Basic Concept

Forensic ballistics is one among the major fields of Criminalistics that can help criminal investigators identify bullets fired
from guns. Researches have shown that every gun leaves certain marks on every bullet that it fires and that these marks
differ from those made by any other gun. Hence, ballistics experts can examine these marks and determine whether a
particular bullet was fired from a particular gun and eventually the person who fired the
gun.

Crimes involving the use of firearms represent a significant area of police investigation. Pieces of firearms evidence
often exist in crimes such as murder, homicide, assault, rape, infanticide and other violent crimes. To arrive at the truth
concerning these crimes, questions may be answered by means of the proper use of firearms evidence.
Among the more important parts of gun that is very useful to firearm examiners is the rifling. Rifling characteristics is one
of the significant bases in identifying firearms. A particular firearm leaves its unique marks on every bullet that it fires
because of its rifling.

The importance of rifling was recognized by gunsmiths as early as 18th century when they discovered that putting
spiral grooves in the bore which consist the rifling would impart a spin to the bullet that can improve accuracy. Originally,
the spiraling grooves at the bore were designed to reduce the problem of fouling from unburned powder residue.

Today, all modern guns have rifling in their barrels which is slightly different in every firearm. This rifling imparts
different mark patterns on fired bullets which can be used by the forensic scientist in identifying the particular weapon used
in a crime

Studies have shown that no two firearms, even those of the same make and model, will produce the same unique marks
on fired bullets and cartridge cases. Manufacturing processes, use, and abuse leave surface characteristics within the firearm
that cannot be exactly reproduced in other firearms (Doyle, 2005).

The first interesting case related to forensic ballistics was in 1835 when Henry Goddard in London solved a case of
murder whereby a shoemaker was shot to death Goddard recovered the projectile and found on it a small raised spot in the
metal. Using the process of elimination, he was able to identify the firearm used in the shooting. He found the mold from
which the bullet was cast, a pin-hole in the mold coincided with the raise spot on the bullet upon comparison (Hamby,
1999).

One milestone in the development of firearms identification was when Philip Gravelle, John Fisher and Calvin
Goddard adapted the Comparison Bullet Microscope in examining fired bullets and cartridge cases. This led to the invention
of the first bullet comparison microscope. Immediately thereafter, in April 1925, the first office that exclusively dealt with
forensic ballistics was established in New York by these three experts thus creating the Bureau of Forensic Ballistics. This
bureau was formed to provide firearms identification services throughout the United States since few law enforcement
agencies at that time had the capability to provide this type of crime-lab service (Hamby, 1999).

DEFINITION
 BALLISTICS-the science of the motion of projectiles.
Science-refers to the systematic body of knowledge.
Motion-refers to movement or mobility.

These kinds of motions studied in ballistics are distinguished as follows:

1. Direct motion is the forward movement of the projectile inside the gun barrel resulting from the expanding force of
gases produced after combustion of the gunpowder.

2. Rotary motion refers to the rapid spinning motion of the projectile in its axis. This is true particularly to elongated
projectiles such as bullets or slugs. While a bullet is passing through a rifled gun barrel, it is revolving either to the
right or to the left direction.
3. Translational motion is the movement of a projectile in a straight line so that every part of the projectile follows a
parallel path and no rotation takes place. It may include the action of bullet once it hits a resistance surface and
subsequently ricocheted

Projectiles-refers to the metallic or non-metallic objects propelled from a firearm.

Firearms Identification
Often confused with the term ballistics
Ballistics is the study of a projectile in motion.
 Inside the firearm
 After it leaves the firearm
 When it impacts the target

 The term BALLISTIC itself was derived from the Greek word "Ballo" or "Ballein" which literally means to "to throw.

 Its root was also said to have derived from the name of an early Roman war machine called "BALLISTA"-a gigantic
blow or catapult which was used to hurl missiles or large objects such as stones at a particular distance to deter animals
or enemy forces.

Technical Definition
BALLISTICS-refers to the science of "firearm identification" which involves the scientific examination of ballistics
exhibits fired bullets, fired shells, firearms and allied matters-used in crimes

The following are accepted definitions of ballistics based on different point-of-views

1. Ballistics basically means an activity that involves throwing. (Etymological definition).

2. In the broadest sense, ballistics refers to the study of projectiles, firearms and ammunitions, including the characteristics
of firearm that affect the way projectiles are fired.
3. In a technical sense, ballistics is the science of projectiles in motion from the moment of firing until impact at the target.
It covers the scientific study of the propulsion (driving force), flight, and impact (destructive action) of projectiles.
4. Ballistics is a branch of engineering that deals with the motion and behavior of projectiles such as bullets, rockets, bombs,
and guided missiles. Ordinarily, ballistics is concerned with projectiles fired from small arms and cannons, but it may be
concerned also with the free flight of bombs and rockets. (World Book Encyclopedia, 2002).

Today, the word ballistic is frequently used synonymously in the press and in police parlance to "firearms investigation and
identification".

