AFTE Store - Wound Potential by Firing Unconventional Projectiles

Previous studies reported that contact wounds with pistol blanks are potentially lethal. In this research, blank ammunition with the addition of an unconventional firing projectile was studied to understand the potential for injury or fatality. Selected for the study was the M-16 assault rifle (model A1) and 5.56mm blank cartridge case (model M-200) which is readily available to military soldiers. Tree branches, stones, disposable foam earplugs, cotton applicator swabs and used/ un-used chewing-gum were chosen as the unconventional firing projectiles; their respective “energy per unit area” (J/cm2) was calculated, and some were found to be fatal.