Bullet Type Research Articles

Ballistic resistance of ceramic and metal target plates impacted against different projectile’s nose shape: A numerical investigation

Layered ceramic/metal plates are investigated for ballistic impact against projectiles with different nose shapes. Explicit finite element method is used to model the target and projectile. This study examines the effect of nose shapes on the ballistic performance of target. This includes replacing the metallic layer with a ceramic plate of the same thickness to identify the best ceramic-to-target plate ratio for maximum BLV. Ballistic performance is compared between two different configurations having equal total thickness of ceramic and metallic layer. Increased ceramic layer thickness upto certain thickness-ratio may significantly improve the target plate’s ballistic resistance for all bullet types.

Gunshot Wounds to the Head: 29 Cases of Monocenter Children's Trauma Hospital Experience and Predictor Scales in Pediatric Population

Gunshot wounds to the head (GSWTH) in children remain an underexplored area, and all clinical guidelines extrapolated from adult experiences. A key challenge in treating these patients is age stratification, as pediatric survival rates are notably higher than in adults. The objective of the study is to compare 2 groups of patients based on the severity of their condition and to analyze the impact of various factors on the outcomes of these conditions. A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patient records of individuals (from birth to 18years old) with craniocerebral injuries caused by GSWTH and treated at Morozov Children's City Hospital between 1992 and 2015 were comprehensively reviewed. Data analysis included clinical presentation, computed tomography scan findings, injury site and trajectory, Glasgow Coma Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, and the St. Louis Scale. A total of 29 pediatric patients (79% male, 21% female, median age 8years) with GSWTH were analyzed. The mortality rate was 17%. A transventricular wound trajectory was found in 17% of patients and was associated with a poor prognosis (P < 0.001). The Glasgow Coma Scale showed insufficient specificity in injury severity assessment. A multiple logistic regression model predicting injury severity based on bullet type, gender, and time to admission had an accuracy of 80%, while a Decision Tree model improved accuracy to 96.6%. A stacking model combining multiple logistic regression and Decision Tree increased sensitivity to 87.5% and explained 65.5% of the variance. The findings emphasize the importance of a multifactorial approach in children with GSWTH, highlighting its effectiveness for precise outcome prediction.

Three-dimensional visualization of gunshot cavities in ballistic gelatine with computed tomography – A forensic ballistics case study

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging, primarily computed tomography (CT), has proven valuable in the documentation and analysis of gunshot injuries. Explicit visualization of findings may play a pivotal role in judicial settings. This forensic ballistics case study aimed to examine the potential of CT-based 3D reconstruction to digitally visualize gunshot cavities in ballistic gelatine. Three .30 caliber bullets of different types (full metal jacket, soft point, and expanding monolithic) were fired into standardized blocks of 10% ballistic gelatine. The blocks underwent CT scanning with clinical equipment. Gelatine and air were segmented from the CT data using an open-source software. 3D reconstruction views of the segmented gelatine and air components were created. The gunshot cavities were clearly observed in both gelatine and air segmentation. The differences in cavitation between bullet types were evident in both reconstruction approaches, although gelatine segmentation produced higher resolution of small details. The obvious benefit of digital reconstruction was the ability to freely tilt and rotate the 3D images, with the possibility of taking measurements manually or automatically from any plane. Moreover, all the data can be stored for future analysis. This study introduces a preliminary method for digital visualization and documentation of gunshot cavitation in ballistic gelatine, to be fine-tuned and implemented for research purposes and routine practice in forensic institutions.

Strategies in Ballistics Reconstruction in Shooting Deaths: Checklist, Methods, Tricks, and Pitfalls

Background: The multidisciplinary type of Forensic Ballistics science is an essential database for the medical examiner to define the most compatible sequence of events and to motivate reconstructive hypotheses. In gunshot victims, analysis of biological data alone may be insufficient for recon-structive purposes. Knowledge of the basic general principles relating to mechanisms, indicators, operating systems, power supplies, types of bullets, and so on, can make the difference between a "sterile" autopsy and one that can be useful to judicial investigations. Results: The reconstruction of the event, the final phase of criminal investigation, must include the interpretation and re-composition of the various elements of evidence and the overall evaluation of the same to obtain a legal characterization.

