FORENSIC BALLISTICS

MODULE 1

Introduction to Ballistics

Ballistics

 It refers to the science that deals with the study of the motion of projectiles and the condition
that affects their motion.
o Science - refers to the systematized body of knowledge.
o Projectiles - the metallic or non-metallic objects propelled from a firearm.
o Motions - refers to the mobility or movement of the projectile from the time it leaves
the shell empty, it leaves the gun muzzle and until it reaches its target or fall in the
ground. Its categorized as:
 Direct - forward motion of the bullet or shots out of the shell by the action of
the expansive force of gases from a burning gunpowder.
 Rotatory/Gyroscopic - action of the bullet passing through a rifled bore barrel
firearm which is either twisted to the left or to the right.
 Translational - action of bullet once it hits a target and subsequently ricocheted.
 The word Ballistics was derived from two Greek words. The word “ballo” and the word “ballein”
which literally mean, “to throw”. The term also said to have been derived from the Roman war
machine called “Ballista”, a gigantic catapult that was used to furl missiles or large object at a
distance like stone, dead animal or even dead person.
 It 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.
 Technically speaking, it refers to the "science of firearms identification which involves the
scientific examination of ballistics exhibits such as:
o Fired bullets;
o Fired shells;
o Firearms; and
o Allied matters, used in crime.

Branches of Ballistics

The study of Ballistics in the early age is divided into (3) three Divisions: Internal Ballistics, Exterior or
External Ballistics and Terminal Ballistics. From the time the gun was fired until it reaches the target and
have its maximum effect. At present ballistics is branches into four (4) and this is due to its subsequent
used in solving problems in connection with the administration of justice particularly cases involving
firearms and ammunition which is termed as Forensic Ballistics.

Interior (Internal) Ballistics = it treats of the motion of the projectile while it is still inside the firearm
(chamber /barrel) which extends from the breech to the muzzle. The conditions attributed to internal
ballistics are as follows:

 Firing pin hitting the primer

  Ignition of the priming mixture
o The priming mixture (composing of the KCLO3, sulfur and carbon) located either at the
cavity rim or at the center of the primer upon the striking effect of the firing pin will
ignite and such action is known as “Percussion action”.
 Combustion of the gun powder/powder charge or propellant.
 Expansion of heated gas.
 Pressure developed
 Energy generated
 Recoil of the gun
o Is the equal and opposite reaction of the gun against the forward movement of the
bullet upon explosion. The backward or rearward movement of the gun in relation to the
forward movement of the bullet.
o Jump is another portion of the recoil action characterized as the backward and upward
movement of that takes place before the bullet leaves the muzzle.
 Velocity of the bullet inside the barrel
o It is the relative speed of the bullet per unit of time while it is still inside the barrel
expressed in feet per second.
 Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel
 Engraving of the cylindrical surface of the bullet

Exterior (external) Ballistics = treats of the attributes or movement of the projectile after leaving the gun
muzzle.

a. Muzzle Blast – Is the noise created at the muzzle point of the gun.
b. Muzzle energy – Energy generated at the muzzle point measured in foot-pound.
c. Trajectory – Refers to the parabola-like flight of the projectile from the time it leaves the
muzzle until it hits the target. It is also described as the actual curve path taken by a bullet
during its flight.
d. Range – It refers to the imaginary straight distance between the muzzle of the gun and the
target.
• Accurate Range= the distance within which the shooter or gunner has control of
his shots.
• Effective Range = the distance within which when the bullet was fired it is still
capable of inflicting fatal injury.
• Maximum Range = the distance that a projectile can be propelled from a firearm.
The farthest distance the bullet could travel.
e. Velocity – Refers to the rate of speed of the bullet (during its flight) per unit of time usually
express is feet per second (ft/sec.)
f. Pull of Gravity – It is the downward reaction of the bullet towards the earth surface due to its
weight.
g. Air Resistance – Refers to the force of the air encounter by the bullet in its flight.
Terminal Ballistics = is that branch of Ballistics which deals with the effects of the impact of the projectile
on the target.

a. Terminal Accuracy – It refers to the size of the bullet grouping on the target.
b. Terminal Energy – Is the energy or force of the projectile when it strikes the target same as
striking energy.
c. Terminal Velocity – Is the speed of the bullet upon striking the target.
d. Terminal Penetration – Is the depth of entry of the bullet in the target.

Forensic Ballistics

 This branch of ballistics is the product of the application of the ballistics to law. The idea comes
with the used of the word forensic.
 The word Forensic was derived from the Latin word “forum” meaning a “market place” where
people gathered for public disputation or public discussion. When used in connection with the
word ballistics or other natural science, it suggests a relationship to the courts of justice or legal
proceedings.
 Forensic Ballistics is defined as the study of the motion of the projectile as applied to law or simply
the science of firearm identification by means of the ammunition fired through them.
 Scope of Forensic Ballistics
• Field Investigation
• the job of the field investigator
• includes recognition, collection, markings, prevention, packing and
transmittal of ballistics exhibit
• Technical Examination of the Ballistics Exhibit
• job performed by a firearm identification examiner
• includes markings of evidence, test-firing evidences, photomicrography,
and preparation of reports
• Legal Proceeding
• the most critical part in the field of firearm identification
• the firearm examiner goes to court to testify as an expert witness