AFTE Store - X-Ray Fluorescence and Physical Characteristics as an Aid to Bullet Identification

This study was designed to determine if it is possible to identify the manufacturer of a recovered bullet based on the elemental content and structure of the jacket. Bullets from commercially loaded ammunition were examined with qualitative and quantitative x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) to determine the elemental composition and ratios of copper and zinc. Some bullets were specific to a particular manufacturer and some were generic, based on the results of the XRF analysis of the bullet jacket and physical characteristics.