Wound Ballistics

Shot ballistics primarily deals with

The attributes and properties of shots and pellets

When the diameter of a shotgun barrel remains the same throughout, it is called

True cylinder

Shotgun pellets made from lead, hardened by adding a small amount of antimony, are called

Chilled shot

Wound ballistics is best defined as the study of

The effects of projectiles on the human body

Which of the following is TRUE about short-range gunfire injuries?

They are caused by both the bullet and particles from heated gases

When the gun muzzle is pressed against, or within an inch or two of the body, the GSW is classified as:

Contact

A victim presents with burns around the gunshot wound, but no embedded powder particles are seen. Which factor most likely caused this injury?

Hot gases or flame from the muzzle

A crime scene investigator observes multiple small, punctate marks around a gunshot wound caused by embedded powder particles. Which wound characteristic is this?

Tattooing

Pink coloration in gunshot wounds is caused by:

Absorbed carbon monoxide in the skin and flesh

A dirt ring around a gunshot wound is formed by

Deposited grease carried by the projectile

During autopsy, a ring-like deposit is seen around the bullet entry wound. Laboratory analysis reveals traces of grease carried by the projectile. What does this ring indicate?

The entrance side of the wound

Two bullets are recovered from separate victims. One is a conical-shaped projectile, and the other is hemispherical. The conical-shaped bullet penetrated deeply but caused less tissue destruction. Which conclusion is correct?

Conical bullets penetrate more but destroy less tissue

Investigators compare wounds caused by a pistol and a high-powered rifle. The rifle wound shows far greater tissue destruction and larger cavitation. What factor explains this difference?

Kind of weapon

In short-range fire, the injury is caused not only by the bullet but also by

Heated gases, flame, and gunpowder particles