AFTE Store - Toolmarks Transfers from Projectile Impacts

Crime scenes involving firearms can have little evidence remaining for various reasons. When cartridge cases are not present or projectiles have carried well beyond the boundaries of scene examination, the only remaining evidence may be the projectile impact(s) into various materials. From case studies and experiments using projectile impact sites (bullet holes), this paper will show a definite direction for obtaining pertinent information like the caliber and, in some instances, the class and/or individual characteristics of the weapon used. A casting technique was developed to measure and calculate caliber and help identify the individual weapon.