Bullet Accuracy of Canik Tp9sf Elite Pistol and Taurus G3 Pistol: A Comparative Analysis

Bullet accuracy evaluation is vital for firearm enthusiasts as it directly affects effectiveness and precision. In addition, bullet accuracy is crucial in determining the suitability of firearms for various applications. However, limited studies have been conducted to assess bullet accuracy, particularly of handguns. Thus, this study used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to compare the bullet accuracy of Canik TP9SF Elite Pistol and Taurus G3 Pistol, two of the most used handguns. Each handgun was used in four experiment setups, each with varying distances (i.e., 40m and 50m) and types of bullets (i.e., reloaded and full metal). The handgun was fired thrice in each setup, and the results were recorded with the help of two ballistics experts. The collected data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The study results are as follows: First, Canik TP9SF Elite Pistol had varying levels of accuracy depending on bullet type and distance fired. Second, the Taurus G3 Pistol demonstrated low accuracy regardless of bullet type. Third, Canik TP9SF Elite Pistol was generally superior to Taurus G3 Pistol, especially when using full metal jacketed bullets. Nevertheless, both pistols showed limitations in accuracy, particularly at longer distances.

Bullet ricochet mark plan-view morphology in concrete: an experimental assessment of five bullet types and two distances using machine learning.

Bullet ricochet impact sites can help with shooting incident reconstruction.A random forest machine learning algorithm classified bullet type from ricochet morphology.Results suggest that unknown bullets can potentially be determined from ricochet impact site morphology.Human identification of bullet types from ricochet sites may be erroneous.

Determination of the Worst Case for the Ballistic Test of the Soft Armour System Using the 9mm FMJ Bullets Differing in the Structure

Abstract Ballistic tests require significant rigor and the development of a worst case model during the research processes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bullet type (manufacturer) on V50 and Behind Armor Blunt Trauma (BABT) results for two ballistic applications: p-aramid and UHMWPE fibre. The results confirmed the thesis that the source of the bullets implies the test results obtained in terms of the number of penetrated layers in the ballistic system, backface signature deformation profiles (p-BFS) and the level of residual energy transferred to the user of the personal protection.