The term "BALLISTICS", "FORENSIC BALLISTICS" and "FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION", have come to mean one
and the same thing in the minds of the public, and they can be used interchangeably.

FORENSIC - As applied to ballistics, or any other subject, suggests a relationship to courts of justice and legal proceeding.

The term FORENSIC was derived from the Latin word "Forum", meaning a market place, where the people gather for
"public disputation" or "public discussion".

➤ The term originated from the Latin word "forum" meaning the market place because this is where judicial trials were
carried out in Roman times, or it means debatable, argumentation in relation to the court of justice.

DIFFERENT BETWEEN FORENSIC BALLISTICS AND FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION

➤ Forensic ballistics is the application of ballistics principles to legal matters. Law enforcers and criminal investigators
encounter cases that require them to apply their knowledge in ballistics and resolve legal issues regarding a shooting
incident.

 Forensic specialists need to investigate the propulsion, motion and impact of bullets to discover the truth about what
happened in a criminal case involving discharge of firearm.

 According to Scott Doyle (2005), firearms identification refers to the examination of fired bullets, cartridge cases, or
other ammunition components to identify the gun where they came from. Firearms identification is actually a form of
tool- mark identification where the firearm acts as a tool that leaves impressed and/or striated marks on the various
ammunition components.

 Firearms identification is the science of identifying the imperfections or irregularities of firearms and matching the
marks they put on bullets and cartridge cases fired through them. Thus, it is sometimes called ballistic fingerprinting.
Others prefer to use alternative descriptions such as ballistic matching and tool-mark analysis.
Branches of Ballistics
 INTERIOR BALLISTIC-
 EXTERIOR BALLISTIC
 TERMINAL BALLISTIC
 FORENSIC BALLISTIC

Other Branches:
1. Shots Ballistics
2. Wound Ballistics

1. Interior Ballistic
 Refers to the properties and attributes of the projectile (bullet) while still inside the gun. This extends from the "breech"
to the "muzzle" of the gun.
 It involves all reactions that take place while the bullet is still in the gun.
These includes the ff: -F.I.CE.PERVE
 Firing pin hitting the primer Ignition of the priming mixture
 Combustion of the gun powder
 Expansion of the heated gas
 Pressure developed
 Energy generated
 Recoil of the gun
 Velocity of the bullet in the barrel
 Engraving of the cylindrical surface of the bullet.

2. Exterior Ballistic
Refers to the attributes and movements of the bullet after it has left the gun muzzle This branch involves the following:

MUZZLE BLAST-the noise created at the muzzle of the gun due to the sudden escape of the expanding gas coming in
contact with the air in the surrounding atmosphere at the muzzle point

Muzzle flash- the light or flame associated with the round being fired

MUZZLE ENERGY-energy generated at the muzzle point.

TRAJECTORY- the actual curved path of the bullet during its flight from the gun muzzle to the target.
Stages of trajectory
1. Straight horizontal line
2. Parabola like flight
3. Vertical drop

RANGE-the straight distance between muzzle and target.

Accurate (effective) Range - the distance within which the shooter has control of his shots, meaning he can place his shot at
the desired spots. the maximum distance at which the projectile can be expected to be lethal.
Maximum Range-the farthest distance that a projectile can be propelled from a firearm.
-the greatest distance a projectile can travel when fired at the optimum angle of elevation of the barrel.

VELOCITY-rate of speed of the bullet per unit of time.

 Velocity-the speed of bullet measured in ft/seconds.
 Energy-The fatal equivalent of bullet.
 Yaw-This is the unstable rotating motion of the bullet
 Pull of gravity-the downward movement of the bullet
 Air resistance-encountered by the bullet in flight.

Division:
a. Bow resistance due to the air pressure at the head of the projectile.
b. Skin friction caused by the friction of air moving along the middle portion of the body.

 Base Drag-due to the under pressure and disturbance of the air behind the base
 Gyroscopic action- this refers to the stillness of it's rotating motion and attain its highest momentum for stability in
Hight penetrating power
 PENETRATION- this refers to the depth of entry of the bullet on the
target.

AIR RESISTANCE resistance encountered by the bullet while in flight

PULL OF GRAVITY-downward reaction of the bullet toward the earth center due to its weight.

PENETRATION-depth of entry of the bullet in the target.

MOVEMENT OF BULLET WHILE ON ITS FLIGHT

1. FORWARD MOVEMENT - the velocity depends upon the propulsion created by the ignition of the propellant.
2. SPINNING MOVEMENT - this is due to the passage of the bullet at the spiral landings and grooving of the barrel.
3. TUMBLING MOVEMENT (end over end rotation) - the bullet may be rotating on the long axis of its flight while the
nose and the base are alternating ahead in its flight.
4. WOBBLING MOVEMENT - the real end of the bullet aside from spinning may also vibrate vertically or sidewise in its
flight.
5. DOWNWARD MOVEMENT - as the bullet is moving forward, it gradually goes downward on account of the pull of
gravity,

3. TERMINAL BALLISTICS- It is the study dealing with the effect of the impact of the projectile on the target. They are
important to both sportsmen and military.
It involves the following
1. Terminal Accuracy-Refers to the grouping of bullet on the target. -size of the bullet grouping on the target.
2. Terminal Energy-energy of the projectile when it strikes the target. Also striking energy
-Refers to the result of the target when hit by the projectile.
3. Terminal Penetration- This refers to the depth of entry of the bullet on the target.
4. Terminal Velocity- Refers to the speed of the bullet upon striking the target.

