A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development
Module
In
FORC106
Forensic Ballistics
College of Criminal Justice Education
BS Criminology
2
Module No. 5
Projectile
1st Semester AY 2022-2023
Hilda B. Espadilla
Assistant Professor II
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Table of Contents
Contents Page
TITLE PAGE ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------- 3
INSTRUCTION TO THE USER ----------------------------------------------- 4
CHAPTER 4 –Projectile
Lesson 1 – Bullet Definition ------------------------------------------
Lesson 2 – Parts of Bullet ---------------------------------------------
Lesson 3 – General Types of Bullet
3.3.1 Lead Type
3.3.2 Jacketed Type --------------------------------------------------
Lesson 4 - Miscellaneous Types of Bullet ------------------------
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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER
This module would provide you an educational experience while
independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about ____________________________________.
Reminders in using this module:
1. Keep this material neat and intact.
2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.
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Introduction
A projectile is a missile propelled by the exertion of a force which is allowed
to move free under the influence of gravity and air resistance.[1][2] Although any
objects in motion through space are projectiles, they are commonly found
in warfare and sports (for example, a thrown baseball, kicked football, fired bullet,
shot arrow, stone released from catapult).
In ballistics mathematical equations of motion are used to analyze
projectile trajectories through launch, flight, and impact.
CHAPTER 4
PROJECTILE
LESSON
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, you can:
1. Understand the definition and parts of a bullet;
2. Differentiate and understand the general and miscellaneous types of
bullets; and
3. answer the given exercises in the lesson.
Time Allotment: 2 hours
Discussion:
Projectile
Definition
The word projectile is a generic term used when referring to any metallic
or non-metallic ball that is propelled from a firearm. It may also be referred to as
bullet, slug, shot, or missile.
The word “Bullet” was derived from the French word “Boullette” which
means a small Ball. This term is generally used when we are referring to a projectile
fired from any small arms, which has a variety of form, especially during the earlier
history. In a more technical sense, ‘Bullet refers to a metallic or non-metallic
cylindrical ball propelled from a firearm. And it is sometimes called as shots or
slugs.
General Types of Bullets
Bullets have various types depending upon their specific nature and
purpose. In general, bullet can be classified as either Lead or Jacketed.
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Lead Type - is a type of a bullet Jacketed Type - is a type of
that is basically composed of bullet consisting of the regular
lead metal. It is primarily for its lead core, coated ; with a
density; having a good weight copper alloy in order Core to
in a small size and easy for prevent lead fouling of the
casting. barrel and is generally used in
pistols and other high powered
guns.
Figure 39. Lead Type Bullets with
Cannelure
Figure 40. Jacketed Type Bullet
and its Composition
Types of Bullets According to their Maximum Effect on their targets:
1. Ball Type — This is a type of bullet that is intended for antipersonnel and general
use.
2. Armor Piercing — It is a type of military bullet designed to penetrate light steel
armor. Its mechanical construction makes it capable of penetrating through some
light vehicles. It is formed by a hard metal steel core covered with a jacket, thus,
giving its core the optimum power of piercing while its shape has the optimum shape
for accurate flight. It was first patented in about 1903 by Roth of Vienna; although, it
was largely introduced for snipers countering the small armor shields in the First
World War in 1914-1918.
3. Explosive Bullet ~ It is a small bullet containing a charge of explosives that
detonates on impact.
4. Incendiary Bullet -Type of military bullet used to cause fire in a target, generally
designed for use by aircraft armament in order for the fuel tanks to ignite. (Blue Tip)
5. Tracer Bullet - a type of military bullet capable of leaving visible marks or traces
while in flight giving the gunner the chance to observe the striké of the shot or make
adjustments in the event of a miss. It resembles a ball type, although the rare portion
of the core is removed and the space is filled with a mixture of magnesium powder,
barium nitrate and metallic salts to give the desired color of the flame or smoke (red-
tip).
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(a) (b)
Figure 41. (a) A tracer bullet and (b) tracer bullet fired by the military personnel
Figure 42. From top left clock wise: Hallow Point, Wad Cutter, Black Talon,
Hydrashock
Miscellaneous Types of Bullets
1. Baton Round = is the proper name used when referring to a “rubber bullet”. This
type of bullet was first developed for the Hong Kong Police and was made of wood,
due to its ability to split on impact with the ground thus, possible of inflicting
wounds. It was later replaced by rubber. This is generally a plain cylindrical rubber
or plastic used in 12bore, 26mm or 37mm riot gun and fired by a low powered
charge.
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2. Compound bullet = a type of a bullet that has a dense metal core covered with a
jacket of lighter metal which does not bring lead into contact with the rifling of the
weapon. This was designed by Major Rubin of the Swiss Army in the 1880's.
3. Discarding Sabot = a type of bullet designed for greater velocity. It has a ball
covered with light metal which separates when fired. The Remington Arms has its
own version called the accelerator bullet.
4. Dum-Dum = is a type of bullet that was designed in India in the 1890’s by Captain
Bertie Clay. It consists of a service ball that has an exposed nose due to a trimmed
jacket at the back. At present, the term is loosely used in describing any expanding
bullet.
5. Frangible ball type = is a type of bullet designed for training purposes especially
for aerial targets. It does not cause any damage to the target rather it leaves a paint
mark for the purpose of assessing the gunners.
6. Flechette = a dark-like solid projectile, stabilized in flight by fins. It was in used as
early as 1914 and at present the cartridge for 12 gauge is loaded with 20 steel
flechettes.
7. Heel bullet = is a type of bullet commonly used in pistol having its rear portion
reduced in diameter in order to fit into the mouth of the shell, thus making the rest of
its part appear flushed with the mouth of the shell.
g. Hallow point = is a type of bullet in which the nose is drilled out to the certain
depth leaving a hole, the purpose is to be able for the bullet to deform upon impact
making a “mushroom bullet”. ’
9. Lethal Ball = British term used when referring to a single shot; this was issued to
the members of the Home guard anti-personnel use during World War Two.
10. Multiple bullet = is a term applied to a number of two or three bullets forming a
cartridge; it was patented in the early 1990s by George Luger.
11. Soft point = refers to any type of bullet with a jacket short that has its nose
exposed thus, capable of deforming upon the impact and it is common for hunting
purposes.
12. Spitzer bullet = is the term used by the American and British Sportsmen when
referring to a pointed bullet.
13. Streamlined bullet = is a type of a bullet that has front section tapered to a point
and its rear section tapered to a Smaller diameter, thus, reducing the base drag.
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(a) (b) (c)
(d) (d-1) (e)
(f) (g
Figure 43. (a) Baton Round, (b) Compound Bullet, | (c) Crude Type of Dum-Dum
Bullet, (d) Discarding Sabot (d-1) Accelerator Bullet, (e) Flechette Bullet, (f) Spitzer
and Boat-tailed Bullet, (g) Multiple Bullet.
Activity
Learning Check
I. Discuss the concept of a Projectile.
II. Enumerate the types of bullet according to their maximum effect on their
target and briefly explain.
III. Enumerate and illustrate at least five miscellaneous types of bullets.
IV. Illustrate the types of bullet according to shapes.
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Reference:
Manlusoc, A. C. (2016). Forensic Ballistics. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
De Guzman, R.D., & Villacarlos M.B. (2017). Fundamentals of Forensic Firearms
Identification, 2nd Edition. Chapter House Publishing Incorporated.
Duyogan, Z. A. (2011). Forensic Ballistics, Guide for Criminal Lawyers, Police
Officers, Students and Reviewees, First Edition. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
Congratulations for completing this module!
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