THE PECULIARITIES IN THE FORMATION OF GUNSHOT WOUNDS CHANNELS CAUSED BY 7.62 MM EXPANSIVE «HPBT» AND «SP» TYPE BULLETS

The aim of the study – to study the peculiarities of wound channel formation, causedby 7.62 mm «HPBT» and «SP» bullets, by means of experimental methods of forensicballistics with the use of human biological tissue simulators.Materials and methods. Experimental investigations were carried out under conditionsof the ballistic route of the National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius ForensicScience Institute». To determine the velocities of the fired bullets, the optoelectronicmeasuring complexes IBX-731.4 were used. Ballistic plasticine «Beschussmasse,6287156» was used as a simulator of human body tissues. The experimental shooting wascarried out with a TS.M308 model .308 «Winchester» sniper rifle. For the experimentalshooting 7.62 × 51 mm (.308 «Winchester») cartridges were used, which were filled with«SP» and «HPBT» bullets.Results. In the course of experimental shooting, the peculiarities of the formation ofdamage channels caused by 7.62 mm «SP» and «HPBT» bullets were determined. Basedon the results of experimental studies, it has been found that the bullets of these types ofthe same caliber and practically the same mass are able to cause different amounts ofbodily injury, which is primarily due to the peculiarities of the design of the bullets. SPtype bullets with a bare core cause more severe bodily injuries, they are less subject tofragmentation and in most cases retain a relatively heavy bottom part. As a consequence,such bullets are able to cause longer wound channels than other types of expansivebullets. HPBT-type bullets can also cause sufficiently large amounts of bodily injury,but because of their design, they are more prone to fragmentation when hitting thehuman body. In the course of the research it has been established that there are severalperipheral (secondary) channels in the area of the main wound channel. They are formeddue to destruction of the bullet and movement of its separate fragments away from themain direction, which leads to complication of diagnostics and further treatment of suchgunshot wounds.Conclusions. The use of 7.62 × 51 mm (.308 «Winchester») expansive «SP» and «HPBT»type bullets in the course of combat operations for firing modern sniper systems resultsto severe bodily injuries. Wounds caused by such bullets are characterized by significantin volume zones of direct traumatic necrosis (contusion), which significantly extend deepinto the tissues and structures of the human body and form even larger in size zonesof conditional necrosis (contusion) and morpho- functional changes. The formationnature of both the main wound channel and the peripheral wound channels, caused byfragments of bullet structural elements, depends on the velocity, design features andposition (projection) of the bullet at the moment of impact. Changes in biological tissuesin the area of wounds caused by these types of expansive bullets have rather complexarchitectonics, which significantly complicates the issue of clear delimitation of gunshotwound zones and adequate surgical intervention. The used investigation methods of thestriking properties of expansive bullets are suitable for predicting the severity and volumeof the caused injuries, as well as for determining the individual characteristic complex ofgunshot wounds signs caused by such bullets.

Weight retention and expansion of popular lead-based and lead-free hunting bullets

Hunting bullets are often comprised of a lead core covered with a copper alloy jacket. When the bullet collides with an animal, particles—sometimes millions—can shed from the projectile and embed in animal tissues. Those lead fragments can persist in game meat and remain in the discarded viscera that many wildlife species scavenge. Bullets often differ in design, so it is vital to assess their weight retention and expansion, which affects how much metal they deposit in tissue and how effectively they kill animals. We fired 12 types of hunting bullets into water to measure their weight retention and expansion at 91 m and 238 m (100 and 260 yards). Bullet constructions included copper, tin, bonded lead, partitioned lead, and cup-and-core lead. On average, copper bullets retained >98 % of their weight, whereas cup-and-core lead bullets retained <13–55 %, depending on the brand and shot distance. One brand of bonded lead bullet retained mass (≥96 %) nearly as well as copper bullets, while another brand retained much less (~71 %). Two types of copper bullets expanded similarly between test distances, while a third expanded less at 238 m. Cup-and-core lead bullets often experienced a separation between their copper alloy jacket and lead core. Our data emphasize that lead-based bullets of similar construction can drastically differ in weight retention and expansion.

Semi-computational approach for assessing the damage to human soft tissues: the case of FMJRN versus HP-XTP 9mm bullet penetration in ballistic soap.

Ballistic soap blocks are used in wound ballistics to assess the potential damage of the ammunition employed, allowing observation of the energy transfer occurred along the wound channel. The density and viscosity of ballistic soap (also called tissue simulant) simulate, to a good degree of approximation, the effect resulting from the interaction of penetrating bullets withliving human soft tissue. Ballistic soap has a "plastic reaction" to bullet penetration, and therefore, unlike ballistic gelatin, the expansion of temporary cavityremains imprinted in the tissue simulant. When the soap blocks are sectioned or divided withnondestructive instrumental techniques (e.g., Compton's scattering tomography), it's possible, therefore, to observe the temporary cavity determined by the penetration of the bullet. This study provides insight into the severity of injuries originatedfrom two different types of bullets of the same caliber by employing ballistic soap as a tissue simulant. In addition, it provides guidance to forensic practitioners on the proper use of ballistic soap for simulating gunshot wounds. The semi-computational approach employed, based on the results obtained from the firing tests, allowed the authors to understand that there is likely a threshold value of projectile energy density, close to 1J/mm2, beyond which its penetration into the ballistic soap ceases.

