FINALS FORENSIC BALLISTICS CLASSIFICATION OF CARTRIDGES

FORENSIC BALLISTICS 1) according to location of primer:

- the product of the application of ballistics to law a) PIN FIRE – the ignition cap is concealed
inside the cartridge case and has a pin resting
SCOPE OF FORENSIC BALLISTICS upon it; the pin protrudes radially through
1) FIELD INVESTIGATION the side and the gun chamber has a notch for
- The job of the field investigator includes the pin to stand when loaded and it will be
recognition, collection, markings, prevention, struck by a falling hammer; no longer in use
packing and transmittal of ballistics exhibit b) RIM FIRE – the priming mixture is located at
2) TECHNICAL EXAMINATION OF THE BALLISTICS the rim of the case; this can be fired only if
EXHIBIT the cartridge is struck by the hammer or
- job performed by a firearm identification examiner firing pin on the rim of the case
includes markings of evidence, test-firing evidences, c) CENTER FIRE – the primer cup is centrally
photomicrography, and preparation of reports placed in the base of the cartridge case and
3) LEGAL PROCEEDING the priming mixture is exploded by the
- the most critical part in the field of firearm impact of the firing pin and with the support
identification of the anvil
- the firearm examiner goes to court to testify as an
expert witness THREE SYSTEMS OF MEASURING CALIBER
a) ENGLISH SYSTEM - expressed in thousandths
TECHNICAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM of an inch (cal. 380)
- an instrument used for the propulsion of projectiles b) AMERICAN SYSTEM- expressed in
by means of expansive force of gases coming from hundredths of an inch (cal. 38 )
the burning gun powder c) EUROPEAN OR CONTINENTAL SYSTEM -
expressed in millimeter
LEGAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM
- Firearm refers to any handheld or portable NUMBER OF LANDS AND GROOVES
weapon, whether a small arm or light weapon, that - the number of lands and grooves are always the
expels or is designed to expel a bullet, shot, slug, same
missile or any projectile, which is discharged by a) LANDS – the elevated portions
means of expansive force of gases from burning b) GROOVES – the depressed portions
gunpowder or other form of combustion or any
similar instrument or implement. For purposes of DIRECTION OF TWIST
this Act( R,A 10591 ), the barrel, frame or receiver is - the rifling inside the gun barrel may twist either to
considered a firearm. the right or to the left
- the twist of the rifling cause the bullet to “rotate”
CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS as it passes through the bore, for the bullet to have
1) according to interior barrel construction: gyroscopic stability during its flight from muzzle to
a) SMOOTH-BORE FIREARM – those that do target
not have rifling inside their gun barrel
b) RIFLED-BORE FIREARM – those that have RIFLINGS
rifling inside their gun barrel - consist of a number of helical grooves cut in the
2) according to the caliber of the projectile interior surface of the bore
propelled: - the purpose is to impart a motion of rotation to a
a) ARTILLERY – those type that propel bullet during its passage inside the barrel in order to
projectile with more than one inch diameter ensure gyroscopic stability in its flight and so that it
b) SMALL ARMS – those that propel projectile will travel nose-on towards the target
with less than one inch diameter; can be
handled, moved and operated by one man STAGES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF A BARREL
AUTOMATIC - when the mechanism is so arranged 1) DRILLING - boring of deep-hole
that it will fire continuously while the trigger is 2) REAMING - the removal of the scars and scratches
depressed left by the drilling process
SEMI-AUTOMATIC (SELF-LOADING) - when the 3) RIFLING - making of the helical grooves or riflings
mechanism ejects the fired shell and put on new one 4) LAPPING - polishing operation; the removal of
in the chamber and prepares the gun to be fired large imperfections on the inside surface of the
barrel
LEGAL DEFINITION OF AMMUNITION
- a loaded shell for rifles, muskets, carbines, MARKS FOUND ON FIRED BULLETS
shotguns, revolvers and pistols from which a ball, 1) LAND MARKS
bullet, shot, shell or other missile may be fired by - marks made by the lands of the barrel
means of gunpowder or other explosives 2) GROOVE MARKS
- marks made by the grooves of the barrel
3) SKID MARKS- marks generally found on bullets - never use the letter “X”
fired from a revolver B. FIRED SHELLS
