AFTE Store - The Effects of Frangible Ammunition on the Structure of Striae Created by a Rifled Barrel and the Value of Frangible Ammunition for Examination

Frangible ammunition is used in many indoor law enforcement ranges for training purposes. The concept of frangible ammunition is that it is designed to break up into non-hazardous fragments on impact with a metal target and has the benefits of being lead free, creating a safer and more easily maintained training environment. The purpose of this research project was a twofold evaluation of contemporary frangible ammunition. First, a study was conducted to determine the effects, if any, frangible ammunition had on the rifling characteristics of a gun barrel. Secondly, frangible ammunition was recovered after being fired at several target materials to determine if the fractured pieces were of any value for examination. The use of the frangible ammunition changed the working surface of the barrel of one of the evaluated firearms such that the striae were altered. Surprisingly, intact and potentially identifiable frangible bullets were recovered after being fired through the target materials.