Light gap bullets in defocusing media with optical lattices

Searching for three-dimensional spatiotemporal solitons (also known as light/optical bullets) has recently attracted keen theoretical and experimental interests in nonlinear physics. Currently, optical lattices of diverse kinds have been introduced to the stabilization of light bullets, while the investigation for the light bullets of gap type – nonlinear localized modes within the finite gap of the underlying linear Bloch spectrum – is lacking. Herein, we address the formation and stabilization properties of such light gap bullets in periodic media with defocusing nonlinearity, theoretically and in numerical ways. The periodic media are based on two-dimensional periodic standing waves created in a coherent three-level atomic system which is driven to the regime of electromagnetically induced transparency, which in principle can also be replaced by photonic crystals in optics or optical lattices in ground-state ultracold atoms system. The temporal dispersion term is tuned to normal (positive) group velocity dispersion so that to launch the light gap bullets under self-repulsive nonlinearity; two types of such light gap bullets constructed as three-dimensional gap solitons and vortices with topological charge m=1 within the first finite gap are reported and found to be robustly stable in the existence domains. On account of the light bullets were previously limited to the semi-infinite gap of periodic media and continuous nonlinear physical systems, the light gap bullets reported here thus supplement the missing type of three-dimensional spatiotemporal localized modes in periodic media which exhibit finite band gaps.

Experimental and numerical study on the dynamic response of aluminum alloy wood sandwich panels under high-velocity impact

The purpose of this study was to investigate the high-velocity impact response and failure modes of three-layer sandwich panels consisting of aluminum alloy sheets and plywood. The energy absorption mechanism and interaction between the plywood core and aluminum alloy panels were investigated by a high-velocity impact test. Different types of bullets were used in the impact test, and impact velocity parameters were obtained using a high-velocity camera to assess damage patterns. A full-scale finite element model was established to simulate the response mode of plywood sandwich under high-velocity impact. After the finite element model was verified by the experimental results, the energy absorption of the sandwich structure was further discussed. The results showed that the sandwich structure provided better protection than the double-layer structure. The analysis and predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results and numerical calculations. The experimental and numerical studies proposed in this paper are expected to provide new references and ideas for the design of multilayer structures with better impact resistance and lightweight characteristics.

Bullet-resistant performance of spruce in a sandwich structure

Spruce is generally used as cushion material. The structure composed of two thin steel plates and spruce core inside is one typical sandwich structure for shock mitigation. The bullet-resistant performance of the sandwich structure is experimentally studied in the present paper. Four types of configurations of the sandwich structure are shot by three types of bullets in active service. Specifically, the spruce is laid out with different fibre directions in the sandwich structure. The depth of penetration in the target or the residual velocity of the bullet is obtained in tests. The observation of the failure pattern of the spruce after shot reveals that the fibre direction dominates the bullet-resistant performance of the spruce. The ballistic performance of the transverse spruce is better than that of the longitudinal spruce. The opening of cleavage surfaces in spruce is mainly caused by the limited lateral confinement of the tested specimen, which would discount the bullet-resistant performance of spruce. Moreover, the ballistic trajectory of bullet is inclined to deflect in spruce, which would slightly enhance the bullet-resistant performance of the sandwich structure. Furthermore, the velocity-range model is derived to represent the bullet-resistant performance of the sandwich structure. Based on this model, the stopped-location of bullet after penetrating the sandwich structure could be predicted, if the initial impact velocity of the bullet is known. The model prediction is consistent to the experimental results. The limitations of the model are also further discussed.

Ballistic study on the penetration potential and injury potential of different bullet types in the use of a newly developed bullet shooting stunner for adequate stunning of heavy cattle.

