A.

“10 Things to know about ballistics”

• Ballistics experts mostly work with crime scenes and are forensic specialists who
collect, study and analyse all evidence available that is related to ammunition and
firearms.

• Ballistics experts can usually identify the type of firearm that was used in a crime,
where it was fired from and also how many bullets were fired.

• The type of firearm used in a crime can usually be identified by the bullet (if it can be
found) or by the casings left at the scene.

• Every firearm leaves a unique set of markings on a bullet fired from that weapon.
These markings are called striations. These are unique to every weapon, as are
fingerprints to humans.

• If a weapon, suspected of being used in a crime, is recovered, ballistic experts can fire
that weapon in a special laboratory, and compare the striations to those on the bullet
from the crime scene. If there is a match, they can positively identify the weapon used in
the crime.

Read: What happens to the body when you are shot

• The probable distance and angle of the gunshot can also be determined – a very
important issue in the Pistorius case, as he claims he was not wearing his prosthetic
legs when he fired four shots through the bathroom door. His defence team has used
this to try and prove that there was no premeditation.

If he had been wearing his prostheses, the trajectory of the bullets would have been
different. Captain Christian Mangena, police ballistics expert, also testified that the shots
were fired from between 0,6 – 3m away, which supports claims made by Pistorius.

• External ballistics is the study of the trajectory of the projectile after it leaves the
shooting device. Many things can influence this, such as gravity, weather conditions (if
the gun has been fired outdoors) or air drag.

• Terminal ballistics refer to the study of a projectile when it hits its target: the angle and
depth of the entry wound can tell ballistics experts much about a shooting incident.

• Forensic experts can also test for gunshot residue on the hands of a suspect. These
particles are emitted from the back and from the muzzle of the gun when it is fired. This
residue, which cannot be removed with normal hand washing, often contain the
elements antimony, lead, barium, and sometimes titanium and zinc.

• A lack of gunshot residue on the hands of someone who supposedly committed suicide
would indicate a likely murder to ballistic and forensic experts
. Definition of Ballistics
 The definition and scope of ballistics may vary depending on your
perspective.
 Based on etymology, ballistics simply refers to an activity that involves
throwing.
 Ballistics, in the most basic sense, is the study of the motion of
projectiles.
 In a technical sense, ballistics is the science of the flight dynamics of
projectiles, either thru the interaction of the forces of propulsion, the
aerodynamics of the projectile, atmospheric resistance, and gravity, or
thru these forces along with the means of propulsion, and the design of
the propelling weapon and projectile. (Collins English Dictionary, 2009)
 Legally speaking, ballistics is the science of the motion of projectile in
flight and the study of the processes within a firearm where it is fired.
Ballistics may refer also to the flight characteristics of a projectile.
(Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, 1996)
C. Basic Motion of Projectiles
 Basic motions of elongated projectiles include direct, rotary and
translational.
´How do elongated projectiles move?  (Watch animation or super slow video
or animation of bullets being fired from a handgun or rifle.)
 
D, Areas of Application of ballistics
 Areas of application of the knowledge in ballistics include gun ballistics,
forensic ballistics and wound ballistics.
 Study on gun ballistics can be divided into 4 categories:
 Internal ballistics (aka interior/initial ballistics) deals on the motion of a
projectile while it is still inside the gun.
 Transitional ballistics (aka intermediate/transition ballistics) is the study
of a projectile's behavior the moment it leaves the gun muzzle as its
flight begins.
 External/exterior ballistics deals on the motion of the projectile from the
time it escapes from the gun muzzle until it reaches the target.
 Terminal/impact ballistics is the area that deals on the effect of
projectiles on their target upon impact.
 ❖Ballistics, Forensic Ballistics and Firearms Identification, in the country
have come one and the same thing in the mind of the people and particularly
among police officers as the study of the motion of projectile.
BALLISTICS
➢Based on etymology, it simply refers to an activity that involves throwing
(the art of throwing).
➢is the science of projectiles
in motion; often used as a generic term
for the study of bullets from the time
they are shot until they impact a target.
(PNP MC No. 2016-016)

✓As a science, it involves the study of the processes within a firearm as it is fired. (MerriamWebster's
Law Dictionary, 2019)

Legal definition:

✓It is the microscopic examination of fired cartridge cases and bullets together with the recording and
presentation by means of photography of what is revealed by qthe microscope.

Classical definition:

✓It is a scientific study of the propulsion and motion of projectiles.

✓Also includes the study of the destructive action of such projectiles Technical definition:

✓It refers to the science of firearms identification which involves scientific examination of ballistic
exhibits.

In general or in its broadest

sense:

✓It is the science that deals with study of the motion of projectile Ballistics

✓derived from the Greek word, “Ballo” or “Ballein” which means to throw.

✓from the Roman war machine

called “Ballista

Types of Motion:

1. Direct Motion

2. Rotary Motion

3. Translational

Terms related to motion of projectiles

1. Yaw – the unstable rotating motion of projectile while in flight.

2. Gyroscopic Action – refers to the stillness of its rotating motion and attain its highest momentum for
stability in flight penetrating power.

