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International Wound Ballistics Association WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW

JOURNAL O.F THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Understanding the Law Enforcement Issues in Suicide by Cop -Shirley MacPherson Ph.D.

12 Gauge 00 Buckshot Ammunition Test -George Bredsten -Steve Bryant -Dan Fair -Eddie Brundage -Billie Savell

Wound Profile of the Briese Controlled Disintegrater Ammunition in Caliber,.308 Winchester -Kramer D. Powley - Dean B. Dahlstrom

IWBAHandgun Ammunition Specification Tests - 9mm in MP5

-Duncan MacPherson

The Limitations of Water-Filled Cardboard Cartons in PredictingBullet Penetration -Gus Cotey, Jr.

Comparison of the Terminal Performance of.22 Long Rifle Hollow Point Bullets - V.G. Swistounoff

VOLUME 4 1999 NUMBER 1 INFORMATION FOR AUTHORS

The Wound Ballistics Review welcomes manuscripts, articles, short notes and letters to the editor that contribute to the science of wound ballistics. Publication preference will lean strongly toward pertinent papers with clear practical applications. We invite cogent reviews of articles, books, news items, etc. Our goal is to commend good documentation as well as to point out the errors in the wound ballistics literature. The Wound Ballistics Review especially requests our readers' help in submitting short WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW reviews which correcterrors noted in the literature.

The review of all manuscripts reporting original work will be open; the names of reviewers will be given JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION to authors of rej ected papers and will be made available upon request to anyone.

VOLUME 4 Articles are accepted only for exclusive publication in IWBA, and when published, the articles and 1999 NUMBE R1 illustrations become the property ofiWBA.

TABLE OF CO NTENTS

Editorial...... 3 If submitting a letter or review which refutes or points out errors in another work, please provide the

...... address of the source (please include a copy ofthe article reviewed-these will be returned if requested). Questions and Comments ...... 4

In submitting original work, the manuscript and one copy are required; one set of high quality Understanding the Law Enforcement Issues in Suicide by Cop ...... 18 illustrations is required; black and white is preferred. Author's name must be clearly identified on the -Shirley MacPherson, Ph.D. title page with addresses and telephone number. Manuscript must be double-spaced with ample margins (at least one inch on all sides) on standard (8 1/2" x 11") paper. NOTE: THE PREFERRED 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot Ammunition Test ...... 22 MANUSCRIPT FORM IS THE 3 1/2" (1.44 Meg or 720K) PC FLOPPY DISK WITH THE FILE AND -George Bredsten -Steve Bryant -Dan Fair A HARD COPY. Most major PC word processing files are acceptable but WordPerfect or Microsoft -Eddie Brundage -Billie Savell Word are preferred. (Please convert files to WordPerfect 5.1 or 6.0, or to Word fo r Windows 3.0-- 7.0.) PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE COMPUTER TEXT WITH SPECIAL FONTS OR LAYOUTS: Wound Profile of the Briese Controlled Disintegrater Ammunition PLAIN: SIMPLE TEXT WITHOUT GRAPHICS OR MERGE FIELDS. Any graphs, tables, charts, etc. should be supplied as separate files and/or with a clean, high quality paper copy. Legends for all in Caliber .308 Winchester ...... 25 illustrations should be listed in order, double-spaced. An abstract of 150 words or less should precede -Kramer D. Powley - Dean B. Dahlstrom the text.

IWBA Handgun Ammunition Specification Tests - 9mm in MP5...... 29 References are to be numbered sequentially within the text and appear in the order cited at the conclusion - Duncan MacPherson of the article. Page numbers must be given in books, cited as references. The Limitations of Water-Filled Cardboard Cartons EXAMPLES: in Predicting Bullet Penetration...... 30 1. Book: Broad W, Wade N, Betrayers of the Truth. New York, -Gus Cotey, Jr. Simon & Schuster, 1982, p 192

Comparison of the Terminal Performance of.22 Long RifleHollow Point Bullets ...... 36 2. Article in periodical: Fackler ML, Surinchak JS, Malinowski JA, et al. Bullet fr agmentation: A major cause of tissue disruption. J Trauma 1984;24:263-266. -V.G. Swistounoff

...... 47 Articles submitted for publication consideration should be sent directly to the Editor-in-Chief: Book Review...... Dr. Martin L. Fackler, 211 Star Lake Drive, Hawthorne, FL 32640

Vol 4, No. 1 1 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW .JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Editorial JOURNALOF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUNDBALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