Impact studies consider the mechanical impulse delivered by a solid projectile striking a target and the resulting internal
forces, motions, and deformations affecting the two bodies. Traditional types of solid projectiles designed to achieve high
penetration include steel-jacketed rifle bullets and armor-piercing bullets.
When a projectile hits its target, terminal ballistics phenomenon that occurs may be one or a combination of the following:

1. Indentation
2 Penetration
3. Perforation
4. Ricochet
5. Fragmentation
6. Detonation and other related blast phenomena
7. Combustion and Incendiary effects

INDENTATION, PENETRATION & PERFORATION: The projectile may strike into a target to some depth, leaving an
indentation, or crater, or it may create an opening all the way through the target; a crater is said to result from a partial
penetration, while a face- to-face opening is called a perforation.

Targets are generally solid and are termed thick or thin according to the projectile impact as influenced by underlying
material. Penetration occurs when the stress intensities of impact exceed the yield stress of the target. Penetration causes
ductile and brittle failure in thin targets and hydrodynamic flow of material in thick targets. The projectile may be subject to
similar failure during impact. Penetration completely through the target, as already described above, is called perforation.

RICOCHET: If the target is resistant to the bullet, ricochet occurs more frequently as the impact angle increases. For
firings at a given speed, the angle at which one-half of the rounds ricochet is called the ricochet angle. Experimental studies
also indicate that the depth of penetration increases with the projectile's speed and its sectional density. Heavy, needle-
shaped projectiles penetrate better than light and blunt ones

DETONATION AND FRAGMENTATION: The physical action of high explosives is called detonation. Unlike
propellants in which the chemical reaction proceeds relatively slowly, the chemical reaction of high explosives can keep
pace with the physical disturbance resulting from the reaction. The resulting narrow-reaction zone is called a detonation
wave and can move in explosive materials at speeds as great as 6.3 km/sec (4mi/sec).

Take note that wound ballistics, which is closely associated with terminal ballistics, is related to the principles of medical
science. Wound ballistics is mainly concerned with the mechanisms and medical implications of trauma caused by bullets
and explosively driven fragments.

Upon penetration, the momentum given to the surrounding tissues generates a large temporary cavity. The extent of local
injury is related to the size of the cavity. The wounding potential of a bullet is thus increased by expanding or mushrooming
upon impact. Further injury is often caused by fast-moving fragments of impacted bone. Studies of body armor seek to
prevent projectile penetration and minimize injury. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2006).

4. FORENSIC BALLISTICS- This refers to the study of firearms.identification by means of ammunition fired from them.
Divisions:
1. Field Investigation- This refers to the work of an investigator i the field. It concerns mostly with the collection,
markings, preservation, packing and transportation or transmission of firearms evidences. It includes the study of class
characteristics.of firearms, shells and bullet.

2. Technical Examination- This refers to the work of the experts inside the crime laboratory in processing or careful study of
physical evidence submitted to them.

2. Legal proceedings / Court Trials - All Ballistics reports examinations are presented in court and its allied justification to
help on the prosecution of case.
5. SHOTS BALLISTICS- Refers to the science that deals with the study of smooth bore firearms like shot gun and
musket or those that propels pellets or balls.

Shotgun.- A shoulder gun smoothbore primarily intended for firing multiple small round projectiles.

Musket - A smooth bored firearm designed to propel single shot.

RANGE BETWEEN SHOTGUN AND THE TARGET:

1. 1-3 FEET- wound is about 1.5-2 inches in diameter. Scorching, tattooing, singeing maybe observed.
2. BEYOND 3 FEET- shot begins to spread out.
3.4 FEET-wound will appear as a central hole with small perforations around.
4. BEYOND 4 FEET-shots continue to spread out and produces a mass of small perforations with no central wound

6. WOUND BALLISTICS- Refers to the study of projectile penetration on tissues, Entry of wound are generally clean,
round holes slightly smaller than the bullets which caused them; as the bullet travels through the body it produces a
shock wave which damages the tissue around its path.

 . Bullet wound Phenomenon

Entry wound is generally clean, round holes slightly smaller than the bullets that caused them; as the bullet travels through
the body it produces a shock wave, which damages the tissue around its path. This is known as "TISSUE QUAKE".

Gunshots Holes or Wounds Categories

1. Contact wound-
-The muzzle point is directly touching the target within an inch or two when the gun was fired

2. Close Range
When the gun is fired, the muzzle point is near closely at the target a matter of 6" to 2 ft.

3. Distant
Over 2 or 3 feet or a vast range or gap between the muzzle and the target and brings great problems to the analyst in
determining the approximate muzzle to target distance