BALLISTICS AND BULLET MATCHING

COMPONENTS OF BALLISTICS TRAJECTORY PROJECTILE CLASSIFICATION PROPELLANT TYPE GUN-POWDER RESIDUE FIREARM TYPE

TRAJECTORY The trajectory of a projectile is the path it takes from the initial point of discharge to the point of impact, until it stops.

PROJECTILE CLASSIFICATION The type of projectile used at a crime scene is the base characteristic and first step in determining the weapon used to commit the crime.

PROPELLANT TYPE Propellant type can vary depending on the type of weapon/bullet. This is what is used in the ammunition to accelerate the bullet and send it out of the barrel. When discharged, the powder burns, however, some of the powder is sent into the air, and is sent around the area. This can help determine the criminal if traces are left on the culprit.

GUN POWDER RESIDUE Gun powder residue is the product of discharging the firearm. The propellant that is burned in the cartridge is expelled into the air, which can settle on the hands and clothing of the shooter. Depending on the type of firearm, residue can be a more or less effective way of detecting the shooter.

FIREARM TYPE The type of firearm used in a crime is very important. It can determine everything from placing the weapon’s owner at the crime scene, being used to match fired shells to the firearm, fingerprints can be found on the weapon, and many other things that can help identify the shooter.