IWBA ORGANIZATION EDITORIAL The International Wound Ballistics Association (IWBA) is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit Dr. Martin Fackler scientific,educational, and public benefit California corporation with Federal 10#94-3136817. The IWBA is devoted to the medical and techrical study of wound ballistics, including About This Issue tridges loaded with Matchking bullets that have a hol­ We are especially happy to present, in this is­ low point hole in the 0.020 inch range, they will be evaluation of literature in the field as well as encouraging and promoting new work. The WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEWis the Journal of theIWBA. sue, the article on "Suicide by Cop" by Shirley Mac­ stuck with a bullet that performs erratically - a disaster Pherson, PhD, a mental health professional. This sub­ waiting to happen. It is about time that some of the ject got national attention recently, when it was pre­ large law enforcement purchasers specify to the bullet Board of Directors sented on one of the major TV news magazine pro­ supplier that the 30 caliber Matchkings they purchase grams (NBC's Dateline, I believe) within the past few must have a hollow point hole of 0.60 to 0.70 inch. Torrey D. Johnson Martin L. Fackler, MD Alexander Jason months. I think the perspective that Shirley presents in That should solve their inconsistent performance Wound Ballistics Consultant Ballistics Consultant Criminalist her authoritative and well written article is one that problem while still retaining the inherent accuracy of Gainseville, FL Pinole, CA Las Vegas NV will provide some badly needed help to the law en­ the Matchking bullet. We work hard in the IWBA to fo rcement community. try to help the law enforcement community, but there

Peter G. Kokalis Douglas Lindsey, MD, DrPH Duncan MacPherson In the past six months we have had several is a point at which they have to take the initiative in Firearms Consultant Professor of Surgery,Emeritus Engineering Consultant questions submitted by members that we felt war­ applying the information supplied and help them­ Phoenix,AZ Cortaro, AZ El Segundo, CA ranted special attention. These questions, about the selves. effects of rifle versus handgun bullets, about "shock Members who seek reliable information on waves" associated with bullet penetration, and about ballistics should be sure to read the book review in this Richard Mason, MD Eugene Wolberg the efficacy of shots to the pelvic area, are asked fre­ issue. quently but rarely answered precisely. We fe lt that Chief Medical Examiner Criminalist Feedback these topics deserved authoritative and comprehensive Santa Cruz,CA San Diego, CA We are extremely interested in any well answers, so we put a lot of effort into attempting to documented shooting results involving handgun am­ fu rnish them. We hope we clarified these issues and munition that has been rated against the IWBA Hand­ possibly provided a source to which others can refer in gun Ammunition Specification. We are not interested the fu ture fo r clear answers to these questions when in any "one shot stop" nonsense, but want to know WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW the subject come up again. We thank these members how this ammunition expanded in actual use. We need for providing the insightful and pertinent questions and Journal of the International Wound Ballistics Association to know what materials were penetrated prior to tissue hope others will notice their example and continue to ISSN 1055-0305 ©Copyright 1995, IWBA. All Rights Reserved contact, what part of the body was struck, whether give us the chance to clarify difficult issues. We like to bone was hit, and (if possible) the length of the wound think of our questions and comments section one of Editor-in-Chief: Martin L. Fackler track. Please contact the IWBA office if you have any the most valuable parts of the Wound Ballistics Re- such information. Production Manager: Duncan MacPherson view. The Briese bullet (testing described on pages The.224BOZ Design & Production -Townsend Document & Design 25-28) was probably invented because of the incon­ The November 1998 Guns and Ammo has a sistent performance of the 168 grain Sierra Matchking cover article on the.224 BOZ and the article shows that The WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEWis issued twice a year. Subscriptions are included with bullet, as pointed out previously in this journal (Vol 2, G&A thinks very highly of this development. While membership, but are av ailable without membership. Dues are $40 for 4 issues of the IWBA #2, 1995, pp. 8-12. and Vol 2 #4, 1996, pp. 22-24). In the G&A cover claims their report is an "International Journal for both members andsu bscribers. Four issue mailing cost surcharges of $8. for Canadian these articles, It was also pointed out that this incon­ Exclusive", members may recall a substantially less and Mexican addresses and $18. for other foreign addresses are required with the dues. sistency could be very easily eliminated - simply by enthusiastic assessment reported six months earlier in enlarging the hole in the Matchking's tip. But it is up the V3#3 Wound Ballistics Review. to the law enforcement users to demand that this defi­ Web Page cit of the Matchking be fixed by those who sell the All matters relatedto membership should be directed to: We have just begun to work on an internet bullet. Sierra will make the Matchking with any size IWBA, PO Box 701, El Segundo, CA 90245-701; Telephone (310) 640-6065. web site for the IWBA. No details are available yet, v hole the buyer wants (personal communication with I •1 but we expect to be able to introduce the web site with Kevin Thomas, Chief ofBallistics at Sierra, 1995). But all the necessary information in the next issue. so long as law enforcement continues to buy the car-