3. Tailwag – the wobbling of the end of the projectile before it picks up a smooth flight path.

4. Ricochet – it is the tendency of a bullet to glance off an object or to skip, like a flat stone thrown out
over a water surface.

key hole shot

-Bullet hitting the target not nose-on.

The Study of gun ballistics can be divided into 4 categories:

1.Internal ballistics (aka interior/initial ballistics)

➢deals on the motion of a projectile while it is still inside the gun.

2. Transitional ballistics (aka intermediate and transition ballistics)

➢the study of a projectile's behavior the moment it leaves the gun muzzle as its flight begins.

3. External/exterior

➢deals on the motion of the projectile from the time it leaves the gun muzzle until it reaches the target.

4. Terminal/impact

➢focus on the effects of projectiles on their target upon impact.

The science of firearms and their uses is known as GUNNERY, but the study involving guns is usually
associated with BALLISTICS.

Main focus of ballistics study

Ballistics is not focused on the study of firearms but on the - MOTION OF PROJECTILES.

*Motion, as used in this study, primarily refers to the movement or action of projectiles launched from
FIREARMS.

BALLISTICS (technical definition)

- the science of projectiles in MOTION from the moment of firing until impact at the
target.

Ballistics covers the scientific study of :

propulsion (driving force)

flight (moving thru space) of projectiles

impact (destructive action).

The birth of ballistics goes back to the time when people began to study how to launch

objects like stones and hit specific long distance targets. Significant developments in

ballistics continued when scientists invented propellants then guns and ballistic

measuring instruments.

A. THE DISCOVERY OF BLACK POWDER

 Black powder was discovered by Chinese alchemists searching for an elixir of

immortality. Known also as Poudre N (noire), the black powder was the first explosives

used to propel missiles for military reasons. It’s a mixture of potassium nitrate (saltpeter),

sulfur and charcoal. It burns rapidly upon ignition producing thick whitish smoke.

 As early as 10th century, black powder was used for military purposes in China to launch

rockets and explosive bombs fired from catapults. The first use of cannon appeared in

1126 when Chinese soldiers used oiled bamboo tubes to launch missiles against their

enemy at great distances. Roger bacon (an English philosopher) described its

preparation in 1242. From China, the military use of black powder spread to the Middle

East (Arab world) and Europe.

B. FIRST BALLISTIC PROBLEM

 One of the early significant historical events whereby basic problems related to ballistics

have been solved was the Battle of Crecy. On August 26, 1346 in northern France, the

English headed by King Edward III fought the French and won the battle with negligible

casualty. It was proven for the first time in actual battle that the longbow is superior to

the crossbow in both range and rapidity of fire. In this battle, the English fired their first

gun-launched projectiles and encountered the basic problems in interior ballistics.

 The first basic problems in ballistics:

1. How to maximize the speed of a projectile without bursting the gun

2. How fast the gunpowder should burn

3. How a gun can survive many firings without damage

INITIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE THEORY OF TRAJECTORY

 Until the mid-16th century, people believed that cannon balls travel in straight line from

the gun barrel to the target. This belief was disproved later by Tartaglia, Galileo and

Newton.

 Tartaglia, an Italian mathematician whose real name is Niccolo Fontana, conducted the

first systematic study on gunnery. In 1573, he explained that no part of the path of a

projectile could be a straight line and that the greater the velocity of the projectile, the

flatter its path. He invented the gunner’s quadrant designed to determine elevation of the

muzzle of a gun. Using the gunner’s quadrant, he proved that the slope of the gun barrel

required to produce the greatest range is 45O from the horizontal ground.

 Galileo Galilei proved that when a projectile travels in a vacuum, its trajectory would form

a parabolic arc. The trajectory of a projectile fired in a vacuum from inclined gun barrel

includes both the ascending and the descending parts of a parabola. He discovered that

the path of a cannonball rolled off the end of a plank is the descending part of a parabola,

similar to the trajectory of a very heavy modern bomb dropped from an aircraft flying

horizontally.

 Isaac Newton, a British scientist, introduced in 1687 the law of universal gravitation which

can be used to explain the cause of curvilinear motion of projectiles.

D. PIONEERS IN STUDYING PROJECTILE VELOCITY

 Measuring muzzle velocity of firearm was first suggested in 1707 by Giovanni Cassini, a

French astronomer. About 1740, measuring the muzzle velocity of any firearm was made

possible because of an instrument invented by a British engineer named Benjamin

Robins. In 1742, Robins described before the Royal Society of England the first accurate

ballistic measuring instrument called ‘ballistic pendulum’. The ballistic pendulum,

however, was convenient to use in investigating the muzzle velocity of musket balls or

round projectiles.

 The design of the ballistic pendulum is based on the principle that the momentum of a
projectile with a small size and a high velocity can be transferred to a material having a

large mass with a resultant low velocity. Later the gun pendulum, a modification of

ballistic pendulum, was developed by Benjamin Thompson.

 By determining the relationship between the caliber, length of barrel, and charge of

powder, Robins substantially improved the science of gunnery. Hence, today he is called

‘the father of modern gunnery.’ He was the first to undertake a systematic series of

experiments to determine the velocity of projectiles. Observing that large quantities of

gas escaped bypassing the round projectile in smooth-bore barrels, he proposed two

things: the use of breech-loading weapons (loaded at the rear of the bore) with rifled

barrels; and the use of elongated projectiles fitted in the bore.

