AFTE Store - Within- and Between-Batch Variation of 9 x 19 mm FMJ Bullets

There is a paucity of information in the peer-reviewed literature on the variability of bullet properties (e.g. dimensions, mass, composition, hardness). The aim of this work was to develop a methodology to investigate the within- and betweenbatch variation in physical and mechanical properties of 9 x 19 mm full metal jacket (DM1 1A1B2) ammunition. The variation in properties is of interest for two reasons i) variability as a test piece because all UK Police body armour provides protection from it and ii) variability with respect to batch identification for recovered bullets and fragments of bullets, and / or cartridge cases. In this work a selection protocol for sampling from batches of ammunition was developed and tested. Non-destructive and destructive techniques were investigated for determining the variability of ammunition from two batches. Data obtained were statistically analysed. XRF of the bullet core was a good technique for determining variability between batches, but required the bullet to be sectioned, or to have fragmented. Measuring the length of the whole round and its mass was the most useful method with respect to minimising variability of ammunition as a test piece.