AFTE Store - Federal’s New SyntechTM Ammunition: Properties of Forensic Interest

A new ammunition product line from the Federal Cartridge Company, Anoka, MN was displayed at the 2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Presently available in 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 Automatic, the bright red polymer-coated projectiles are loaded in brass, Boxer-primed cartridge cases containing heavy metal-free primers. The Syntech trademark and TSJ (Total Synthetic Jacket) designations refer to the complete encapsulation of an underlying lead projectile. The intended purpose is for use in ranges to reduce airborne lead. The cartridge boxes also advertise reduced friction, the elimination of lead and copper fouling, extended barrel life and improved accuracy.

Initial testing utilized samples in 9mm Luger and .40 S&W which were discharged in conventionally rifled and polygonally rifled pistols, and the fired bullets recovered from water and ballistic soap. The polymer jackets survived these internal and terminal ballistic events with minimal damage and loss. Subsequent testing was carried out on the .45 Automatic version of this novel ammunition once it became available. The barrel markings on the bearing surfaces of these bullets were limited to the general rifling characteristics. No striae suitable for firearms identification were observed on the test-fired
specimens collected in this study, nor were any visible residues of the bright red polymer coating observed in the bores of the test firearms. An examination of bullet wipe rings produced by these bullets in tightly woven cloth mounted on a soft tissue simulant also failed to show any visible red residues.