? on forensic ballistics

Henry0Reilly

February 27, 2003 05:01

I met someone who seems convinced that a black powder revolver leaves no identifiable ballistic markings. I am quite convinced he is incorrect but would like to be able to refer to expert advice. Anybody have the real skinny?

Remember Ruby Ridge.

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  22WRF

  February 27, 2003 05:11

  If it's rifled it's going to leave land and groove marks on the ball or bullet. If smooth bore maybe but probably not.
  
  
  
  SOLD MY COW SO I DON'T NEED YOUR BULL
  A Grumpy Old Man

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  nmyers

  February 27, 2003 06:55

  It's not strictly a "black powder" problem. About 20 years ago Remington made a "multi-ball" load for the .38 special that used 2 balls of 000 shot.
  
  While 22WRF is technically correct, the smaller bearing surface of a ball will yield a small engraved surface upon which to perform ballistics. While it is theoretically possible to make a match, it is highly unlikely that enough of a match will be made to persuade a jury.
  
  Neal

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  j1r11

  February 27, 2003 08:32

  Has anyone here heard of that little thing called "black powder"? These traces will be found on the projectile, and once they find a suspect that owns one, they will find a way to make that ball or slug fit that gun, there good at that.

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  Sunray

  February 27, 2003 08:56

  Not matter what Remington did a BP revolver will have rifling marks on a ball. If there's enough of the ball left to test. If it hits a bone, it'll be close to flat or heavily distorted so there may not be enough to identify rifling marks. Even a smooth bore would leave marks. Just not rifling marks. I have an amazing site on my home machine about forensics in general. I'll try to remember to post its url.

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  Henry0Reilly

  February 28, 2003 09:43

  Thanks for taking a moment to respond.
  
  Remember Ruby Ridge.

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  redcedars

  February 28, 2003 18:09

  Tool marks. Obviously, without a cartridge or primer, the only marks left to examine will be on the bullet. Patched ball may not have useful marks even if found undamaged. Soft lead is easily deformed on impact, so finding enough bullet to identify marks could be problematic.
  
  redcedars

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  Sunray

  February 28, 2003 19:07

  Geezuz, you can't imagine how stupid I feel. I deleted the url to the Forensic site. I'm sure I thought nobody would want it. Dam. It was by a real forensic type guy too.

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