 In 1840, the British physicist Sir Charles Wheatstone suggested the use of electricity for

measuring small intervals of time. This suggestion led to the development of the

chronograph, a device for recording by electrical means the time required for a projectile

to pass between two screens of fine wire.

19th CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS IN BALLISTICS

 In 1807, Alexander John Forsythe, a Scottish Presbyterian minister, introduced the idea

of using chemicals (detonator) to ignite the gunpowder placed in the cartridge case. He

was the first to use such kind of technique which applied the principle of percussion to

improve the design of firearms and ammunition. His idea earned him this title - the father

of percussion ignition.

 In 1841, a breech-loading infantry rifle, the so-called needle gun because of its long sharp

firing pin, was invented by Johann Dreyse.

 In 1845, a serviceable breech-loading artillery rifle was developed by Major Cavalli of

Sardinia. Pointed cylindrical projectiles became standard issue for both small arms and

artillery. Bullets were made of soft metal so they could fit at the base of the rifling in small

arms, and copper rotating bands were added near the base of artillery shells. These

innovations promoted the idea of trapping the combustion gases behind the bullet while

it is moving towards the gun muzzle.

 In 1857, works of General Thomas Jackson Rodman (an American artillerist, inventor,

and ordnance specialist in United States Army) led to improvements in the grain-form of

gun powder and in making guns. Rodman made a gauge for direct measurement of the

maximum pressure of gunpowder gases. His ideas about improving weapons were used

to develop the ‘strongest cast iron cannon ever made’ now known today as Rodman gun,

which was used extensively in defending coastal areas.

 In 1884, Paul Vieille in France developed the first smokeless gun powder called Poudre

B (Poudre Blanche or white powder) that is more efficient than black powder. Poudre B

is made from gelatinized nitrocellulose mixed with ether and alcohol. It appeared actually

as fine powder but it looked like tiny flakes. This French-made gunpowder revolutionized

the effectiveness of small guns and rifles. Aside from the fact that practically no smoke

would be formed when discharging ammunition, Poudre B is much more powerful than

black powder, giving an accurate rifle range up to 1,000 yards.

 In 1887, Alfred Nobel (a Swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, and armaments

manufacturer) introduced another kind of smokeless gunpowder which he patented as

‘ballistite’. This second version of smokeless powder consisted of 10% camphor and

equal parts of nitroglycerine and collodion. The camphor content tends to evaporate over

time, leaving a potentially unstable explosive. (Wikipedia, 2011)

 By 1889, Sir Frederick Abel (English chemist) together with Sir James Dewar jointly

patented a modified form of ballistite. This third version of smokeless powder consisted

of 58% nitroglycerin by weight, 37% (nitrocellulose) guncotton and 5% petroleum jelly.

Using acetone as a solvent, it was produced in spaghetti-like rods initially called ‘cord

powder’ abbreviated later on as ‘cordite’ and it gradually became more predominant

compared to Poudre B and ballistite.

 Aside from the development of gunpowder, the historical developments of firearms and

ammunition run parallel with the history of ballistics. In the succeeding lessons, more

historical information will be provided to help you appreciate the subject matter.

The Study of gun ballistics can be divided into 4 categories:

1.Internal ballistics (aka interior/initial ballistics)

➢deals on the motion of a projectile while it is still inside the gun.

2. Transitional ballistics (aka intermediate and transition ballistics)

➢the study of a projectile's behavior the moment it leaves the gun muzzle as its flight begins.

3. External/exterior

➢deals on the motion of the projectile from the time it leaves the gun muzzle until it reaches the target.

4. Terminal/impact

➢focus on the effects of projectiles on their target upon impact.

The science of firearms and their uses is known as GUNNERY, but the study involving guns is usually
associated with BALLISTICS.

Main focus of ballistics study

Ballistics is not focused on the study of firearms but on the - MOTION OF PROJECTILES.

*Motion, as used in this study, primarily refers to the movement or action of projectiles launched from
FIREARMS.

BALLISTICS (technical definition)

- the science of projectiles in MOTION from the moment of firing until impact at the
target.

Ballistics covers the scientific study of :

propulsion (driving force)

flight (moving thru space) of projectiles

impact (destructive action).

The birth of ballistics goes back to the time when people began to study how to launch

objects like stones and hit specific long distance targets. Significant developments in

ballistics continued when scientists invented propellants then guns and ballistic

measuring instruments.

A. THE DISCOVERY OF BLACK POWDER

 Black powder was discovered by Chinese alchemists searching for an elixir of

immortality. Known also as Poudre N (noire), the black powder was the first explosives

used to propel missiles for military reasons. It’s a mixture of potassium nitrate (saltpeter),

sulfur and charcoal. It burns rapidly upon ignition producing thick whitish smoke.

 As early as 10th century, black powder was used for military purposes in China to launch

rockets and explosive bombs fired from catapults. The first use of cannon appeared in

1126 when Chinese soldiers used oiled bamboo tubes to launch missiles against their

enemy at great distances. Roger bacon (an English philosopher) described its

preparation in 1242. From China, the military use of black powder spread to the Middle

East (Arab world) and Europe.

