AFTE Store - The Properties, Performance, and Forensic Implications of Hi-Tek Bullet Coating Part II: Evaluation of Trace Evidence

Hi-Tek-Lube Supercoat is a proprietary thermoset polymer coating designed to provide a layer of protection around lead projectiles; it has the proposed benefits of providing cleaner air, barrels, and reloading equipment. Due to its increasing popularity, 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 II, the coating was examined for its potential to leave trace evidence of value in barrels and on targets. Although some coating was removed in the barrel, additional coating did not appear to be removed when perforating target materials. Trace evidence was not commonly seen on test panels. Instruments analyzed the chemical properties of Hi-Tek coating, and sodium rhodizonate was used to test coating performance in light of marketing claims. In part I of this study, Hi-Tek coated bullets were microscopically examined and compared to jacketed bullets, lead bullets, and other Hi-Tek coated bullets. It was determined that Hi-Tek coating hinders the quality of striae in land and groove impressions; identifications were only made where lead was exposed.