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Diameter of Cranial Gunshot Wounds as a Function of Bullet Caliber

NCJ Number
158061
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 40 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1995) Pages: 751-754
Author(s)
H E Berryman; O C Smith; S A Symes
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between bullet caliber and entrance wound diameter in 35 cranial vaults with gunshot wounds from .22- .25-, and .38-caliber bullets.
Abstract
All the wounds had been inflicted by known weapons. The results showed that wounds produced by .38-caliber bullets were significantly larger than those produced by .22-caliber and .25- caliber bullets, although there was no significant difference between the latter two sizes. Gunshot entrance wounds generally were larger than the bullet caliber that produced them. However, some bullet wounds were smaller, and wound shape varied from circular to oval and irregular. The size and shape of gunshot wounds varied according to loss of bullet yaw angle, intermediate targets, tangential impacts, existing fractures, variation in bullet shape and caliber, surface treatment, and strength characteristics. 4 figures and 6 references

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