B. FIRST BALLISTIC PROBLEM

 One of the early significant historical events whereby basic problems related to ballistics

have been solved was the Battle of Crecy. On August 26, 1346 in northern France, the

English headed by King Edward III fought the French and won the battle with negligible

casualty. It was proven for the first time in actual battle that the longbow is superior to

the crossbow in both range and rapidity of fire. In this battle, the English fired their first

gun-launched projectiles and encountered the basic problems in interior ballistics.

 The first basic problems in ballistics:

1. How to maximize the speed of a projectile without bursting the gun

2. How fast the gunpowder should burn

3. How a gun can survive many firings without damage

INITIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE THEORY OF TRAJECTORY

 Until the mid-16th century, people believed that cannon balls travel in straight line from

the gun barrel to the target. This belief was disproved later by Tartaglia, Galileo and

Newton.

 Tartaglia, an Italian mathematician whose real name is Niccolo Fontana, conducted the

first systematic study on gunnery. In 1573, he explained that no part of the path of a

projectile could be a straight line and that the greater the velocity of the projectile, the

flatter its path. He invented the gunner’s quadrant designed to determine elevation of the
muzzle of a gun. Using the gunner’s quadrant, he proved that the slope of the gun barrel

required to produce the greatest range is 45O from the horizontal ground.

 Galileo Galilei proved that when a projectile travels in a vacuum, its trajectory would form

a parabolic arc. The trajectory of a projectile fired in a vacuum from inclined gun barrel

includes both the ascending and the descending parts of a parabola. He discovered that

the path of a cannonball rolled off the end of a plank is the descending part of a parabola,

similar to the trajectory of a very heavy modern bomb dropped from an aircraft flying

horizontally.

 Isaac Newton, a British scientist, introduced in 1687 the law of universal gravitation which

can be used to explain the cause of curvilinear motion of projectiles.

D. PIONEERS IN STUDYING PROJECTILE VELOCITY

 Measuring muzzle velocity of firearm was first suggested in 1707 by Giovanni Cassini, a

French astronomer. About 1740, measuring the muzzle velocity of any firearm was made

possible because of an instrument invented by a British engineer named Benjamin

Robins. In 1742, Robins described before the Royal Society of England the first accurate

ballistic measuring instrument called ‘ballistic pendulum’. The ballistic pendulum,

however, was convenient to use in investigating the muzzle velocity of musket balls or

round projectiles.

 The design of the ballistic pendulum is based on the principle that the momentum of a

projectile with a small size and a high velocity can be transferred to a material having a

large mass with a resultant low velocity. Later the gun pendulum, a modification of

ballistic pendulum, was developed by Benjamin Thompson.

 By determining the relationship between the caliber, length of barrel, and charge of

powder, Robins substantially improved the science of gunnery. Hence, today he is called

‘the father of modern gunnery.’ He was the first to undertake a systematic series of

experiments to determine the velocity of projectiles. Observing that large quantities of

gas escaped bypassing the round projectile in smooth-bore barrels, he proposed two

things: the use of breech-loading weapons (loaded at the rear of the bore) with rifled

barrels; and the use of elongated projectiles fitted in the bore.

 In 1840, the British physicist Sir Charles Wheatstone suggested the use of electricity for

measuring small intervals of time. This suggestion led to the development of the

chronograph, a device for recording by electrical means the time required for a projectile

to pass between two screens of fine wire.

19th CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS IN BALLISTICS

 In 1807, Alexander John Forsythe, a Scottish Presbyterian minister, introduced the idea

of using chemicals (detonator) to ignite the gunpowder placed in the cartridge case. He

was the first to use such kind of technique which applied the principle of percussion to

improve the design of firearms and ammunition. His idea earned him this title - the father

of percussion ignition.

 In 1841, a breech-loading infantry rifle, the so-called needle gun because of its long sharp

firing pin, was invented by Johann Dreyse.

 In 1845, a serviceable breech-loading artillery rifle was developed by Major Cavalli of

Sardinia. Pointed cylindrical projectiles became standard issue for both small arms and

artillery. Bullets were made of soft metal so they could fit at the base of the rifling in small

arms, and copper rotating bands were added near the base of artillery shells. These

innovations promoted the idea of trapping the combustion gases behind the bullet while

it is moving towards the gun muzzle.

 In 1857, works of General Thomas Jackson Rodman (an American artillerist, inventor,

and ordnance specialist in United States Army) led to improvements in the grain-form of

gun powder and in making guns. Rodman made a gauge for direct measurement of the

maximum pressure of gunpowder gases. His ideas about improving weapons were used

to develop the ‘strongest cast iron cannon ever made’ now known today as Rodman gun,

which was used extensively in defending coastal areas.

 In 1884, Paul Vieille in France developed the first smokeless gun powder called Poudre

B (Poudre Blanche or white powder) that is more efficient than black powder. Poudre B

is made from gelatinized nitrocellulose mixed with ether and alcohol. It appeared actually

as fine powder but it looked like tiny flakes. This French-made gunpowder revolutionized
the effectiveness of small guns and rifles. Aside from the fact that practically no smoke

would be formed when discharging ammunition, Poudre B is much more powerful than

black powder, giving an accurate rifle range up to 1,000 yards.

