AFTE Store - An Examination of Ten Consecutively Trimmed Cartridge Cases and the Individuality of Crimp Marks on Bullets

A review of literature and the results of an online AFTE Forum poll indicate that the number of requests for bullet to cartridge case comparisons is growing. Previous research and case studies have been presented with regard to cartridge case crimp mark comparisons and the individuality of cartridge case crimp marks on bullets. This study seeks to expand on previous work and offer additional evidence of the individual nature of the toolmarks inside the mouth of a cartridge case. Ten consecutively trimmed Remington brand cartridge cases were obtained for examination in this matter. Themanufacturing techniques employed by Remington were researched both as part of the NFEA tour of the Remington ammunition plant in Lonoke, Arkansas, and through personal contacts at Remington. The toolmarks on and around
the inside edge of the mouth of the cartridge cases were examined for the potential of subclass characteristics and the presence of individual characteristics. Through this examination and the generation and comparison of test bullets, it was determined that the toolmarks transferred to the test bullets were individual in nature and free of subclass influence.