FORENSIC BALLISTICS REVIEWER
I. Introduction to Forensic Ballistics
Forensic Ballistics
Definition:
Forensic ballistics is the branch of forensic science that deals with the study, examination,
identification, and comparison of firearms, ammunition, bullets, and cartridge cases
involved in criminal investigations.
Purpose:
• Identify the firearm used in a crime.
• Determine the relationship between bullets, cartridge cases, and weapons.
• Reconstruct shooting incidents.
• Provide scientific evidence in court.
II. Basic Concepts in Ballistics
1. Firearm
Definition:
A firearm is a weapon that uses the force of expanding gases from burning gunpowde r to
propel a projectile (bullet) through a barrel.
Examples:
• Handguns
• Rifles
• Shotguns
2. Ammunition
Definition:
Ammunition refers to the complete unit of materials used in firearms, consisting of:
Components:
, 1. Bullet (Projectile) – The part expelled from the firearm.
2. Cartridge Case (Shell Casing) – Holds the bullet, powder, and primer.
3. Gunpowder (Propellant) – Produces gases that push the bullet.
4. Primer – Ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin.
III. Types of Ballistics
1. Interior Ballistics
Definition:
The study of events that occur inside the firearm from the moment the trigger is pulled until the
bullet leaves the barrel.
Includes:
• Ignition of primer
• Burning of gunpowder
• Gas expansion
• Bullet movement inside the barrel
Example:
The pressure created inside a handgun barrel after firing.
2. Exterior Ballistics
Definition:
The study of the movement of a bullet after it leaves the firearm until it reaches the target.
Factors Affecting Bullet Flight:
• Gravity
• Air resistance
• Wind
• Bullet shape
• Velocity
Example:
Studying the path of a bullet from the gun to the victim.
I. Introduction to Forensic Ballistics
Forensic Ballistics
Definition:
Forensic ballistics is the branch of forensic science that deals with the study, examination,
identification, and comparison of firearms, ammunition, bullets, and cartridge cases
involved in criminal investigations.
Purpose:
• Identify the firearm used in a crime.
• Determine the relationship between bullets, cartridge cases, and weapons.
• Reconstruct shooting incidents.
• Provide scientific evidence in court.
II. Basic Concepts in Ballistics
1. Firearm
Definition:
A firearm is a weapon that uses the force of expanding gases from burning gunpowde r to
propel a projectile (bullet) through a barrel.
Examples:
• Handguns
• Rifles
• Shotguns
2. Ammunition
Definition:
Ammunition refers to the complete unit of materials used in firearms, consisting of:
Components:
, 1. Bullet (Projectile) – The part expelled from the firearm.
2. Cartridge Case (Shell Casing) – Holds the bullet, powder, and primer.
3. Gunpowder (Propellant) – Produces gases that push the bullet.
4. Primer – Ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin.
III. Types of Ballistics
1. Interior Ballistics
Definition:
The study of events that occur inside the firearm from the moment the trigger is pulled until the
bullet leaves the barrel.
Includes:
• Ignition of primer
• Burning of gunpowder
• Gas expansion
• Bullet movement inside the barrel
Example:
The pressure created inside a handgun barrel after firing.
2. Exterior Ballistics
Definition:
The study of the movement of a bullet after it leaves the firearm until it reaches the target.
Factors Affecting Bullet Flight:
• Gravity
• Air resistance
• Wind
• Bullet shape
• Velocity
Example:
Studying the path of a bullet from the gun to the victim.
