ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Analysis of Primer Residue from Lead Free Ammunition by X-Ray Microfluorescence
Charpentier, B
Laboratoire de Sciences judiciaires et de Médecine légale, Ministère de la Sécurité publique Edifice Wilfrid—Derome, (Quebec)

Desrochers, C
Laboratoire de Sciences judiciaires et de Médecine légale, Ministère de la Sécurité publique Edifice Wilfrid—Derome, (Quebec)

(Received 8 February 1999; accepted 29 June 1999)

Abstract

In forensic science, the analysis of gunshot residues was traditionally done by the detection of lead (Pb), antimony (Sb) and barium (Ba) usually found in a primer. However, the recent development of lead-free ammunition represents a new challenge for ballistic specialists. This analysis study gunshot residues from primers and ammunitions in the area surrounding bullet holes, a very important tool to determine the shooting distance. The ammunitions used were 9 mm Luger and .38 spl + p calibers, where lead in the primer was replaced with strontium (Sr) and where the lead bullet was plated with copper (Total Metal Jacket). Gunshot analysis results were obtained using an energy dispersive X-ray microfluorescence spectrometer. The method allows the detection and quantification of strontium residues on the target up to a distance of 45 cm.

Keywords:
forensic science, ballistics, gunshot residue, shooting distance, X-ray microfluorescence

Paper ID: JFS14705J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14705J
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