- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Considerations
Home > Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles > Physical Features > Weight > Considerations
When obtaining the remaining weight of a fired evidence bullet, the examiner should bear in mind the following considerations:
- Laboratory safety protocols should be followed.
- Laboratory trace evidence policies should be followed prior to and during removal of any material adhering to a bullet.
- Bullets should be cleaned so as to not damage the surfaces potentially bearing microscopic marks.
- Soak in a mild detergent to loosen any adhering material. Gently scrub using a soft bristled toothbrush.
-and/or-
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Use an ultrasonic cleaner and appropriate fluid.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Treat one bullet/fragment at a time.
- Monitor and observe bullets during treatment; ultrasonic cleaning may alter the microscopic details on the surface of a bullet.
- Use appropriate tools to mechanically remove debris (e.g., embedded wood particles, bone, cartilage).
Ultrasonic cleaner
- Soak in a mild detergent to loosen any adhering material. Gently scrub using a soft bristled toothbrush.
- Weigh each bullet fragment separately because they may or may not originate from a single bullet. Individually weighed fragments can be regrouped later, if necessary.