4) STRIPPING MARKS - marked by the recovering officer with his initials
- marks found on bullets fired from a loose-fit barrel and the date of recovery
riflings of which are already worn out - marks may be made in any of the following parts:
5) SHAVING MARKS 1. inside, near the open mouth
- marks found on bullets fired from a revolver 2. outside, near the open mouth
6) SLIPPAGE MARKS 3. on the body of the shell
- marks found on fired bullets passing through either i. never place the marks at the base
an oily or oversized barrel ii. never use the letter “X”
C. SUSPECTED FIREARM
MARKS FOUND ON FIRED SHELLS - marked by the recovering officer with his initials
1) FIRING PIN MARKS - markings should be made on all of the three main
- marks found at the base portion of the cartridge and inseparable parts:
case made by the firing pin 1. barrel
2) BREECH FACE MARKS 2. cylinder (if revolver) or slide (in pistol)
- marks found at the base portion of the cartridge 3. frame
case caused by the backward movement of the - a tag should be made with the following
breech face information:
3) EXTRACTOR MARKS 1. type of firearm
- marks found at the extracting groove of the fired 2. make or model
cartridge case caused by its withdrawal from the 3. caliber
chamber 4. serial number (very important)
4) EJECTOR MARKS 5. date of recovery
- marks found on a cartridge case fired from an 6. name of victim (if known)
automatic firearm 7. name of suspect (if known)
5) SHEARING MARK 8. other features of value
- mark found in the primer near the firing pin mark - always put your markings on the parts that can
6) CHAMBER MARK never be replaced
- mark found around the body of the fired cartridge - never use the letter “X”
case caused by the irregularities of nips inside the
walls of the chamber COOKOFF - This refers to the ignition of a cartridge
due to overheating.
THE SEVEN PROBLEMS IN FORENSIC BALLISTICS STRIATION - An individual characteristic of the
1) Given a fired bullet, to determine the caliber, type, cartridges found at the base portion and of the side
and make of the firearm from which it was fired of the bullet come in contact with the inner surface
2) Given a fired shell, to determine the caliber, type of the barrel.
and make of the firearm from which it was fired OGIVE- The technical name of the cylindrical head
3) Given a fired bullet and a suspected firearm, to critic of the bullets.
determine whether or not the fired bullet was fired DEMEANOR- An overall impression in the
from the suspected firearm courtroom. The witness should be confident without
4) Given a fired shell and a suspected firearm, to being arrogant and pretentious. Pretentiousness is
determine whether or not the fired shell was fired one of the easily hated characteristics of an
from the suspected firearm individual and the witness must not, at all costs
5) Given two or more fired bullets, to determine Impeachment An attack on the weight and
whether or not they were fired from one and the credibility of the evidence presented or the witness
same firearm making the presentation.
6) Given two or more fired shells, to determine • Do not compete is the first rule of an expert
whether or not they were fired from one and the witness in the courtroom.
same firearm • The witness is not the one on trial, even it feels
7) Given a suspected firearm, to determine whether like he/she is , The trial is not about the
it is serviceable or not witness. It is about the accused ( guilty or
innocent) and as far as the witness is
HANDLING OF EVIDENCE concerned , about his/ her forensic
DON’T M-A-C THE EVIDENCE: examination results.
M utilate; Alter the nature, and Contaminate • The witness must know the safe zone and stay
with it . Which should be his/her daily work
MARKING OF EVIDENCE zone- forensic firearms examination. The
A. FIRED BULLETS witness is in court because he/she is an expert
- marked by the recovering officer with his initials who is going to testify about scientific facts
and the date of recovery and opinions. Hence , the witness should stay
- marks should be made at its nose or ogive or at the in the forensic firearms examination safezone
base, with the use of any pointed instrument
 and let the rest of the courtroom world take • Recoil It is the equal and opposite reaction of
care of itself. the gun against the forward movement of the
• The witness must be true to him/herself If the bullet during the explosions.
witness feels terribly anxious about testifying • VELOCITY The speed per unit of time of the
