ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Gunshot Residue Particles Formed by Using Ammunitions That Have Mercury Fulminate Based Primers
Zeichner, A
Head and Scientific Officer, Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters,

Dvorachek, M
Researcher, Geological Survey of Israel,

Levin, N
Head and Scientific Officer, Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters,

(Received 8 February 1992; accepted 27 April 1992)

Abstract

Ammunition having mercury fulminate-based primers are commonly manufactured by Eastern Bloc countries and used extensively in the Middle East. Gunshot residue (GSR) particles formed by firing these types of ammunition were examined. It was observed that much lower percentage of mercury-containing GSR particles were found in samples taken from a shooter as compared to the percentage of such particles in samples from cartridge cases. This fact must therefore be taken into account when interpreting case results. A plausible explanation for the results described is proposed.

Keywords:
forensic science, gunshot residue particles, mercury fulminate based primers, ballistics

Paper ID: JFS13347J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13347J
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