Forensic Analysis of Gunshot Wounds
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Entrance Gunshot Wound

A type of gunshot wound that shows an outward beveling of tissue. This means that the bullet's exit wound is larger than its entry wound.

Preserving Clothing with Bullet Holes

A method used to preserve a bullet hole in clothing for forensic analysis . It involves carefully removing the clothing around the hole without folding or creasing the fabric.

Paraffin Test

This test is used to detect the presence of gunpowder residue on a person's hands. A positive test involves the presence of blue flecks, indicating nitrates from gunpowder.

Low Explosive

A type of explosive that burns rapidly, producing a lot of gas but not a strong detonation.

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Saltpeter in Gunpowder

A chemical compound that provides oxygen for the rapid combustion of gunpowder, acting as the oxidizer in the reaction.

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Primary Purposes of Cartridges

The main features of a cartridge, which streamline the handling and use of ammunition. They include convenience, ease of loading, and protection from degradation. However, preventing priming compound loss is NOT a primary purpose.

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Cartridge Parts

The different parts of a cartridge case, including the bottleneck, case neck, case body, case shoulder, and straight-walled portions.

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Gunpowder

A mixture of nitrates, usually potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur. This is used for the propulsion of bullets and shots in firearms.

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Multi-Perforated Grains

Gunpowder that is designed with multiple holes to increase surface area. This allows for faster and more controlled burning.

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Armor-Piercing Bullet

A type of bullet designed for piercing armor, often made of hardened steel or tungsten.

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Exploding Bullet

A bullet that is made of an explosive or flammable material, designed to ignite upon impact with a target.

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Priming Mixture

The component of a primer that contains the chemicals responsible for the initial combustion of the cartridge.

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Centerfire Cartridge

A type of primer where the priming mixture is located in a recessed cup in the center of the cartridge's base.

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Cartridge Case Markings

Markings that are left on a cartridge case during the firing process. These marks can be unique to a specific firearm.

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Lead Bullet

Bullets that are made of lead, the simplest and most common type.

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Incendiary Bullet

A type of bullet with explosives in the tip for target ignition.

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Striations on a Bullet

Marks (striations) left on a bullet due to the rifling in a firearm barrel. These grooves are unique to each individual barrel and can be used to match bullets to guns.

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Caliber

The physical diameter of a firearm's barrel, measured from land to land (the raised portions between the grooves).

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Fluted Bullet

A bullet designed to create a larger wound channel by producing hydraulic jetting when it passes through tissue.

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Extractor Mark

This refers to the marks that are left on a cartridge case when it is extracted from the chamber of a firearm.

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Jacketed Bullet

A type of bullet that has a jacket made of a plated gilding metal, which protects the bullet and ensures it remains intact while being propelled towards its target.

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Frangible Bullet

A bullet designed to break apart upon impact, creating a spray of smaller fragments.

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Pistol Cartridge Markings

Locations where markings are made on pistol cartridges. They provide crucial evidence for forensics.

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Methodology of Firearm Examination

A systematic approach to examining firearm evidence, involving steps like analysis (assessing characteristics), comparison (finding matches), evaluation (weighing findings), and verification (confirming results).

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High Explosive

A type of explosive that detonates or explodes rapidly, producing a powerful shockwave.

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Tracer Bullet

A type of bullet that leaves a trail of smoke or fire when it is fired, used to assist in tracking the bullet's path in the air.

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Firearm/Toolmark Identification

A method of examining firearm evidence, using scientific principles to determine if a specific weapon fired a particular bullet or cartridge case.

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Shoulder Firearm

A firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun, designed to be fired from the shoulder.

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Muzzle Energy

The energy possessed by a bullet as it exits the barrel of a firearm. It is a measure of a bullet's destructive potential.

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Study Notes

Gunshot Wounds

  • Entrance gunshot wounds typically have an abrasion rim, tissue invagination, and outward beveling of the tissue. Smaller wounds may also be present.
  • When preserving clothing with alleged bullet holes, do not fold the clothing. Carefully remove the cloth and allow it to dry. Put the clothing in a plastic bag.

Gunpowder Analysis

  • Gunpowder residue can be detected in paraffin. Brown and blue flecks can be indicators of gunpowder.
  • Materials designed to deflagrate or burn rather than explode are categorized as low explosives.

Cartridge Characteristics

  • Cartridges are designed to be a convenient, pre-assembled package and for easy handling and transportation.

  • Cartridge cases (the part of the cartridge that contains the primer, propellant, and projectile), have specific features, like a bottleneck, case neck, case body, case shoulder, and straight walls

  • These components can be identified and compared to other cartridge components to assist in investigations

Bullet Characteristics

  • Specialized bullets, like tracer bullets, have specific characteristics.
  • Bullets designed for explosive or incendiary purposes are also identified for their distinct composition, to assist in investigations

Marks on Firing Cartridge Cases

  • Fired (and unfired) cartridge cases often have unique marks that are unique to the specific firearm.
  • Examples of marks on cartridge cases include: impressed action marks (such as extractor marks, breech marks, and firing pin impressions), striated motion marks and ejector marks.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts related to gunshot wounds, gunpowder analysis, and cartridge characteristics. Learn about the distinctive features of entrance wounds, the identification of gunpowder residues, and the structure of cartridges. Perfect for students in forensic science or criminal investigations.

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