Recently, a special bullet shooting stunner for heavy cattle has been developed that fires a bullet instead of a bolt. In the search for a suitable ammunition, the following criteria must be met: First, the energy of the bullet must be sufficient to penetrate the thick frontal bones of heavy cattle. Second, the injury potential at the corresponding penetration depth should preferably be large in order to damage brain tissue relevant to stunning. Third, the bullet must not perforate the occipital bone (over-penetration). Four different bullet types [Hornady FTX, Hydra-Shok, Black Mamba, and a common full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet] were evaluated in a series of experiments on soap blocks and removed bone plates followed by computed tomography examinations. Penetration potential was evaluated in terms of kinetic energy relative to the caliber of the bullet, i.e., mean energy density (ED). Injury potential was evaluated by the mean extent of the cavity volume (e CV ) at the relevant penetration depth of 5.5 to 7.5 cm in the soap block. All four bullet types passed through the frontal bone plate. The ED was 17.50 J/mm2 (Hornady FTX), 17.46 J/mm2 (Hydra-Shok), 13.47 J/mm2 (Black Mamba), and 13.47 J/mm2 (FMJ). The Hornady FTX and the Hydra-Shok each fragmented heavily. The FMJ was excluded after three experiments due to over-penetrations. The e CV was e CV = 3.77 cm2 (Hornady FTX), 2.71 cm2 (Hydra-Shok), and 1.31 cm2 (Black Mamba), with a significant difference (p = 0.006) between the Hornady FTX and the Black Mamba. For use in heavy cattle, the Hornady FTX and the Hydra-Shok are recommended due to the larger e CV than the Black Mamba.

Euthanasia of whales: the effect of .375 and .485 calibre roundnosed, full metal-jacketed rifle bullets on the central nervous system of the common minke whale

The effect of rifle projectiles used for the euthanasia of stranded or hunted whales has been an issue for debate, in particular in the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO). In the Norwegian hunt for common minke whales, 9.3mm, .375 or .458 calibre rifles are used as backup weapons to euthanise whales that are not deemed dead after being hit with a harpoon grenade. When using the rifle, the hunters aim at the brain of the animal. The present study investigates the effects of the two rifle calibres .375 and .458 and round nosed, full-metal jacketed bullets in 29 common minke whales. The whales were examined post mortem shipboard and 22 of the brains were fixed in situ and later subjected to gross and light microscopic examination. The results show that the two types of bullets are fully capable of penetrating the skull and spinal bones of common minke whales and fatally damaging the central nervous system, resulting in immediate or very rapid loss of consciousness.

Analysis of Bullet and Ball Collision using Theoretical Approach

Collisions between two objects can be analyzed using the concept of the law of momentum conservation. In the case of a collision between two objects, namely a bullet and a ball, it is necessary to analyze using a theoretical approach. This research aims to analyze the velocity and height after a collision. Newton's law of conservation of momentum and Newton's second law in friction conditions are used as the basis of Calculation analysis using analytical and numerical methods. There are air friction coefficients with variations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 N.s/m. This type of bullet used a 9 mm calibre with a velocity of 380 m/s. The mass of the bullet and ball is 0.008 kg and 0.3 kg, respectively. The results showed that increasing the air fraction coefficient resulted in lower velocity and height achieved by bullet and ball. The increasing discretization value makes the results of numerical calculations consistent with analytical calculations.

Ballistic protection plates for military helicopters structures: Experimental and numerical research

The paper presents a combined experimental - numerical research that tries to evaluate the ballistic capabilities of three different types of protection plates having aluminum and/or steel skins and aluminum honeycomb core. Shootings with two types of bullets from a distance of 10 m were performed for each plate in an approved military training ground, which ensured the necessary safety and performance conditions. For each plate, the velocity before and after penetration was measured using an ultrafast camera, and a freeware code. The diameter of the hole made by the bullets was also measured. The experimental results were compared with the numerical ones obtained using the finite element method and a very good accuracy was noticed with differences less than 5%, validating thus the numerical models. The assessment of the degree of protection for each plate was made by evaluation of the energy absorbed by the plate from the kinetic energy of the bullet and by the reduction of the bullet velocity after penetration. The mass of each protection plate was also analyzed since it is a critical factor in the design of the ballistic protection systems. Conclusions were drawn regarding the efficiency of each of the three considered sandwich plates. The validation of the numerical models opens the path for the future assessment of other types of protection systems, made of lighter materials for the skins of the sandwich plates, namely fiber reinforced composites.

