Module 2: BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS
1. .INTERIOR / INTERNAL BALLISTICS
-Is the study of motion and traits of projectiles, while still inside
the firearm (Chamber/Barrel) which extends from the breech
to the muzzle. The conditions attributed to internal ballistics
are as follows:
Attributes under Internal Ballistics:
1. Firing Pin Striking the Primer
Upon the squeeze of the trigger, the hammer will be released
which causes the firing pin to be pushed and hit the base
portion of the cartridge where the primer is located
And such action is known as Percussion action
(Latin word, “Percussio’ meaning To beat or
Strike)
2. Ignition of Priming Mixture.
The priming mixture located either at the cavity rim or at the
center of the primer upon the striking effect of the firing pin
will ignite the so called priming mixture.
*Vent or Flash Hole
- The hole at the bottom of the primer pocket that serves as
the passage way for priming mixture to impart an ignition to
the propellant charge.
3. Combustion of Gunpowder/ Powder charge or Propellant
After the ignition of the priming mixture, the ignition is
imparted to the gunpowder by passing through the vent or
flash hole, thus burning the gun powder and convert it into an
expanded hot gas.
4. Expansion of heated gas
Once burned, the charge powder is converted into a heated
gas, and due to a more elastic property of gases, its particles
will spread and fill the entire container.
5. Pressure Developed
The outward push of the gases to the burned powder pressure
is develop due to the great amount of gas that is expanding
within the shell causing the withdrawal of the bullet from the
shell
6. Energy Generated
Energy is the capacity to do work. The potential energy serves
as the propellant of the expanded gases, in as much as the
pressure that is developed has the degree of energy to force
the projectile out of the shell. it is the measure of force in foot-
pound necessary for an action
7. Recoil of the Gun
The recoil of the gun is caused by the equal and opposite
reaction of the gun, against the forward movement of the
bullet after the explosion. Like kinetic energy principle that in
every action, there is corresponding opposite reaction.
8.Velocity of the bullet inside the barrel
It is the relative speed of the bullet per unit of time while it is
still inside the barrel or at which it leaves the gun muzzle
9..Rotation of the Bullet in the Barrel
It refers to the twist (Right or Left) of the bullet caused by the
cylindrical grooved portion of the barrel of most firearm. In
some instance, this condition may not be possible ecpecially
when the bullet passes through a smooth bore barrel.
10. Engraving the Cylindrical Surface of the Bullet
Once the bullet has passed through the barrel of any firearm be
it rifled. (with cylindrical groove cut) or a smooth bore,
whatever imperfections or scratches the interior barrel of the
gun has will be impressed and left on the cylindrical surface of
the bullet serving as its thumprint.
2. EXTERIOR / EXTERNAL BALLISTICS
Its study or treats of attributes or movement of the projectile
after leaving the gun muzzle.
It is extended from the muzzle of the gun to the target or any
attributes to the motion of the projectile while it is in its flight
and before reaching the target.
Attributes under External Ballistics:
1. Muzzle Blast
It refers to the noise created at the muzzle point of the gun
brought by chemical reaction between the expanded gases and
the air outside
2 Muzzle Energy
Energy generated at muzzle point measured in foot-pound.
This is attributed to the hot gas liberating at the muzzle point.
Jump
It is another portion of the recoil action that is characterized as
the downward and upward movement takes place before the
bullet leaves the muzzle
3. Trajectory
The parabola-like flight of the projectile from the time it leaves
the muzzle until it hits the target
It is also described as the actual curved path taken by a bullet
during its flight
Three (3) stages of Trajectory
Straight Level - or the stage at which the bullet travel straight
or maintain its accurate travel (gyroscopic action)
Curving of the bullet in flight - due to the gradual lost of its
energy and:
Drop of the bullet to the ground - due to its weight and upon
reaching the maximum distance of its travel and it hits nothing.
4. Range
The imaginary straight distance from the muzzle of the gun to
the target.
a. Accurate / Effective Range
- Refers to the distance within which the shooter or the firer
has control of his shot and still capable of inflicting injury
b. Maximum Range
- Refers to the farthest distance that a projectile can be
propelled from a firearm, up to final vertical drop to the ground
5. Velocity
The rate of speed of the bullet (during its flight) per unit of
time.
It is usually expressed in feet per second (ft/sec).
Chronograph
are used to measure the velocity of the bullet
It can be measured through the use of chronograph machine.
6. Air Resistance
Air resistance usually called aerodynamic drag. which reduces
the speed of the bullet
Three (3) parts of drag bullet
a. Bow resistance- this is due to air pressure at the head of the
bullet.
b. Skin friction - this is cause by the friction of the air moving
along the middle portion of the body of the bullet
c. Base drag - This is due to the pressure and disturbance of the
air behind the base of the bullet
7. Pull of gravity
This is the downward reaction of the bullet towards the earth
surface due to its weight.
3. TERMINAL BALLISTICS
The branch of ballistics that deals with the effects of the
projectile’s impact on the target.
Attributes under Terminal Ballistics
1. Terminal Accuracy
It refers to the size of the bullet grouping on the target.
2. Terminal Energy
It is the energy or force of the projectile when it strikes the
target.
3. Terminal Velocity
This refers to the speed of the bullet upon striking or hitting the
target.
4. Terminal Penetration
This refers to the depths of the entry of the bullet on the target
4. FORENSIC BALLISTICS
-The study of motion of the projectile as applied to law
-The science of identification of firearms by means of the
ammunition fired through them
Scope of Forensic Ballistics
1. Field Investigation
It refers to the work of investigator in the field (collection,
marking, preservation, packing and transmission)
2.Ballistics Technical Examination of the Exhibits
It refers to the work of firearm identification examiner within
laboratory (Obtain test bullets, photomicrography under BCM,
preparation of report and etc..)
Specimen submitted
3 Legal Proceeding
The examiner will go to court to act as an expert witness
regarding the report he has made.
