Concept in Definition ABC

Ballistics is the study of the different projectiles used in firearms. In this discipline the weight, shape and dimensions of a bullet are analyzed. A bullet is made up of several parts: the warhead (or bullet, in English), the casing or helmet (also called Shell), the gunpowder that serves to project it and in the lower part there is a primer that ignites the gunpowder, which allows the displacement of the bullet. Each of them has a specific caliber depending on the characteristics of the weapon used.

The bullet path

Ballistics also study the path of the bullet and how it hits the target. The direction of the projectile is called yaw and incorporates two phenomena (precession and nutation). What causes the projectile to rotate on itself along a path are ridges. Refering to velocity of the bullet depends on the caliber of the weapon and is measured in feet per second (this unit expresses the power of the weapon). Thus, the Energy that is generated in the launch of a projectile will depend on the caliber, type and condition of the weapon.

Forensic ballistics

The study of bullets as a whole is directly related to medicine forensic. Forensic doctors provide essential information in criminal investigations, as ballistics study data provide essential information (the distance shot, shooting position, etc). In this way, medicine is related to forensic ballistics. This discipline must evaluate a whole series of parameters and data related to firearms: the measurement of the force of the trigger through force gauges (eg dynamometer), restoration of erased numbers from firearms or projectile identification.

A section of this discipline is wound ballistics, which studies the interaction between bullets and the effect they produce on human tissues.

There is also reconstructive ballistics, in which the shooting conditions and their effects are virtually simulated, for which is necessary the collaboration of a forensic doctor, an expert in ballistics and a surveyor to evaluate the physical conditions of the land.

Ballistics is a discipline that is part of the investigation of crimes and is very useful to clarify criminal actions with firearms.