NCJ Number
176278
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 25 Issue: 11 Dated: November 1998 Pages: 62-64
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Ballistician's Forensic Gelatin (BFG) is a user-friendly substitute for gelatin that can be used by crime laboratory technicians to capture bullets and by bullet designers to test bullets.
Abstract
BFG was developed in the 1990s to substitute for the 10-percent gelatin that was generally used. BFG is an animal protein similar to gelatin; it has been mixed with a combination of corn syrup, water, and a proprietary petroleum derivative. BFG is water soluble and biodegradable. It has a low toxicity and is nonhazardous. A bullet reacts the same way in BFG as in gelatin. BFG is a much better bullet-test medium than is duct seal, modeling clay, and wet newspapers. It is being used by bullet designers and crime laboratory technicians as a companion produce than a replacement for Kind and Knox 250-A Ordnance Type gelatin. BFG comes in 10-inch by 12-inch slabs that are 1.5 inches thick. Its shelf life is more than 3 years. It can be stored at room temperature and room humidity almost indefinitely. It is less costly to use than gelatin. Both substances can be melted and reused. BFG's main disadvantage is its color, which makes photography difficult. Although ordnance gelatin is properly regarded as the definitive bullet-testing medium, BFG involves less hassle and maintenance, is nearly as relevant as gelatin, and is far more relevant than any other test medium. Photographs