Forensic Ballistics Chapter 4

Forensic
Ballistics
Chapter IV
A. Technical Definition
- This refers to the complete unfired unit
consisting of bullet, cartridge case,
propellant powder and primer.
B. Legal Definition
- Under the national internal revenue code
the word “ammunition” shall mean loaded
shell for rifles, muskets, carbines, shotgun,
revovler and pistol from which the ball,
bullet, shot, shell or other missiles may be
fired by means of gunpowder or other
explosives.
Muskets
– a muzzle-loaded long gun that appeared as a smoothbore weapon in the

early 16 century.
th
- First as a heavier variant of the arquebus, capable of penetrating plate

armour.
CARBINE
- Is a long gun that has a barrel shortened from its original length.
- generally shorter and easier to handle.

“Science gave us forensics.
Law gave us crime.”
- Mokokoma Mokhonoana
Origin
Cartridge is discovering in 16th century. The earliest small
cartridge consisted of a pre-measured charged of powder
wrapped paper. Cartridge derived from the Latin word “Charta”
means paper. The French word “Cartouche” meaning a roll of
paper.
Paper cartridge incorporating the powder and projectile
into a paper casing, were introduce in Europe during the 16 th
century. The first successful metallic cartridge to incorporate the
projectile, gun powder and primer was intended in 1836.
Experimentation during the next 50 years resulted in small arm
ammunition as we it today.
D. Part of Cartridge
1. Bullet 2. Cartridge Case
This refers to the projectile propelled This refers to the tubular metallic or non
from a firearm by means of the metallic container for the gunpowder.
expansive force of gases coming from
the burning gunpowder.
3. Gunpowder 4. Primer
This refers to the propellant when This refers to a metal cap containing
ignited by the primer flash is the highly sensitive priming mixture
converted to gas under high pressure of chemical compound which when
and propels the bullet or shot. hit or struck by firing pin would
ignite. Such action is called
percussion.
E. Classification if cartridge according to the types of
firearms used.
1. Revovlers cartridge
2. Pistol cartridge
3. Assault rifle or hunting rifle cartridge

4. Shot cartridge
5. Case less cartridge – the powder is the casing of the bullet.
Ex. A. 73 mm
F. Classification of Cartridge according to rim.
1. Rimmed type The diameter of the rim is greater than the diameter of the body of the cartridge case.
Ex. Caliber .38 special and cal 22.
2. Semi – rimmed type The diameter of the rim is slightly greater than the diameter of the case.
Ex. Cal. 25, 32 auto. Super .38
3. Rimless type The diameter of the rimmed is equal with the diameter of the body of the shell.
Ex. Cal. 30, 9mm, .45
4. Rebated type The diameter of the rim is smaller than the body of the cartridge case.
Ex. Cal. 8mm x 59
5. Belted type There is a producing metal around the body of the cartridge case near the rim.
Ex. Cal. 388 magnum, 13.9 x 99

G. Types of cartridge according to location of primer.
1. Pin – fire cartridge (No longer used)
2. Rim – fire cartridge – the priming mixture is placed in
the cavity form in the rim of the head of the cartridge
case.
3. Center – fire cartridge – the primer cup is forced into
the middle portion of the head of the shell.
Note:
Percussion – a means of ignition of a repellant charge by
a mechanical blow against the primer or percussion cap.
H. Types of Cartridges according to Muzzle velocity.
1. Low Power – a cartridges giving a muzzle velocity of between 1850 ft/sec.
2. High Power – a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity of between 1925 and
2500 ft/sec.
3. High Intensity – a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity over 2500 ft/sec.
I. Component Parts of a Cartridge
1. Cartridge Case
A. Function of Shell
1. It holds the bullet, gun powder and primer assembled into one unit.
2. It serves as waterproof container for the gunpowder.
3. It prevents the escape of the gases to the rear as the walls of the cartridge case are
forced against the wall of the chamber by the pressure.
B. Parts of the Cartridge Case:
1. RIM – it limits the forward travel of cartridge into their chamber.
2. PRIMER POCKET – performs triple functions.
a. hold the priming pellets
b. provides a means to prevent the escape of gas to the rear of the cartridge and;
c. provides a solid support of primer anvils, without which the later could not be fired.
3. VENTS OF FLASH HOLES – refers to the hole in the wed or bottom of the primer pocket through
which the “primer flash” imparts ignition the gun powder.
B. Parts of the Cartridge Case:
4. HEAD AND BODY – this constitutes the “CORK” that plugs the breach of the barrel against the
escape of the gas.
5. NECK – part of the case that is occupied by the bullet.
6. CANNELURE – these are serrated groves that are sometimes found rolled into the neck and bodies of
the cases at the location of the bullet bases to prevent the bullet from being rushed back or loosened.
7. CRIMP – part of the mouth of a case that is turned in upon the bullet.
Two fold function:
a. it aids in holding the bullet in place.
b. offers persistence to the movement of the bullet out of the neck which affects the
burning of the gunpowder.
8. BASE – the bottom portion of the case which contains the head stamp caliber and the year
manufactures.
9. SHOULDER – portion which support the neck.
10. EXRACTING GROOVE - circular groove near the base of the case designed for the automatic
withdrawal of the case after each firing.
C. Classification of Shell according to shape and head
form
1. Three general shapes of cartridge case

A. Straight
B. Tapered
C. Bottleneck
2. Standard Cartridge case head forms

A. Rimmed
B. Semi – rimmed
C. Rimless
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GOD BLESS US ALL

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Forensic

– a muzzle-loaded long gun that appeared as a smoothbore weapon in the

- First as a heavier variant of the arquebus, capable of penetrating plate

- generally shorter and easier to handle.

3. Assault rifle or hunting rifle cartridge

Ex. Caliber .38 special and cal 22.

Ex. Cal. 25, 32 auto. Super .38

Ex. Cal. 30, 9mm, .45

Ex. Cal. 8mm x 59

Ex. Cal. 388 magnum, 13.9 x 99

1. Three general shapes of cartridge case

2. Standard Cartridge case head forms

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