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FC 106 Chapter 1 Ballistics

Forensic ballistics is the science of firearms identification that has four main branches: interior ballistics, exterior ballistics, terminal ballistics, and forensic ballistics. Forensic ballistics specifically refers to the investigation and identification of firearms through analyzing ammunition fired from them. This includes field investigation of cases where firearms were used, technical examination of ballistics exhibits in a lab, and presentation of ballistics reports and exhibits in legal proceedings.

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Fionna Lou M. Carandang
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230 views10 pages

FC 106 Chapter 1 Ballistics

Forensic ballistics is the science of firearms identification that has four main branches: interior ballistics, exterior ballistics, terminal ballistics, and forensic ballistics. Forensic ballistics specifically refers to the investigation and identification of firearms through analyzing ammunition fired from them. This includes field investigation of cases where firearms were used, technical examination of ballistics exhibits in a lab, and presentation of ballistics reports and exhibits in legal proceedings.

Uploaded by

Fionna Lou M. Carandang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Forensic Ballistics

The Science
Of Firearms Identification
And Practices
CHAPTER 1
BALLISTICS

The term “ballistics” is defined as the “science of the motion of projectiles;

“Science” refers to the systematized body of knowledge;

“Motion” refers to movement or mobility; and

“Projectile” refers to metallic or non-metallic objects propelled from firearms.

BALLISTICS – is a science in itself because it evolved from systematic knowledge,


research and development, training, experience and education of those who pioneered
in this field.
Specifically, the term “ballistics” refers to the “science of firearms identification which
involves scientific examination of ballistics exhibits – fired bullets, fired shells, firearms,
and allied matters – used in crimes.
Origin
The term “ballistics” itself was derived from the Greek word
“ballo” or “ballein” which literally means “to throw”. Its root was
derived from the Roman war machine called “ballista” – a gigantic
bow or catapult which was used to hurl missiles or large objects
such as stones at a particular distance to deter animals (games) or
enemy forces.
The meaning of the term, however, has greatly broadened
since the development of ballistics.
“Ballistics” is frequently used synonymously in the press and in
police parlance to “firearms investigation and identification.
The term “Forensic” as applied to ballistics, or to any other

subject, suggests a relationship to courts of justice and legal

proceedings, and the term was derived from the Latin word “forum”

meaning a marketplace where people gather for “public disputation”

or “public discussion”.

Thus, the title “Forensic ballistics” and “Firearms Identification”

have come to mean one and the same things in the minds of the

public, and they can be used interchangeably.


BRANCHES

The science of ballistics and firearms identification is divided into the


following branches: Interior Ballistics, Exterior Ballistics, Terminal Ballistics, and
Forensic Ballistics.

A. Interior ballistics – refers to the properties and attributes to then projectiles


(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 include the following:

1. Firing pin hitting the primer


2. Ignition of the priming mixture
3. Combustion of the gunpowder
4. Expansion of the heated gas
5. Pressure developed
6. Energy generated
7. Recoil of the gun
8. Velocity of the bullet in the barrel
9. Engravings of the cylindrical surface of the bullet
B. Exterior Ballistics – refers to the attributes and movements of the bullet
after it has left the gun muzzle.

This branch involves the following:

1. Muzzle blast – the noise created at the muzzle point of the gun due to
the sudden escape of the expanding gas coming in contact with the air in the
surrounding atmosphere at the point.
2. Muzzle energy – energy generated at the point.
3. Trajectory – the actual curved path of the bullet during its flight from
the gun muzzle to the target.
4. Range – the straight distance between muzzle and target.
a. Accurate (effective) range – the distance within which the
shooter has control of his shots, meaning he can place his
shots at the desired spots.
b. Maximum range – the farthest distance that a projectile can
be propelled from a firearm.
5. Velocity – rate of speed of the bullet per unit of time.
6. Air resistance – resistance encountered by the bullet while in flight.

7. Pull of gravity – downward reaction of the bullet toward the earth center
due to its weight.
8. Penetration – depth of entry on target.

C. Terminal ballistics – refers to the effects of the impact of the projectile on


the target.

This involves the following:

1. Terminal accuracy – size of the bullet grouping on the target.

2. Terminal energy – energy of the projectile when it strikes the target.

3. Terminal velocity – speed of the bullet upon striking the target.

4. Terminal penetration – depth of energy of the bullet in the target.


D.Forensic ballistics – refers to the investigation and
identification of firearms by means ammunition fired
through them. This is the real branch of the science
which the police use as their guide in field
investigations. This includes the following:

1. Filed investigation – this is conducted by the first


officers on the case in the field when they investigate a
case or cases wherein firearms have been used. This is a
routine job of the investigating officers, preservation, and
transmittal of ballistics exhibits like fired bullets, fired
shell, firearms, and allied matters.
2. Technical examinations of the ballistics exhibits – this is
the job performed by the firearms examiners in the laboratory. It
involves marking of the evidence firearms, test firing of evidence
firearms to obtain test bullets and test shells for comparative
purposes, photomicrography under the bullet comparison
microscope, preparation of comparative charts, and the making of
reports on the findings and observation of the firearms examiner.
3. Legal proceedings (court trials) wherein the Ballistics Report
of the Firearms Examiner and the Ballistics Exhibit – fired bullets,
fired shells, firearm or firearms, and allied exhibits are presented
during the trials of the case in a court of justice.

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