of manufacturer.
larger than the diameter of the shell 2. Individual Characteristics- these are
(b) Semi rimmed- the diameter of rim is characteristics of firearm that is beyond the
quite larger than the diameter of the control of manufacturer
shell
(c) Rimless- the diameter of rim and of C. Class Characteristics
the shell are equal 1. Parts of Class Characteristics
(d) Rebated- the diameter of rim is i. Caliber
smaller than the diameter of the shell ii. Number of land
(e) Belted type- the shell has a ring iii. Number of groove
above the extracting groove iv. Height of land
v. Depth of groove
F. Gunpowder vi. Twist
1. Definition vii. Pitch of rifling
It is a solid powdered substance inside the
shell that is combusted to propel the bullet 2. Common Class Characteristics
i. Steyr Type 4R-GL
2. Types ii. Smith and Wesson Type 5R-GL
i. Black powder-it is composed of the iii. Browning Type 6R-G2X
following iv. Colt Type 6L-G2X
(a) Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter)75% v. Webley Type 7R-G3X
(b) Carbon 15% vi. Army Type 4R-G3X
(c) Sulfur 10%
D. Individual Characteristics
ii. Smokeless type 1. Sources
i. Imperfection of Machine Tools
G. Primer ii. Wear and tear of firearm parts
1. Definition
It is the part of the ammunition that ignites 2. Striations- these are tiny scratches left by the
the gunpowder by means of percussion firearm to shells and bullets it discharges;
these markings are identical to all shell and
2. Parts bullets that were discharge from it
i. Priming cup- the metallic container of
sensitive material E. Marks left by the Firearm
ii. Priming mixture- it is a sensitive 1. Bullet
material that ignites by percussion i. Land mark- mark left due to friction that
iii. Disc- it is a paper placed above the occurred between land and bearing
mixture to avoid displacement surface
iv. Anvil- it is a metal where the mixture was ii. Groove mark- mark left between
crushed against to ignite landmarks

3. Types of Primer

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 iii. Skid mark- marks left indicating the
movement of bullet without spinning; it
occurs usually on eroded muzzles
iv. Slippage mark- marks left usually to
over sized bullet
v. Shave mark- marks left to bullet in which
a part was sliced due to imperfect
alignment
2. Shell
i. Firing pin mark- mark left by the firing
pin at the priming cup
ii. Breech face mark- marks left by the
breech to priming cup due to pressure
against it during combustion
iii. Chamber mark- mark left by chamber to
shell
iv. Pivot mark- mark indicating the spin of
shell inside the chamber
v. Extractor mark- mark left by extracting
pin when the shell was pressed against it
vi. Ejector mark- mark left by ejector to
shell head during automatic withdrawal
when it was discharge
vii. Magazine lip mark- mark left by
magazine lip during feeding process
VI. Crime Scene Search
A. Definition
It is the act performed to identify, collect,
record, mark and preserve physical evidence
found in the crime scene
B. Activities During the Search
1. Identification- it is the recognition of objects
in the crime scene that have evidentiary value.
2. Recording- it is the keeping of evidence’ data
and information.
3. Collection- it is the act of recovering physical
evidence from the crime scene
4. Marking- it is the placing of marks to
evidence for securing prior to storing in
evidence room
5. Preservation- it is the placing of evidence to
container with proper tags and labels
C. Identification of Ballistic Relevant Items
1. Types of Evidence Relevant to Ballistics
i. Firearm
ii. Fired Bullet
iii. Fired Shell
iv. Ammunitions
v. Gloves
vi. Magazine
vii. Silencer
2. Requirement for Evidence’ Admissibility
i. It must be relevant
ii. It must be material
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
D. Recording of Evidence
1. Photographs
2. Sketches
3. Evidence Log Sheet
4. Report
5. Labels and Tags
E. Collection of Evidence
1. Firearms must be collected by inserting shoe
lace/strings/ or handkerchiefs to trigger guard
for lifting.
2. Shells, bullets, and ammunition may be picked
using tweezers or thongs; hand picking is
allowed provided that gloves are worn prior to
collection.
F. Marking of Evidence
1. Place initials and date
2. Don’t use X
3. Place marks on barrel, slide, frame, and
cylinder in case of firearm
4. Place marks on brass case and mouth in case
of shell
5. Place marks on ogive and base of the bullet
G. Preservation of Evidence
1. Place the firearm on envelopes or paper bags
2. For bullets and shells, wrap each to a piece of
cotton and place separately either in film caps
or coin/mail envelope.
VII. Gunshot Residue Analysis
A. Definition
Gunshot residues are particles left in the
hands after firearm discharge.
Gunshot residues analysis- it is the
evaluation made to a person to determine whether
such has discharged a firearm or not by
establishing the presence of gunshot residues in
hands and other body parts.
B. Types of Gunshot Residue Analysis
1. Dermal Nitrate Test (Paraffin Test)- a test
using paraffin wax as primary reagent and
detects the presence of Nitrate Compounds
2. Harrison and Gilroy Test- a test using Dilute
Hydrochloric Acid, and other reagents to
determine the presence of priming mixtures
like lead, mercury, and barium.
VIII. Technical Examination
A. Laboratory Equipment
1. Bullet Comparison microscope- a device
used to compare fired bullets and fired shells
2. Stereoscopic microscope- a device used to
determine the whether the serial number of
firearm is real
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 3. Shadowgraph- it is used to determine the
class characteristics of firearm
4. CP-6 Projector- it is a projector that displays
the magnified images of bullets and shells that
are being compared
5. Bullet Recovery Box- it is a box used in test
firing
6. Helixometer- it is a device used to determine
the pitch of rifling
7. Micrometer- it is used to measure the precise
measurement of an object
8. Caliper- it is used to measure the accurate size
of an object
9. Torsion balance- it is used to measure the
weight of projectile
10. Onoscope- it is used to examine the internal
muzzle of the firearm
11. Taper gauge- it is used to measure the caliber
of firearm
12. Electric Gun Marker- it is used to place
marks in the found specimen
13. Chronograph- it is used to measure the speed
of the bullet

B. Problems Encountered in Ballistics Examination

1. Problem No. 1- the specimen is one piece of
bullet; the purpose is to determine the firearm
source of the found bullet
2. Problem No. 2- the specimen given is one
piece of shell; the purpose is to determine the
firearm source of the found shell
3. Problem No. 3- the given are one piece of
firearm and one piece of fired bullet; the
purpose is to determine whether the found
bullet has came from the recovered firearm.
4. Problem No. 4- the given are one piece of
firearm and one piece of shell; the purpose is
to determine whether the found shell has came
from the recovered firearm
5. Problem No. 5- the given are two or more
pieces of fired bullets; the purpose is to
determine whether the fired bullets are
identical or not
6. Problem No. 6- the given are two or more
pieces of fired shells; the purpose is to
determine whether the fired shells are identical
or not
7. Problem No. 7- the given is one firearm only
and the purpose is to determine whether the
firearm is serviceable or not.

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