Bullet on bullet fragmentation profile in soils

Abstract

Lead–antimony alloy slugs encased in a brass jackets are common small arms caliber ammunition used for training and target practice. When small caliber ammunition is fired at testing and training ranges, these metals—some of which are toxic—are introduced into the environment. Research was conducted on the effects of bullet on bullet impacts and the resulting bullet fragmentation. The extent of bullet fragmentation, among other factors, affects the formation of mobile metal species from small arms firing ranges. Bullet on bullet impact can increase the surface area to mass ratio of the bullet metal alloys in the soil. The solubility of a metal is typically associated with the specific corrosion rate in the berm environment which is dependent on the surface area of the fragments. The purpose of the study was to analyze the bullet on bullet impact effects in six soil types. Changes in the metal distribution as a result of bullet impact was evaluated through sieve analysis and changes in the particle size distribution. The bullet on bullet impact observed in this study demonstrated a significant and observable shift in the fragmentation profiles for the lead, antimony, and copper in soils after shooting an average of 1050 tungsten-nylon bullets into the legacy lead soils. This study provides new information to assist with determining the potential environmental fate, transport, and environmental availability associated with constant bullet on bullet impact at testing and training ranges.