 In 1887, Alfred Nobel (a Swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, and armaments

manufacturer) introduced another kind of smokeless gunpowder which he patented as

‘ballistite’. This second version of smokeless powder consisted of 10% camphor and

equal parts of nitroglycerine and collodion. The camphor content tends to evaporate over

time, leaving a potentially unstable explosive. (Wikipedia, 2011)

 By 1889, Sir Frederick Abel (English chemist) together with Sir James Dewar jointly

patented a modified form of ballistite. This third version of smokeless powder consisted

of 58% nitroglycerin by weight, 37% (nitrocellulose) guncotton and 5% petroleum jelly.

Using acetone as a solvent, it was produced in spaghetti-like rods initially called ‘cord

powder’ abbreviated later on as ‘cordite’ and it gradually became more predominant

compared to Poudre B and ballistite.

 Aside from the development of gunpowder, the historical developments of firearms and

ammunition run parallel with the history of ballistics. In the succeeding lessons, more

historical information will be provided to help you appreciate the subject matter.

“10 Things to know about ballistics”

• Ballistics experts mostly work with crime scenes and are forensic specialists who collect, study
and analyse all evidence available that is related to ammunition and firearms.

• Ballistics experts can usually identify the type of firearm that was used in a crime, where it
was fired from and also how many bullets were fired.

• The type of firearm used in a crime can usually be identified by the bullet (if it can be found)
or by the casings left at the scene.

• Every firearm leaves a unique set of markings on a bullet fired from that weapon. These
markings are called striations. These are unique to every weapon, as are fingerprints to
humans.
• If a weapon, suspected of being used in a crime, is recovered, ballistic experts can fire that
weapon in a special laboratory, and compare the striations to those on the bullet from the
crime scene. If there is a match, they can positively identify the weapon used in the crime.

Read: What happens to the body when you are shot

• The probable distance and angle of the gunshot can also be determined – a very important
issue in the Pistorius case, as he claims he was not wearing his prosthetic legs when he fired
four shots through the bathroom door. His defence team has used this to try and prove that
there was no premeditation.

If he had been wearing his prostheses, the trajectory of the bullets would have been different.
Captain Christian Mangena, police ballistics expert, also testified that the shots were fired from
between 0,6 – 3m away, which supports claims made by Pistorius.

• External ballistics is the study of the trajectory of the projectile after it leaves the shooting
device. Many things can influence this, such as gravity, weather conditions (if the gun has been
fired outdoors) or air drag.

• Terminal ballistics refer to the study of a projectile when it hits its target: the angle and depth
of the entry wound can tell ballistics experts much about a shooting incident.

• Forensic experts can also test for gunshot residue on the hands of a suspect. These particles
are emitted from the back and from the muzzle of the gun when it is fired. This residue, which
cannot be removed with normal hand washing, often contain the elements antimony, lead,
barium, and sometimes titanium and zinc.

• A lack of gunshot residue on the hands of someone who supposedly committed suicide would
indicate a likely murder to ballistic and forensic experts

. Definition of Ballistics
The definition and scope of ballistics may vary depending on your perspective.
Based on etymology, ballistics simply refers to an activity that involves throwing.
Ballistics, in the most basic sense, is the study of the motion of projectiles.
In a technical sense, ballistics is the science of the flight dynamics of projectiles, either thru the
interaction of the forces of propulsion, the aerodynamics of the projectile, atmospheric
resistance, and gravity, or thru these forces along with the means of propulsion, and the design
of the propelling weapon and projectile. (Collins English Dictionary, 2009)
Legally speaking, ballistics is the science of the motion of projectile in flight and the study of the
processes within a firearm where it is fired. Ballistics may refer also to the flight characteristics
of a projectile. (Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, 1996)
C. Basic Motion of Projectiles
Basic motions of elongated projectiles include direct, rotary and translational.

´How do elongated projectiles move?  (Watch animation or super slow video or animation of
bullets being fired from a handgun or rifle.)

 
D, Areas of Application of ballistics
Areas of application of the knowledge in ballistics include gun ballistics, forensic ballistics and
wound ballistics.
Study on gun ballistics can be divided into 4 categories:
Internal ballistics (aka interior/initial ballistics) deals on the motion of a projectile while it is still
inside the gun.
Transitional ballistics (aka intermediate/transition ballistics) is the study of a projectile's
behavior the moment it leaves the gun muzzle as its flight begins.
External/exterior ballistics deals on the motion of the projectile from the time it escapes from
the gun muzzle until it reaches the target.
Terminal/impact ballistics is the area that deals on the effect of projectiles on their target upon
impact.

 ❖Ballistics, Forensic Ballistics and Firearms Identification, in the country have come one and
the same thing in the mind of the people and particularly among police officers as the study of
the motion of projectile.
BALLISTICS

➢Based on etymology, it simply refers to an activity that involves throwing (the art of
throwing).

