NCJ Number
242047
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 1241-1246
Date Published
September 2012
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This research compares the difference between various kinds of firearm-projectile combinations regarding their wound ballistic effect and effectiveness.
Abstract
Various 9-mm ammunitions (A1, A4, A5, ST, GS, GSb, P.E.P., SeCa, HP, PTP/s, VM, McVG, DM41, PTP, SX2, PT, and MEN frangible) were tested regarding their velocity, energy, angle of impact, and potential wound channel after penetrating a car window at 30 degrees and 90 degrees . Test materials were gelatine, soap, and pig cadavers. The velocities of the projectiles were between c. 288 and 430 m/ses, the energy spread between 394 and 564 J. Handgun bullets fired through vehicular side window glass lose substantial energy reducing the effectiveness of the ammunition. This effect is greater when fired at an angle of 30 degrees compared to 90 degrees . At a shooting angle of 90 degrees , none of the different projectiles showed remarkable differences considering its wound ballistic features. Accuracy is maintained at a 90 degrees angle but seriously impaired at 30 degrees . None of the examined ammunition complied with the demanded wound channel effectiveness of 30-60 J/cm. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.