A Detailed Lesson Plan

in
Branches of Ballistics, Movement of the Bullet leaving the Muzzle of the Gun and
Factors related to Interior, Exterior and Terminal Ballistics
Prepared by: Jarold Kinsman B. Alagos

I. Objectives

At the end of the lesson the students should be able to:

1. Understand the meaning of Ballistics;

2. Learn the Branches of Ballistics;

3. Determine the movement of the bullet.

4. Know the Factors related to Interior, Exterior and Terminal Ballistics.

II. Subject Matter

Topic: Branches of Ballistics

References: Forensic Ballistics by Dr. Ferdinand V. Beup

Forensic Ballistics by PLTCOL Renaldo De Guzman

Materials: Visual Aids, Laptop, Power Point Presentation and Projector

III. Instructional Procedure

Teachers Activity

1. Greetings

“Good morning class, how was your weekend?”

2. Prayer
“Let us pray first…”

3. Checking of attendance
“Say present when I call your name…”

4. Introduction/Motivation

What comes into your mind when you hear the word Branches of Ballistics?

“Okay, the topic that I will be discussing today is about Branches of Ballistics, Movement of the
Bullet leaving the Muzzle of the Gun and Factors related to Interior, Exterior and
Terminal Ballistics, that will help you as future policeman and policewoman to be
knowledgeable enough technically in your job.”

5. Presentation/Discussion of the prepared topics

Definition of Ballistics- Science that deals with the study of the motion of projectiles and the
factors affecting its motion.

Branches of Ballistics

1. INTERIOR BALLISTICS -The science study of the motion and characteristics of the
projectile while still inside the firearm.

FACTORS AFFECTING INTERIOR BALLISTICS

1. Bore erosion caused by:

a. Heat from burning propellant

b. Pressure of powder gases and combustion

c. Chemical action of powder gases and combustion residue

d. Mechanical erosion as projectile passes through the bore

e. Material fatigue

2. Initial velocity (IV) - the speed at which the projectile moves through and out the bore,
until the rotating bands disengage at the muzzle.

3. Powder temperature - affects the course of propellant combustion and gas pressure build
up in the bore. (Higher powder temperatures result in higher burning rate)

4. Powder weight - amount of powder in casing is directly proportional to initial velocity.

2. EXTERIOR BALLISTICS-The science that study the motion of projectile as it leaves the
muzzle of the gun.

MOVEMENTS OF THE BULLET LEAVING THE MUZZLE OF THE GUN

Forward Movement-This happens when the pressure of the heated and expanded gases
inside the barrel causes the bullet to move forward with spinning motion.

Wobbling Movement- As the bullet leaves the muzzle end; it continues to spin but wobbles
on its way out before achieving full gyroscopic stability. Although this movement may not be
present in the whole course of the flight, it can be expected to continue only for some distance-
upon leaving the barrel; the bullet is in a slightly unstable condition due to deformity on its nose
or due to unbalanced formation. This may lead to a “corkscrew-like” movement as the bullet
rotates according to the center of its gravity instead of the bullet’s form.

Spinning - As it exits through the muzzle, the bullet will continue to spin until conquered by
the so called gyroscopic stability, that is, the ability to remain stable in flight due to its spinning
motion resulting from muzzle velocity and rifling.

FACTORS RELATED TO EXTERIOR BALLISTICS

Muzzle Blast- This refers to the release of gas from the muzzle following the bullet’s departure
from the barrel. This action generates noise and is accompanied by a light called “muzzled
flash”.

Muzzled Energy- This refers to the energy generated by the bullet as it leaves the muzzle.

Muzzle Flash-This is the flash caused by incandescent gases as they emerge from the muzzle
of fired weapon.

Velocity- This refers to a bullet’s rate of speed measured in foot/sec. It also refers to the
speed of a projectile as it exits the muzzle of a firearm.

Range

This refers the straight distance between the muzzle and the target, and is divided as follow:

1. Effective Range - This is the maximum distance at which a projectile can be expected to
be lethal.

2. Maximum Range - This is the farthest distance a projectile can be propelled from firearm,
or the greatest distance it can travel when fired at a barrel’s optimum angle of elevation.
Air Resistance- This is encountered by a bullet while in flight towards a target.

Trajectory- This refers to the parabola-like travel path of a bullet in flight from the gun muzzle
to the target.

Pull of Gravity- This is the downward reaction of the bullet toward the earth’s center core.

TERMINAL BALLISTICS- is the study of projectile upon its impact to the target.

Terminal Ballistics covers the study of the following:

Energy - A projectile’s kinetic energy at the time it strikes a target. It is sometimes called
striking energy.

Velocity - The speed of projectile upon impact, sometimes called striking velocity.

Penetration - The capability of the bullet to penetrate and perforate the target, and also the
depth that a bullet or shot pellet will travel into target medium.

IV. Generalization

A summary of the Branches of Ballistics and Movement of the Bullet leaving the Muzzle of the
Gun and Factors related to Interior, Exterior and Terminal Ballistics will be given and the
students will then be asked to identify and discuss what they have learned.

V. Evaluation

Okay class, get one whole sheet of yellow paper, we will be having a test today.

Directions: Based on what you have learned, answer the questions below.

1. Is the study of projectile upon its impact to the target.

2. Science that deals with the study of the motion of projectiles and the factors affecting its
motion.
3. The science that study the motion of projectile as it leaves the muzzle of the gun.
4. The science study of the motion and characteristics of the projectile while still inside the
firearm.
5. This refers to the parabola-like travel path of a bullet in flight from the gun muzzle to the
target.

VI. Assignment

In not less than 100 words, in your understanding about my discussion earlier, discuss
the scope of these Branches of Ballistics. Write this in a yellow paper and submit next
meeting.