➢is the science of projectiles

in motion; often used as a generic term
for the study of bullets from the time
they are shot until they impact a target.
(PNP MC No. 2016-016)

✓As a science, it involves the study of the processes within a firearm as it is fired.
(MerriamWebster's Law Dictionary, 2019)
Legal definition:

✓It is the microscopic examination of fired cartridge cases and bullets together with the
recording and presentation by means of photography of what is revealed by qthe microscope.
Classical definition:

✓It is a scientific study of the propulsion and motion of projectiles.

✓Also includes the study of the destructive action of such projectiles Technical definition:

✓It refers to the science of firearms identification which involves scientific examination of
ballistic exhibits.
In general or in its broadest
sense:

✓It is the science that deals with study of the motion of projectile Ballistics

✓derived from the Greek word, “Ballo” or “Ballein” which means to throw.

✓from the Roman war machine

called “Ballista
Types of Motion:
1. Direct Motion
2. Rotary Motion
3. Translational

Terms related to motion of projectiles

1. Yaw – the unstable rotating motion of projectile while in flight.
2. Gyroscopic Action – refers to the stillness of its rotating motion and attain its highest
momentum for stability in flight penetrating power.
3. Tailwag – the wobbling of the end of the projectile before it picks up a smooth flight path.
4. Ricochet – it is the tendency of a bullet to glance off an object or to skip, like a flat stone
thrown out over a water surface.

key hole shot

-Bullet hitting the target not nose-on.

The Study of gun ballistics can be divided into 4 categories:

1.Internal ballistics (aka interior/initial ballistics)

➢deals on the motion of a projectile while it is still inside the gun.

2. Transitional ballistics (aka intermediate and transition ballistics)

➢the study of a projectile's behavior the moment it leaves the gun muzzle as its flight begins.
3. External/exterior

➢deals on the motion of the projectile from the time it leaves the gun muzzle until it reaches
the target.
4. Terminal/impact

➢focus on the effects of projectiles on their target upon impact.

A, FORENSIC BALLISTICS vs FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION

FB is the application of ballistic principles to legal matters.
FB deals on the analysis of bullet behavior and impacts to determine information that is useful
in a court.
The focus of study in FB is the scientific analysis of ballistic related evidence (BRE) and ballistic
related phenomena (BRP).

´?  What is the difference between BRE and BRP? 

(https://msrobbinspnhs.weebly.com/uploads/1/4/1/6/14166475/1-intro_to_ballistics.pdf  (Link
s to an external site.))
Investigations conducted by experts in FB can be categorized into 3 main areas: forensic
internal ballistics, forensic external ballistics, and forensic terminal ballistics.
FB is often used interchangeably with ‘firearms identification’. It is understandable why some
think these two terms are synonymous since they both involve investigation and identification
of guns.
FID is the science of identifying the imperfections or irregularities of firearms and matching the
marks they put on bullets and cartridge cases fired through them. It involves the examination of
fired bullets, shells, or other ammunition components to identify the gun where they came
from. Hence, areas of examination are as follows: bullet identification, shell identification, and
firearm identification per se.
Strictly speaking, the examination and identification of firearms for court purposes is called
‘firearm forensics’ (abbreviation of forensic firearm identification).
In the past, forensic firearm identification was called forensic ballistics. This area of forensic
science concerns itself with the comparison and identification of crime scene bullets and shells
with those that are test-fired at the crime lab.  If the rifling marks on the test bullet are identical
to those found on the crime scene bullet, or the impressions found on the test shell are the
same with those found on the shell from the crime scene, then the firearm of the offender is
identified. (Fisher, 2008)
Therefore, equating FB with FID is inappropriate. Using FB as a synonym of f-ID should be
strongly discouraged.  A forensic ballistician must be expert in physics and mathematics and
well-versed in the application of ballistics principles to legal matters.  To avoid
misrepresentation, specialist in FID should be addressed as firearm examiner (or FID
technician).  A wise firearm examiner does not claim to be a ballistician if he is not adept in
mathematics and physics.
 
B. COMMON TERMS encountered when studying forensic ballistics
AMMUNITION is the general term applied to metallic cartridges and shot shells used in
firearms. One round of ammunition means any unfired assembly of primer, powder and ball
which can be discharged in a firearm.

Legally speaking, what is ammunition? Know the legal definition based on the latest law (RA
10591).
In relation to ammunition, what is the meaning of the following: cartridge, round, bullet, ball,
shot, shell, explosive, and primer.

A PROJECTILE refers to an object that can be fired or launched, such as bullet, artillery shell, or
rocket.
A FIREARM, basically called gun, is a portable weapon such as pistol or rifle that discharges
ammunition.

Technical definition of firearm.

The legal definition of firearm based on the latest Philippine law
What are the various kinds of firearms based on caliber, barrel design and manner of
operation/firing?

