A comparative study of entry impact of projectiles on ballistic gel body by using different firearms of the same calibre

Abstract

Ballistics is the study of action, motion, and behavior of the projectile in any given medium. Firearms are the most commonly used weapons in cases of homicide and suicide. Currently, forensic ballistics uses the scientific methods in the courtroom to prove or disprove the involvement of alleged firearm as well as also uses the technological advancement to calculate the approximate range of firing with greater accuracy along with the possible type of firearm used. The findings of the present study show the significant difference in the impact entry hole among different firearm and projectile caliber used over several distances by the use of same caliber ammunition from the same source. The use of ballistics gel body in the study of projectile motion has been of great interest and benefit for ballistic experts and investigators. In this study use of same caliber bullets on a Ballistic Gel body (imitating the human body) by different firearms has been studied in order to assess the behavior of a particular projectile to estimate the approximate type of projectile used and also the range of firing. This was achieved by studying the entry impact on the gel body. It was established that the dimensions of the entry wound vary in case of different firearms at different distances even though the ammunition caliber remains the same.