IDENTIFICATION OF FIREARMS BY TOOLMARKS ON FIRED BULLETS AND SPENT CARTRIDGE CASES EXPOSED TO THERMAL IMPACT AFTER THE FIREARM DISCHARGE

Abstract

Experimental observations have revealed the patterns of transformation of the surface of firearm toolmarks on fired bullets and spent cartridge cases caused by exposure to heat. The relationship between the nature of these changes and the temperature and period of exposure in modeled conditions has been established. The paper outlines heat exposure parameters and upper temperature limits for successful firearm identification by toolmarks on bullets and cartridge cases