 
PROPELLANT refers to the explosive charge that can launch projectiles from a gun. It is the
gunpowder loaded in a cartridge which is ignited and converted to gases under high pressure
thus forcing a projectile to travel thru the barrel and on towards the target.
RIFLING simply refers to the lands and grooves that spiral along the bore surface of the gun
barrel. The grooves along the bore surface have the main function of providing rotary motion to
the bullet passing thru the gun barrel.  Consequently, the rifling puts unique marks on the
bullet’s surface as it travels thru the barrel.
CALIBER refers to the diameter of the barrel bore (interior of the barrel).  The bore diameter is
measured from two opposite lands.  Caliber may be used also to describe the diameter of a
bullet loaded in a cartridge.  The measurement is usually expressed in hundredths of an inch or
in millimeters.

introductio
n
The science of firearms and
their uses is known as
GUNNERY,
but the study involving guns
is usually associated with
BALLISTICS.
Main focus of ballistics study
Å Ballistics is not focused on the
study of firearms but on the -
MOTION OF PROJECTILES.
* Motion, as used in this study,
primarily refers to the movement
or action of projectiles launched
from FIREARMS.
BALLISTICS (technical
definition)
 the science of projectiles in
MOTION from the moment of
firing until impact at the target
* Ballistics covers the scientific study of :
propulsion (driving force)
flight (moving thru space)
impact (destructive action)
of projectiles
A. ballistics.
B. firearm forensics.
C. firearm identification.
D. forensic ballistics.
E. gunnery.
Strictly speaking, examination and
identification of suspect guns for
court purposes is called -
A. Ballistics examination
B. Forensic ballistics
C. Forensic firearms
D. Firearm identification
E. Ballistics
What involves the process of
determining imperfections of guns
and matching the marks they put on
bullets or on shells that they eject?

Although the science of firearms and

their uses is known as GUNNERY,
study regarding the characteristics of
firearms & ammo is usually
associated with ballistics.
When ballistic principles are used to
settle legal issues involving a criminal
incident, what is applied is –
FORENSIC BALLISTICS.
Strictly speaking,
FIREARM FORENSICS refers to the
examination and identification of
questioned firearms for legal/court
purposes.
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
FIREARMS
IDENTIFICATION
vs

 the application of ballistic principles

to legal matters especially during
court proceedings
Law enforcers and criminal investigators
encounter cases that require them to use
knowledge in ballistics and resolve legal
issues regarding a shooting incident.
Specialists in forensic ballistics need
to investigate the behavior of
projectiles, such as the propulsion,
flight and impact of bullets, in
order to discover the truth about
what happened in a shooting
incident.
FB is a field of forensic science
focused on the scientific analysis of
BALLISTIC RELATED EVIDENCE and
BALLISTIC RELATED PHENOMENA
with the exclusive purpose of
interpreting the FACTS or
establishing the TRUTH
involving a shooting incident.
F ----
T ----
BALLISTIC RELATED EVIDENCE
 aka BALLISTIC EXHIBIT
 usually in the form of articles such
as:
 firearm
 fired bullet
 spent shell
that can be brought before court and
presented as PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
BALLISTIC RELATED PHENOMENA ?
BRP are usually in the form of a series
of events involving a discharge of
firearm which can be presented
before the court as -
DOCUMENTARY evidence
and/or
TESTIMONIAL evidence.
BALLISTIC RELATED PHENOMENA ?
BRP can be in the form of (but not limited to)
the following:
 bullet hole
 bullet damage on solid material
 bullet trajectory
 gunshot wound
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION ?
F/ID is the examination of fired
bullets, shells, or other ammo
components to identify the weapon
where they came from.
F/ID is actually a form of tool-mark
ID wherein the gun acts as a TOOL
that put impressed and/or striated
marks on ammo components.
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION
 the science of identifying the
imperfections (irregularities) of firearms
and matching the marks they put on
ammo components
Thus, it is sometimes called -
BALLISTIC FINGERPRINTING.
Alternative terms:
• BALLISTIC MATCHING
• TOOL-MARK ANALYSIS
FIREARMS DENTIFICATION ?
3 sub-areas of study
Bullet Identification
Shell Identification
Firearm Identification per se
3 main areas:
 FORENSIC INTERNAL BALLISTICS
 FORENSIC EXTERNAL BALLISTICS
 FORENSIC TERMINAL BALLISTICS
* Forensic internal ballistics
is the area that is most
significant (closely associated with the studies)
in firearms identification.
What area of
forensic ballistics is the
?
Forensic Ballistics vs Firearm IDForensic Ballistics vs Firearm ID
FORENSIC
BALLISTICS (FB)
FIREARM ID
(F/ID)
1. study of motion of
projectiles fired from
guns
1. examination of ammo
components to identify
the gun where they came
from
2. erroneously called
‘firearms identification’
2. also known as
ballistic fingerprinting and
ballistic matching
3. has 3 main areas:
•Forensic internal bal.
•Forensic external bal.
•Forensic terminal bal.
3. has 3 main areas:
•Bullet ID
•Shell ID
•Firearm ID per se
Although ballistics is sometimes
referred to as the science of firearms
identification, experts disagree with
this definition.
Why . . . ?
. . . because forensic ballisticians

