AFTE Store - Base Deformation as an Index of Impact Velocity for Full Metal Jacketed Rifle Bullets

The principle illustrated in this paper, a testing protocol and the results obtained from numerous test firings carried out by the author provide examiners with a means of evaluating the range of fire for shooting cases involving full metal jacketed rifle bullets. This is of considerable interest when conflicting accounts for the range of fire are given by witnesses or the shooter. For a particular bullet of measured muzzle velocity, the down range flight and velocity can be measured or calculated from modern exterior ballistics programs or from Doppler radar tracks. Down range velocities at any selected distance equates to impact velocity in the event a victim were at such a location. The nature and degree of deformation experienced by bullets of this type upon striking and penetrating tissue or suitable tissue simulants provides a simple, reproducible means of estimating impact velocity and therefore, range of fire.