and public, he/she must remember that the M16 is 3,300 ft/sec.
accused also felt terribly anxious answering • Trajectory is the actual curved path of the
the judge's questions and those of the bullet during its flight from the gun muzzle to
prosecutor. The witness anxiety , if it is the target.
genuine, maybe the very reason that the judge • Ballistics Coefficient is the means that the
might sympathize with him/her. bullet may lose its speed very rapidly during
• Data obtained in a forensic laboratory have no its flight the air. This is a number that relates
meaning or work until presented to a court. It to the effect of air drag on the bullet's flight
is the expert witness who must serve as the and which can be used to later predict a
vehicle to effectively present these scientific bullet's trajectory under different
data to the court in a manner that is circumstances through what are called "drag
understandable to the layman, according to tables."
Heard (2008) • DRIFT is the curve taken by the bullet while in
• The witness should also avoid communicating flight
in technical terms or abbreviations. People • In forensic ballistic, the firearm examiner
who are unfamiliar with the lingo or jargon on examines the firearm usually involved in a
may not understand these terms. crime or the case in progress
• The expert's appearance in the courtroom is • In the story of crime, with the use of firearm,
the culmination of any forensic examination the energy coming from the muzzle point is
and forensic report or certificate of analysis. called muzzle energy
This process normally begins when a crime • Smoothbore and rifled bore are the two types
laboratory receives a subpoena or a summons of firearms according to the construction of
to appear in court. the interior of the barrel
• Qualifying an expert is becoming an • The caliber of the smoothbore firearm is
increasingly important exercise. This is measured by Gauge
because of the emergence of a growing • Jacketed is the outer cover of the bullet?
number also called defense experts who have • The caliber of the firearms can be determined
little or no knowledge of the scientific by the bore diameter measured from land to
disciplines in which they are giving evidence. land
To counter this phenomenon, there are many • The breech end of the chamber of the firearm
professional associations that now offer is sealed by a solid flat block of metal against
accreditation in various forensic fields. which the barrel comes into position when the
• Rule 130 - This rule spells out the particular weapon is closed for firing, which is termed as
requirements in order that certain kinds of breechblock
materials be admitted as evidence. • Forensic Ballistics involves the analysis of
• Proof of identity In which in the following is bullet impacts to determine information of use
the important component elements of the to a court or other part of the legal system.
process of Authentication • Ballistic Fingerprinting involves analyzing
• The first duty of a police officer at a scene of a firearm, ammunition, and toolmark evidence
shooting case is to Clear premises of all in order to establish whether a certain firearm
person? or tool was used in the commission of crime.
• Upon receiving a call to the sense of a shooting • Ballistic Missile is a missile guided only during
case, an officer should always take Notebook the relative brief initial powered phase of
and a pen flight whose course is subsequently governed
• When the officer is summoned on such an by the laws of classical mechanics
errand, his procedure should follow a Logical • Transition Ballistics is he study of the
pattern prtojectiles behavior when it leaves the barrel
• Ballistics is the scientific study of the and the pressure behind the projectile is
propulsion and motion of projectiles such as equalized.
bullets, artillery shells, rockets and guided • CARTRIDGE is also called a round.
missiles.
• Burning Rate is an arbitrary index of the PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION (BULLETS)
quickness that burning propellant changes 1. No two barrels are microscopically identical as the
into gas. It is the rate controlled by the surface of their bores all possesses individual
chemical composition, the size and shape of characteristics markings of their own.
the propellant grains, and the pressure at 2. When a bullet is fired from rifled barrel, it
which the burning takes place. becomes engraved by the rifling and this engraving
will vary in its minute details with every individual
