A distinct pattern of particulate lead which may contain one or more separate fan-shaped (semi-circular) swirls around the axis of the bullet hole. Lead particles originate from the core of jacketed bullets and are expelled by centrifugal force when fired. Also known as the vortex effect. The photograph below is a complete 6-right comet tail pattern on cloth. Photograph from Thompson, E. and Haag, L., “Comet Tail/Vortex Effect”, AFTE Journal, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 257-267.
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