INTRODUCTION TO BALLISTIC

Chapter 1
BALLISTICS
• is the science that deals with the study of the motion of
the projectile. Science refers to the systematized body of
knowledge. Motion refers to the movement and projectile
refers to the bullet that passes through the barrelof
firearms.
• derived from the Greek word “BALLO” or “BALLIEN”
which means to throw and from Roman war machine
“BALLISTA”. A gigantic bow or catapult that hurls stones
in killing enemies and wild animals.
• from these words the modern term Forensic Ballistics was
deroved to indicate the science of moving projectile.
• FORENSIC is an adjective referring to formal eloquence
or consequently formal eloquence or consequently formal
court discussion.
BRANCHES OF BALLISTIC

1. INTERIOR BALLISTICS - treats of the motion of

projectile while still inside the firearm.
Namely:
a) Firing pin hitting the primer
b) Ignition of the priming mixture
c) Combustion of the gunpowder
d) Expansion of heated gas
e) Pressure developed - measured in pounds per square
inch (lbs./sq. inch or psi).
f ) Energy generated - measured in foot pound. Foot pound-
capacity to lift one pound at the height of one foot.
g ) Recoil of the firearm - the rearward movement of the
firearm after explosion
h ) Velocity of the bullet - measured in feet per second
(ft./sec.)
i ) Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel
j ) Engraving on the cylindrical surface of the bullet.
2. EXTERIOR BALLISTICS - treats of the motion of projectiles after
leaving the muzzle of the gun barrel.
Namely:
a) Muzzle blast
b) Muzzle energy (ME)
c) Trajectory
d) Range - 1. Effective range
2. Maximum range
e) Velocity
f) Air resistance
g) Pull of gravity
h) Penetration
3. TERMINAL BALLISTICS - treat the effects of the impact of the
bullet towards the target.
Namely:
a) Terminal accuracy
b) Terminal energy
c) Terminal velocity
d) Terminal penetration
4. FORENSIC BALLISTICS - the science of Firearms by means of
the ammunition fired through them
e) Field investigation
f) Technical Examination
g) Legal proceedings