Journal Published Online: 01 May 2003
Volume 48, Issue 3

Glass-Containing Gunshot Residue Particles: A New Type of Highly Characteristic Particle?

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

In 0.22 caliber rimfire ammunition, the primer often contains lead or lead and barium compounds. As residues from these primers do not contain lead, barium, and antimony, they cannot be uniquely classified as gunshot residue (GSR) under ASTM designation E 1588-95. In many types of 0.22 caliber rimfire ammunition, the cartridge contains a primer sensitized with glass. In this paper we describe a previously unreported type of GSR particle consisting of glass fused with other primer components. As there appear to be few potential environmental or occupational sources of particles composed of lead and barium compounds fused to glass, particularly borosilicate glass, these particles may have high evidential value. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were evaluated for the characterization of glass-containing GSR particles. The occurrence of glass-containing GSR particles was established in the residue from various brands of 0.22 caliber ammunition, and several sub-types were identified.

Author Information

Collins, P
Forensic Science Laboratory, East Perth, Western Australia
Coumbaros, J
, Adelaide, South Australia
Horsley, G
Forensic Science Laboratory, East Perth, Western Australia
Lynch, B
Forensic Science Laboratory, East Perth, Western Australia
Kirkbride, KP
, Adelaide, South Australia
Skinner, W
University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia
Klass, G
University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia
Pages: 15
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Stock #: JFS2002084
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002084