ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1986
Page Count: 14

Winchester Silvertip® Ammunition—A Study in Ordnance Gelatin
Josselson, AR
Chief, Division of Forensic Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, DC

Ragsdale, BD
Associate professor pathology, Georgetown University Medical School, DC

(Received 10 October 1985; accepted 30 October 1985)

Abstract

This study of Winchester Silvertip® hollow point ammunition measures bullet velocity from production handguns and evaluates performance in ordnance gelation. Depth of penetration, size and shape of the temporary cavity, degree of radial fissuring along the missile track, and bullet expansion after impact are compared to nonhollow point ammunition of similar caliber. It is clear that hollow point bullets of this type create greater disturbance upon impact with tissue simulant than common commercial solid round nose ammunition as measured by temporary cavity size and radial fissuring. However, for all types of handgun ammunition there is a poor predictive correlation of radial fissuring with instantaneous temporary cavity size. Hollow point performance can be modified by various factors such as angle of incidence relative to target surface and prior deformation of the bullet tip. The elemental composition of bullet jackets and cores is not uniform throughout this product line.

Keywords:
forensic science, ballistics, wound ballistics

Paper ID: JFS11095J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11095J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.