Introduction to Forensic Ballistics and Its Branches

Forensic Ballistics

The science of firearms identification which involves the scientific examination of fired bullets, fired shells, firearms, and other allied matters.

Ballistics

The study of motion of projectile; derived from Greek word Ballo or Bellein which means 'to throw'; rooted from early roman war machine called 'Ballista' designed to hurl gigantic bow or catapult missiles or large object.

Forensic

Application of science (knowledge and technology) to law, to settle legal issues for the administration of justice; originated from the Latin term 'Forum' meaning market place.

Science

It is the systematic body of knowledge.

Motion

It refers to movements of the bullet.

Direct Motion

The forward motion of the bullet caused by exploding force of gunpowder.

Rotary/Rotational Motion

The spinning movement of the bullet during its flight due to helical formation of rifling.

Gyroscopic Action

Refers to the stillness of spinning object (bullet) in terms of its rotating motion and attain its highest momentum for stability.

Yaw

Unstable rotating motion of the bullet.

Tumbling

The end-nose rotation of the bullet that creates 'Key hole shot' (Hitting the target sideways).

Translational Motion

The deflecting of bullet from the target upon its strike to an object causing it to fail hitting the target.

Ricochet

The deflection or bouncing back of bullet upon hitting a hard surface or target.

Terminal Energy

The energy of the bullet when it hit the target.

Terminal Penetration

The depth of the bullet when it penetrated the target.

Field Investigation

The branch of forensic ballistics that concerns on the collection of physical evidence from the crime scene.

Technical Examination

The analysis, evaluation and comparison of the physical evidence submitted to the crime laboratory.

Court Presentation

The presentation of ballistic exhibit to the court.

Shot Ballistics

The new branch of ballistics that deals with the study of smooth bored firearms.

Birdshot

A projectile that is typically smaller and more numerous & commonly used for hunting.

Buckshot

A projectile that is larger than birdshot and commonly used in law enforcement and home defense.

Single Projectile (Rifled slug)

A slug for shotgun.

Gauge

The nominal caliber of shotgun expressed in the ratio of weight of a lead ball to a pound whose diameter is equal to the bore.

Grade of Barrel's Choke

Types include Unchoked and Choked.

Wound Ballistics

it is the new branch of ballistics that deals with the study of the effects of gunshot to human body

Gunshot Wound

it is a wound incurred by a person due to gunshot

Entrance Wound

wound in which the bullet has entered

Exit Wound

wound in which the bullet went out

Contact discharge

pressed against the skin up to 2 inches

Close discharge

2 to 6 inches

Distant discharge

beyond 6 inches

Permanent Cavity

it is the damage in the skin incurred by the bullet

Contact Ring

burns incurred due to the contact of bore to the skin

Grey Ring

dirt deposits at the margin of wound composed of oil and scrape metals filing

Micro Tears

small tears at the margin usually caused by high velocity rifle

Branding

burning of wound caused by hot gases from gunpowder

Tattooing

deposition of unburned gunpowder around the wound

Smudging

deposition of smoke around the wound

Internal Ballistics

it is the branch of ballistics that have attributes and properties when the bullet is moving inside the firearm.

External Ballistics

it is the branch of ballistics that has attributes and properties when the bullet is moving during its flight.

Terminal Ballistics

it is the branch of ballistics that has attributes and properties when the bullet strikes the target.

Muzzle Blast

it is the noise created in the muzzle of the firearm

Muzzle Energy

it is the energy created in the muzzle of the firearm

Trajectory

it is the actual curved path of the bullet

Range

it is the straight distance between the muzzle and the target

Terminal Accuracy

it is the grouping of the bullets to the target

Terminal Velocity

it is the speed of the bullet when it hit the target

Accurate Range

the distance within which the shooter or gunner has control of his shots.

Effective Range

the distance within which when the bullet was fired it is still capable of inflicting fatal injury.

Maximum Range

the farthest distance that a bullet can reach

Velocity

it is the speed of the bullet per unit of time

Air Resistance

it is the atmospheric resistance encountered by the bullet during its flight

Pull of Gravity

it is the downward force that let the bullet drops

Penetration

it is the depth of entry of the bullet to the target