NCJ Number
175109
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Dated: March 1998 Pages: 324-328
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines techniques for identifying ammunition from gunshot residues and other cartridge related materials.
Abstract
Identification of the type of ammunition used during commission of a crime is often critical to the investigation, e.g., matching a cartridge used in a crime to that found on a suspect, or determining which of two possible shooters fired the fatal shot. Physical differences of the cartridges and chemical composition of components should make it possible to differentiate ammunition using a number of unique factors. This article examines a prototype database of both chemical and physical factors that can help to identify a cartridge. Because of its common use, the .22 caliber ammunition was examined, but the parameters and the principles of the database can be applied equally to other calibers. The study examined seven parameters: cartridge, cartridge case, projectile, propellant, primer, primer covers, and gunshot residue. Figures, table, references