ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1986
Page Count: 9

Copper and Nickel Detection on Gunshot Targets by Dithiooxamide Test
Lekstrom, JA
Student intern and research chemist, Forensic Science Research Group, FBI Laboratory, FBI Academy, VA

Koons, RD
Student intern and research chemist, Forensic Science Research Group, FBI Laboratory, FBI Academy, VA

(Received 22 January 1986; accepted 24 February 1986)

Abstract

Identification of a hole or mark as one produced by a bullet and characterization of the type of bullet are often important in reconstruction of shooting incidents. Dithiooxamide is used for the visual detection of copper and nickel deposited on a bullet hole periphery by the passage of a jacketed bullet through target material. The discrimination of jacketed and nonjacketed ammunition can be made on the basis of target analysis alone. This technique may be used in conjunction with the Modified Griess Test and the sodium rhodizonate test for detection of bullet holes and muzzle-to-target distance determinations. The test for copper and nickel can also be used at a crime scene to determine the type of bullet producing a mark in a variety of target materials.

Keywords:
criminalistics, ballistics, gunshot residues, bullet holes, spot tests, metal identification, dithiooxamide

Paper ID: JFS11907J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11907J
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