Introduction

  • Course: Introduction to Firearms & Ammunition, FORE20004 Forensic Casework Examination

  • Instructor: Dr. Rachel Bolton-King

  • University: Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

Laboratory Practical

  • Focus: Examination & profiling of ammunition, specifically assessing two cartridges.

  • Components of the practical include:

    • Case Scenario: Students will work as NTFL Firearms Examiners.

    • Case Notes: Must include a full description of the cartridges collected, including:

    • Shapes

    • Materials

    • Headstamp details

    • Annotated sketches/photographs

    • Measurements: Taken using digital Vernier calipers in both imperial and metric systems, ensuring caliber etiquette is followed.

    • Databases & Reference Sources: Utilize for examining ammunition characteristics and linking to the firearms capable of discharging this ammunition.

Portfolio Assessment

  • The ammunition examination is part of a larger portfolio assessment.

Case Incident Scenario (MG21 & NTFL003)

  • Incident Overview:

    • Date: 05/10/2025

    • Circumstance: Illegal possession of ammunition reported near Thurgarton Lane. A clandestine shooting range was discovered.

    • Evidence: Unfired and fired ammunition, targets, and firearms equipment were present, but no firearms recovered.

  • Investigation Details:

    • No suspects identified at the site.

    • Industrial site owners claim ignorance regarding firearm activities at the location.

    • Intelligence from CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is being checked for potential suspects.

  • Evidence Documentation:

    • Utilize the Unfired Ammunition Examination Form detailing:

    • Type of ammunition (Center fire, Rim fire, etc.)

    • Caliber and make of recovered ammunition

    • Viability (Factory, Reloaded, Home-Loaded, etc.)

    • Annotations of sketches/images recording key features

Key Practical Skills Required

  • Correct identification of ammunition and its components.

  • Use of accurate terminology for case and court reporting.

  • Distinguishing between cartridge types (rifle, pistol, revolver, shotgun) for forensic intelligence (weapon searches & trafficking).

Homework Activities

  1. Watch the Intro to Forensic Firearm Examination video available on NOW.

  2. Read the MG21 document and related information before attending the lab practical.

Legal Definition of Firearm (Firearms Act 1968)

  • A firearm is defined as a lethal barrelled weapon capable of discharging any shot, bullet, or missile with a kinetic energy greater than one joule at the muzzle.

    • Fully stated in Section 57(1) and detailed further in Section 57(1B).

    • Related definition refers to an assembly that includes a barrel and action to propel projectiles using combustion products.

Classification of Firearms

  • Types of firearms include:

    • Pistols

    • Revolvers

    • Rifles

    • Shotguns

    • Air weapons (if exceeding 1 joule)

    • Historical firearms (obsolete calibers and exemptions)

    • Deactivated and reactivated firearms

    • Imitation firearms

  • Ammunition Classification: Based on firearm types mentioned above, legal status, and operation potential for forensic evidence recovery.

Firearm Discharge and Projectile Stability

  • Purpose of a firearm is to discharge a projectile effectively:

    • Ensure the projectile travels in the intended direction to wound/kill a target.

    • Achieve accuracy through proper sight alignment.

    • Maintain projectile orientation upon exit (e.g., nose-first trajectory for symmetrical projectiles).

    • Utilize rifling inside the barrel to stabilize projectiles enhancing range.

Description of a Firearm

  • When characterizing a firearm, include:

    • Manufacturer and country

    • Model type

    • Firearm type (e.g., self-loading)

    • Caliber

    • Serial number(s)

    • Barrel length

    • Total shots available in one loading event
      Example:

  • Walther (Germany), P99:

    • Self-loading pistol, 9x19mm, 102 mm barrel length, capacity 15+1, muzzle velocity of 408 m/s, effective range of 50 m, short recoil operated.

Ammunition Definitions

  • Ammunition: Comprises one or more loaded cartridges, each consisting of a primed cartridge case, propellant, and potentially one or more projectiles.

    • Also referred to colloquially as fixed ammunition or live ammunition.

  • Cartridge: Constitutes a single unit of ammunition.

    • Quantified in types: centre fire, rim fire based on primer location.

Legal Definition of Ammunition (Firearms Act 1968)

  • Includes any ammunition for firearms, encompassing grenades, bombs, and similar devices whether usable within firearms or not.

    • Defined under section 57(2).

Component Parts of Ammunition

  • Main components include:

    • Bullet

    • Case

    • Primer

    • Propellant

Cartridge Types: Rim & Centre Fire

  • Rim Fire: Ignition by striking cartridge rim.

  • Centre Fire: Primer located at the center of the base, allowing for reliable ignition.

  • Pinfire: Historical method with primer ignited by a pin mechanism.

Cartridge Measurement Dimensions

  • Measurements vital for cartridge identification include:

    • Bullet diameter

    • Case length

    • Rim diameter

    • Other dimensions relevant to shape and classification.

Ammunition Calibers

  • Caliber: Refers to the approximate diameter of a firearm's bore.

  • Exhibits nominal approximations in measurements for both firearms and ammunition types, commonly expressed in inches (imperial) and millimeters (metric).

  • Examples of Calibers:

    • .22 (5.56mm)

    • .308 (7.62mm)

    • .45 (11.43mm)

Ammo Requirements by Manufacturers

  • Specific requirements often include: caliber, velocity, and weight (in grains).

    • Example: .44 Magnum, 1180 ft/sec, 240 grains.

Projectile Specifications and Characteristics

  • Projectiles: Non-spherical bullets designed for rifled barrels.

  • Made from various materials, with varying shapes and weights.

  • Typical materials for projectiles include lead, brass, and metal jackets.

Bullet Types and Properties

  • Common bullet types include:

    • Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

    • Jacketed Soft Point (JSP)

    • Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

    • Lead Round Nose (LRN)

    • Wadcutter (WC)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Students should be proficient in identifying and describing firearms and ammunition, understanding legal definitions, and applying this knowledge in forensic investigations and examinations.

  • Practical skills gained through lab work will contribute significantly to future forensic applications and court reporting metrics.

Note: This document serves as an exhaustive guide for students in the field of forensic ballistics, covering definitions, classifications, and examinations essential for coursework and professional applications in firearm-related forensic science.