NCJ Number
203001
Journal
SWAFS Journal Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 35-45
Date Published
July 2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This overview of the recognition and documentation of bullet ricochet characteristics and the prediction of shot direction addresses direction of shot based on point of impact, the "V" shaped deposition of lead, fracture lines in painted surfaces, the classic ricochet mark, various ricochet profiles, and the direction of twist determination from a ricochet mark.
Abstract
A "ricochet" is defined as "a change in angle and/or direction of a fired bullet/pellet as a result of impact with a substrate." A "ricochet mark" is defined as "a two-dimensional effect without discernible depth," and a "ricochet crease" is defined as "a three-dimensional effect with discernible depth." After reviewing the various features of ricochets off of different substrate, this article concludes that by recognizing various indicators it is possible to reliably determine the direction of the bullet from the resulting ricochet marks and creases. It may also be possible to determine general rifling characteristics from the same ricochet marks/creases. Proper documentation of bullet ricochet marks/creases consists of taking both photographs and making casts. Casts of ricochet creases/marks should be analyzed by a qualified firearms examiner for comparison with similar casts of the interior surfaces of the barrels of suspect weapons. The article advises, however, that the various ricochet phenomena portrayed in this article are merely possibilities that should be considered in any crime scene examination. The specific appearance of bullet creases/marks will always depend on a number of variables that include bullet design/composition, substrate texture/hardness/composition, angle of impact, critical angle, and bullet velocity. 9 figures, 9 images, and 9 references