Journal Published Online: 01 April 1980
Volume 25, Issue 2

Detailed Study of the Removal of Copper Jackets from Jacketed Bullets

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The often-used method of removing copper jackets from jacketed bullets (or fragments thereof) with nitric acid has been studied in some detail. It was found that 8M nitric acid is not satisfactory but that concentrated nitric acid works very well, removing the jacket completely in 5 min at room temperature with no measurable dissolution of the lead and with no measurable change in the concentrations of antimony, silver, or copper at the surface of the lead core (compared with their interior concentrations). The method was tested on commercial hardened-lead bullets (4.7% antimony) and on commercial soft-lead bullets (16 to 1078 ppm antimony). Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to measure the concentrations of antimony, silver, and copper in specimens.

Author Information

Izak-Biran, T
Soreq Nuclear Centre, Israel Atomic Energy Commission, Yavne, Israel
Guinn, VP
University of California at Irvine
Purcell, MA
Nuclear Reactor Facility, Washington State University, Pullman
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12139J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12139J