bore. So it happens that the engraving on the bullets
fired from one barrel will be different from another PROCEDURE AT THE SCENE OF SHOOTING CASES
bullet fired from another barrel. - When an officer arrives upon the scene of a
3. Every barrel leaves its thumb mark or fingerprint shooting case, he is usually confronted by a
on very single bullet fired through it just as every condition of utter confusion. Neighbors and
breech face leaves its thumb mark on the base of onlookers are crowded around the place; relatives
every fired cartridges case. are weeping and hysterical. In his career as an officer
he will meet with other situations which require as
PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION (SHELLS) much as much poises tact and common sense when
he appears upon the scene of homicide.
1. The breech face and striker of every single firearm - His first duty is to clear the premises of all persons
leave microscopical individualities of their own. so that an intelligent investigation is not a matter of
2. The firearm leaves its “fingerprints” or “thumb five or ten minutes, but it requires that a definite
mark” on ever cartridges case which it fires. routine shall be followed, if mistakes are to be
3. The whole principles of identification is based on avoided. Things should be done, which may appear
the fact that since the breech face of every weapon wholly unnecessary at the time, but only to become
must be individually distinct, the cartridges cases vitally important later. One can never forces the
which it fires are imprinted with this individuality. angels that will develop and it is far better to do a
The imprints on all cartridges cases fired from the hundred things unnecessarily than to miss doing one
same weapon are always the same; those on that might mean the solution of the case. The victim
cartridges cases fired from different weapons are is dead and will stay dead. The officer may be
different. important by reporters or other to do things which
he is not yet ready to do – to give statement to the
PERIPHERY- These are the sides of the bullet are in press or to draw conclusion. In spite of all
contact with the inner surface of the barrel. persuasions, he should bear in mind that there is
one purpose and one purpose only, and that is to
STRIATIONS- A individual characteristics of the carry out an intelligent investigation.
cartridges found at the base portion and of the side - Upon receiving a cell to the sense of a shooting
of the bullet come in contact with the inner surface case, the officer should always take along with him a
of the barrel. loose-leaf notebook and fountain pen to make notes
at the time and on the place and not trust to his
TEST BULLETS- Are those recovered from bullet memory to reconstruct the situation at his
recovery box for a comparison with the evidenced convenience.
bullets under the bullet comparison microscope. - When the officer is summoned on such an errand,
his procedure should follow a logical pattern. His
A fired or evidenced bullets or cartridges cases are observation should be put in writing at the time of
those recovered from the crime scene. his investigation to keep for future references and to
produce in court if necessary. These steps are as
Interconnected or intermarriages 8 or more follows:
striations can be accepted by the court.
1. Note accurately in writing the time he received
3 Points of basic positive identification the the call and by whom it was sent.
markings must be: 2. Note accurately the time he arrive at the scene
and the correct address.
1. Prominent
2. Significant These first two items seem to be trivial, but it is
3. Consistent amazing how often in court they become of vital
importance. It is not uncommon that the officer is
Means of test firing, other than the recovery box. unable to fix the time accurately within an hour to
1. Water tank the satisfaction of a jury.
2. Saw dust with oil
3. Sand 3. He should ascertain if the victim is dead, and if not
4. Waste threads non-medical aid or remove the body to a hospital,
5. Darak otherwise the body should not be disturbed.
6. Banana
7. Rubber trips 4. Immediately clear the premises of all bystanders
and under no circumstances allow anyone to touch
PRINCIPLES IN FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION or remove anything in the vicinity.
- Two things mark by one and same tool will bear
the same markings, likewise two or more things 5. Use every effort and means to identify the
mark by different tools will have the same markings. deceased.

