AFTE Store - The Properties, Performance, and Forensic Implications of Hi-Tek Bullet Coating Part I: Examination and Comparison

Hi-Tek-Lube Supercoat is a proprietary thermoset polymer coating designed to provide a layer of protection around lead projectiles; it has the purported benefits of reducing contaminants in the air, barrels, and reloading equipment. Hi-Tek coated bullets may appear in casework. In a two-part study, several experiments were conducted to examine the properties, performance, and forensic implications of Hi-Tek bullet coating. In part I, a study was conducted in which twenty-eight firearm examiners compared copper-jacketed bullets to Hi-Tek Red Copper-coated bullets fired from five different conventional and polygonally rifled 45 Auto barrels. The majority of examiners concluded that jacketed bullets are not appropriate for comparison with Hi-Tek coated bullets. As a follow up, lead bullets were compared to Hi-Tek coated bullets, with similar conclusions. It was determined that Hi-Tek bullet coating hinders the quality of striae in land and groove impressions; identifications were only made where lead was exposed. In part II, Hi-Tek bullet coating was examined for its
potential to leave trace evidence. Further analysis tested its properties and performance regarding marketing claims and its application to forensic science.