PROJECTILE
 a metallic or non-metallic object
that can be launched using a
FIREARM
 could be in the form of a:
bullet shotgun pellet
artillery shell rocket
bomb guided missile
PROPELLANT
an explosive charge that can
launch a projectile from a gun
 the gunpowder loaded in a
cartridge or shotshell which, when
ignited by the primer flash, is
converted to gases and launches a
projectile thru a gun barrel and on
towards the target
What is a FIREARM ?
- technical definition
- legal definition
FIREARM
 a weapon consisting essentially of a
barrel that fires projectile by using the
force of explosive propellant
 an instrument used for the propulsion of
projectiles by means of the expansive
force of gases from burned gunpowder
technical definition
FIREARM
The term ‘firearm’ includes rifle, musket, carbine,
shotgun, pistol, revolver, and other deadly
weapon from which a bullet, ball, shot, shell, or
other missile maybe discharged by means of
gunpowder or other explosives.
This term also includes air rifle except that of small
caliber and of limited range that is used as toys.
The BARREL of any firearm is considered a
complete firearm for all purposes under the
law.
old legal definition
What law provided that old
definition of firearm?
A. RAC of 1917
B. PD # 1866
C. RA # 8294
D. RA # 9516
E. Any of these
Old laws on firearms
Act # 2711  Revised Administrative
Code of 1917, Section 877;
the original law on firearms
PD # 1866  Codifying the laws on
illegal possession ..., of firearms, ammo
or explosives
RA # 8294  an act amending the
penal provisions of PD 1866
RA # 9516  an act amending sections
3-4 of PD 1866
In a checkpoint, a shotgun barrel was found
inside the van of AH.
When the police asked if he has a license or
permit to carry this kind of gun, AH answered
yes but cannot produce any license or permit.
Can AH be arrested by the check-point
police for illegal possession of firearm?
Without the consent of BA, the checkpoint police
searched inside his car and found a hidden rifle
barrel. BA cannot produce any license or permit
when he was questioned by the officer who
found the barrel. The checkpoint police arrested
BA on the spot and charged him for illegal
possession of firearm.
Is this a legal action of the police?
The checkpoint police searched inside the
car of DA and found a frame of a revolver.
DA cannot produce any license or permit
when he was questioned by the officer
who found the frame. The checkpoint
police arrested DA on the spot and
charged him for illegal possession of
firearm.
Is this a legal action of the police?
In a checkpoint, the police on duty saw
inside the car of KA two magazines of M16
ammunition. KA cannot produce a firearm
license or permit when he was questioned
by the police.
The checkpoint police then arrested KA for
illegal possession of firearms.
Is this a proper action of
the checkpoint police?
Is this a proper action of the
patrol officers?
Two patrol officers saw inside the shop of YU
two receivers of 9mm pistol. YU cannot
produced a firearm license or permit when he
was questioned by the police.
The officers then arrested YU and charged
him for illegal possession of firearms.
What law provides that other than
the barrel, the frame or receiver
may be considered a complete
firearm for legal purposes?
A. RA 10158
B. RA 10175
C. RA 10586
D. RA 10591
E. RA 10609
What law provides that other than
the barrel, the frame or receiver
may be considered a complete
firearm for legal purposes?
A. RA 10158
B. RA 10175
C. RA 10586
D. RA 10591
E. All of these
RA # 10591
• approved on May 29, 2013
• “An act providing for a
comprehensive law on firearms
and ammunition and providing
penalties for violations thereof”
• aka the "Comprehensive Firearms
and Ammunition Regulation Act"
This assignment was already given
• Obtain a copy of RA # 10591.
• Study Article 1 *section 3
• Know the legal classification of
firearms
- general definition
- technical definition
- legal definition
AMMUNITION
(general definition)
 a supply of assembled cartridges in bulk,
as in boxes or cases
(technical definition)
 any unfired assembly of primer, powder
(propellant) and ball (projectile) which
might be used in a firearm

 any loaded shell for rifles, muskets,

carbines, shotguns, revolvers, and pistols,
from which a bullet, ball, shot, shell, or
other missile may be fired by means of
gunpowder or other explosive.
The term includes ammo for air rifles,
except those that are loaded in toy rifles
that have small caliber and limited range.
old legal definition
AMMUNITION
According to RA 10591, sec 3b
 a complete unfired unit
consisting of a bullet, gunpowder,
cartridge case and primer
or loaded shell for use in any
firearm
new legal definition

spiral lands and grooves found at

the interior side of the barrel

 the lands and grooves that spiral

along the bore surface of the gun
barrel
 imparts unique marks on the

bullet’s surface while being forced

to spin as the projectile slides thru the gun’s bore
In the field of ballistics -
rifling provides rotary motion to the
bullet passing thru the gun barrel.
* Consequently, the rifling imparts
unique marks on the bullet’s surface
while being forced to spin as the
projectile travels thru the barrel.
Based on the rifling of a pistol,
we can determine -
A. the caliber of the firearm.
B. the number of lands and grooves.
C. the direction of twist of a bullet
that it fires.
D. if it is Colt or Browning type.
E. any of these.
* The bore diameter can be determined by measuring
the distance between - the 2 opposite lands.
CALIBER
 the DIAMETER of the bore (space at the inner side of the gun barrel)
CALIBER
* Caliber may be used also to describe the diameter of bullet loaded in a cartridge.
* The measurement is either expressed in -
HUNDREDTHS of an INCH MILLIMETERS