6. Does the body lie where the shooting took place?

Often, before the officer arrives the body will be
moved by a bystander. Frequently it will be picked 19. After marking the empty shells and bullets, wrap
up off the floor and put a bed or taken from one them separately and individually with soft tissue
room to another. paper and note down on the wrapper where each
was found the time and date. The purpose of
7. Take the names and addresses of all witnesses and wrapping them separately is to avoid being
take written notes on the statement of as many scratched.
persons as practicable.
20. When a lead bullet is found at the scene of the
8. Photograph the body from all angels to show its crime the body of the victim, the presumption is that
relationship to doors, windows, furniture’s and a Revolver was used.
other objects in the room.
21. When a jacketed bullets is found at the scene of
9. Measure with a tape the exact distance of the the crime or in the body of the victim, it can be
body with relation to the previously mentioned measured that a presumed that a Automatic Pistol
fixtures of the premises. or Automatic Weapon was used.

10. Note in writing the exact position where he 22. When an empty shell is found at the scene of the
found the body whether he found it lying on the crime, the presumption is an Automatic Pistol or
side, back or abdomen that objects if any, were in Weapon was used.
the hands; reports what was the conditions of the
clothing and the amount of bleeding. 23. When one empty shell is found at the scene of
the crime, the presumption is a Revolver was used.
11. Examine the ceiling, floor and furniture for bullet
holes, blood stains, fired bullets, fired shell or 24. In the bore of a barrel, the depressed portions
shotgun wadding. are the grooves, and the raised are the lands.

12. If there is a firearm at the scene, he should mote 25. On a fired bullet, it is the reverse. The landmarks
in writing the following observations: are the depressed portions, and the groove marks
a. Exactly where found. are the raised portions.
b. Type of weapon – automatic pistol, revolvers,
rifle, or shot gun, caliber or gauge designation. 26. To determine the real direction of the rifling twist
c. Make and serial numbers and at that time he in a rifled barrel, peep thru the barrel, place a land
should mark his initials on the butt or frame of or groove in inclines to the right, then it has a right
the weapon for future identification. twist and if it inclines to the left, then the rifling twist
d. Other distinct features. is left.
13. At the crime scene note down where the
empty shells, bullets and/ or firearms where found 27. To determine the direction of the twist of a
and make a diagram to illustrates the same, to show bullet, look on the bullets in an elongated position.
their relatives distances from the body of the If the landmarks and groove marks incline to the
victims, Photograph if possible. right, then it has a right twist and if it is inclines to
the left, then the rifling twist is right. If the
14. Be careful in handling a firearm found at the inclination is left then it is a left twist.
scene of the crime for they may have latent
fingerprint on the parts of the firearm. Note down 28. A fired bullet will acquire the class characteristics
the type, kind, make caliber and serial number. If of the bore of the barrel from which it was fired. So
there are fingerprints, submit said firearm to a therefore if a bore has class characteristics of .45
fingerprint technician but be sure that the firearm caliber, .6 lands, .6 grooves, right twist, groove wider
should not be disturbed. than the land, each characteristics will be marked on
15. Mark the empty cartridges cases inside or near the bullet it fires.
the mouth by scratching the initials to the
investigation or the initials of the victims. 29. It is the rifling of the bore that marked a fired
bullet.
16. Mark the bullets at the give (or nose) by
scratching the investigation’s initials of the victim 30. So if a fatal will have the same class
but definitely NOT at the rifling marks (landmarks characteristics as the bore of the suspected gun,
and groove marks). then it is possible that the bullets could have been
fired from the suspected gun.
17. Mark the empty shotgun shells with indelible ink
at the body. 31. To determine definitely if the bullet above was
fired or not from a suspected gun, then the case
18. The barrel of the firearms must be marked too. must be sent to a Forensic Ballistics Experts who will
conduct the proper examinations.
32. If two bullets do not have the same class
characteristics, definitely and conclusively they were
NOT fired from the same barrels.

33. If a fatal bullets does not have the same class

characteristics as the suspected firearm (barrel),
then conclusively the bullets was not fired from said
barrel.

The following are suggestions for the investigator

to observe in testifying in courts of justice:
1. Be prepared.
2. Be calm and well poised.
3. Tell the truth, nothing but the truth.
4. Be courteous.
5. Be natural and sit straight forward.
6. Do not volunteer.
7. Keep your temper.
8. Listen to the question asked before giving
your answer.
9. Speak loud enough to be heard.
10. Watch your personal appearance and
conduct in the courtroom.
Answer only what you are asked, no more.