AFTE Store - Tricky Wads

Wads and pellets were submitted in a homicide case along with a 12 gauge shotgun. Initial examination indicated that the wads were consistent with 20 gauge. A suspect had admitted to the shooting, but said he had used a 12 gauge shotgun. Further investigation showed the wads removed from the body were likely spacer wads inserted into the bottom of the shot cup. This is common practice among shotshell manufacturers. Since these wads are of a smaller diameter than the bore diameter, caution should be exercised when reporting gauge of shotgun solely from wadding.