AFTE Store - Identification of Non-toxic Shot

As a number of alternatives for lead shot become available, the forensic firearms examiner may be called upon to identify the shot type and manufacturer. Identification of these non-toxic pellets was performed using visual, physical, microscopic, and chemical means. The shot can be differentiated using all of these methods (each of these methods alone, or all of these methods in combination). These methods will serve useful in assisting firearm examiners in the laboratory and officers out in the field, especially those called upon to determine if shotgun ammunition being used is legal for the designated hunting season.