Hierarchical Modelling of Raman Spectroscopic Data Demonstrates the Potential for Manufacturer and Caliber Differentiation of Smokeless Powders

Gunshot residue (GSR) is an important type of forensic trace evidence produced when a firearm is discharged. Currently, inorganic GSR particles are used for establishing the fact of shooting. The organic gunshot residue (OGSR) has been recently shown to have great potential for providing additional information vital for the crime scene investigation. Smokeless powder is the precursor to OGSR and one of its chemical components. In this study, Raman spectroscopy and chemometric modeling were used to analyze smokeless powder extracted from ammunition cartridge cases. The proposed hierarchical model demonstrated great potential for determining the manufacture and the bullet type based on the analysis of smokeless powder. Expanding the developed approach to the analysis of OGSR will be needed to make it a useful tool for law enforcement agencies.

Gunshots through laminated glass: expelled compounded fragments as a function of bullet type

In the frame of an experimental setting, the formation of round-shaped compounded glass fragments on the exit site after gunshots through a windshield was examined. For that purpose, a 9 × 19 mm pistol (HK P30) and two different cartridges containing (a) a full metal jacketed round-nosed projectile and (b) a deformation projectile were used. On the basis of 52 gunshots, the morphology, impact angles and terminal ballistics of occurring compounded glass fragments were examined. The results showed that the compounded glass fragments’ morphology allowed for the differentiation of two used projectiles. Fragments were able to cause round-shaped defects in a single cotton layer (T-shirt) with subsequent penetration of up to 2.4 cm into ballistic gelatin (10%, 4 °C). As a function of the projectile type, the compounded glass fragments showed different reproducible impact angles that differed notably from the known conical pattern of expelled glass fragments after bullet penetration. These findings might help to explain the atypical morphology of gunshot wounds with laminated glass as an intermediate target and prevent possible misinterpretations when reconstructing the sequence of events.

Toxic Metals in Meat Contributed by Helicopter and Rifle Thoracic Killing of Game Meat Animals

Processes of killing wild game meat animals could introduce toxic metals into the animal’s meat, which subsequently may pose a risk of consumer exposure to toxins during ingestion. In most cases, toxic metals occur naturally in the environment and may be found in traces in different parts of a game meat animal. However, some of these metals are also introduced to meat animals by bullets used during the hunting and killing of game meat animals. These bullets are generally made from metals such as lead, arsenic, and copper, all of which have strictly regulated limits in food products including meat. Samples of helicopter-killed impala in the area around the bullet/pellets’ wound (n = 9) and from animals killed by a single projectile (n = 9) were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The type of bullet used influenced the mean concentration of some of these toxic metals (mg/Kg) in meat samples; helicopter killing resulted in the following levels of As (0.665, SD = 1.95); Cd (0.000, SD = 0.000); Pb (620.18, SD = 1247.6); and Hg (0.017 SD = 0.033) compared to single projectile killing that resulted in the following levels: As (0.123, SD = 0.221); Cd (0.008, SD = 0.021); Pb (1610.79, SD = 1384.5); and Hg (0.028, SD = 0.085). The number of samples per metal with levels above the EU products’ limits were Pb = 18/18 samples from both killing methods, As = 2/18 samples from helicopter killing, Cd- = 1/18 from rifle killing and Hg = 0/18. To minimise the risks of toxic metals posed by bullets, the use of lead (Pb) free bullets should be encouraged, and the control of meat animal killing methods must always be performed, especially for meat contamination prevention.