AFTE Store - Penetration Depth as a Statement of Impact Velocity: Forensic Implications and Importance

The depth of penetration by a particular type and weight of bullet into a solid material can often be related to its impact velocity. This, in turn, can be related to range of fire in long distance shooting incidents or may be of significance in cases where bullets have been decelerated as a result of passage through some intermediate material or object. In this context, “solids” includes the bodies of gunshot victims, the wood of trees, wooden fences, and certain construction materials such as drywall or the wooden siding on houses. Empirical testing using downloaded cartridges and a suitable, properly functioning chronograph that establishes the impact velocity necessary to produce the same depth of penetration along with the relationship between impact velocity and penetration depth can be used to test various explanations of the incident. This paper provides several examples and illustrates the procedures for establishing the relationship between penetration depth and impact velocity.

Full Journal: AFTE Journal Vol 45 No 2 (2013)