2 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 3 WOUND BALLISTICS RE VIEW WOUND BALLISTICS RE VIEW Questions and Comments ------JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION -

these circumstances. In all other cases the rate of blood in high school, I went to my dentist with extreme pain QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS loss would most likely be the major determining fac­ in a tooth. I had an infection under an intact filling - tor. the tooth had to be removed. The dentist did a man­ The size of the blood vessel and the size of the dibular nerve block, which achieved total anesthesia of In capacitation Time CNS .308 or .233 hit destroy so much tissue that the body shuts down despite there being oxygen in the hole (or holes) in blood vessels would both determine the area, and proceeded to pull the tooth. I had no pain, QUESTION brain? the rate of blood loss, as would the pressure in the ves­ but could perceive the tissues being torn as the tooth I was introduced to Dr. Fackler's studies by sels: the same size hole in a maj or artery will usually was separating. I became extremely light-headed and Bob Kong at a range instructor school I attended some Your assistance would be much appreciated. Todd Wilcox lose blood fa ster than if the hole is in a major vein, probably fa inted - or nearly so. What was the physio­ time ago. Since then I have joined the IWBA and have because the pressure is much lower in veins. Body de­ logical mechanism for my temporary incapacitation? I read everything I could about would ballistics. I have fe nse mechanisms such as reduction in the diameter of had not lost a significant amount of blood. It was not a question, and believe your group can easily answer it ANSWER blood vessels by constriction of the muscle fibers in an allergic reaction to the lidocaine used fo r the nerve in a manner I can understand and pass on to my fe llow We can't "easily" answer Officer Wilcox's their walls, and diminution or blockage of blood loss block. It was not a result of a spreading of the infec­ officers and range instructors. questions, but I believe we can answer them in a man­ ner that will be clear and easily understood. These are by the fo rmation of blood clots, as well as pressure on tion into my entire circulation. But there had to be a Assumption: Wounds that do not interrupt the some of the very best questions we have ever had the injured vessel from neighboring anatomic struc­ reason for this sudden total incapacitation of a healthy CNS can permit the subject to function until the brain submitted, and present an opportunity to clarify some tures, can all act to decrease or stop blood loss. For a young man. What was it? It was the physiological no longer has enough oxygen to operate. Questions points that are critical to a good comprehension of more complete handling of incapacitation from blood mechanism, with a psychological cause, known as based on above assumption: t wound ballistics. loss see Newgard . neurogenic shock - more specifically the type of neu­ 1 Does the rate at which blood loss from a non-CNS 2 . First, the "Assumption" in the question, Why did I add "most likely," and "major" rogenic shock called "Emotional fa inting" • Strong hit occurs affect the probable time to incapacita­ above? ....and not simply declare unequivocally that emotions (such as fear) can cause widespread dilation tion? "Wounds that do not interrupt the CNS can permit the rate of blood loss would be the determining fa ctor? of the body's blood vessels. These vessels have muscle Would one expect the time to incapacitation to the subject to fu nction until the brain no longer has 2. is basically correct. One Because there are other largely overlooked but ex­ fibers in their walls which allow them to constrict or generally be shorter fo r a non-CNS chest shot enough oxygen to operate." could think of exceptions, however, such as a person ceedingly important factors that we cannot ignore. One dilate and thus vary blood flow as needed (in response fr om a .308 than a similarly located shot from a who has had both hands inactivated by projectile hits is a conscious decision of the person hit to stop his to heat and cold, for example). The vessels are usually .223 or .45 ACP? aggression. True, this is not physiological incapacita­ kept semi-constricted, but in Emotional Fainting, Is there a level/quantity ofnon-CNS tissue damage in the hand or the arm, or from interruption of the ca­ 3. tion, but in a gunfight, the observed reaction from a nerve impulses from the sympathetic nervous system that can be expected to cause near-instantaneous pacity of peripheral nerves (not a part of the central loss of the will to continue can be indistinguishable can cause them to dilate completely. When this hap­ incapacitation? nervous system [CNS]) to carry impulses to muscles controlling the hand. Such a person could not fire a from a true physiological incapacitation (from blood pens, the vascular capacity increases substantially and 4. If increasing the amount of non-CNS tissue dam­ loss, etc.) in the short term. There is a wide spectrum the blood available can no longer fill it. If the person is age decreases probable time to incapacitation, is it gun. So that particular function could be obliterated without a CNS hit. Likewise, the fu nction of running, of changes that affect the human in a stressful situation upright when this happens, gravity pulls the available via increased rate of blood loss or some other or even standing upright, can be stopped by bullet hits - especially one that is perceived as life-threatening: blood into the legs and lower torso, starving the brain mechanism? I thought the idea behind the subject to major bones of the leg. So certain specific fu nctions tunnel vision, decreased hearing perception (nearby and causing the incapacitation. continuing to operate for several seconds was that can be interrupted by localized non-CNS hits; but a gunshots are heard as mild "pops" or are shut out alto­ Neurogenic shock or Emotional Fainting is the oxygen was already in the brain. That would CNS disruption will cause immediate total shut down gether), the perception of time slowing (events seem to well documented and occurs probably much more of­ seem to suggest it wouldn't matter what happened of all functions. occur in "slow motion"), etc. These are known from ten than is recognized. Ask Kevin Thomas, Chief of to the rest of the circulatory system. subj ective reports, and, so far as I know, no attempt Ballistics at Sierra Bullets, about the shooting incident I don't expect answers to these questions one-by­ Questions based on the assumption: has yet been made to measure, or even identify, the that occurred when he was a police officer. He had one. That would presume that the questions were in­ 1. "Does the rate at which blood loss fr om a non­ precise neurologic mechanisms that cause them. There occasion to shoot and his opponent fe ll immediately. dependent of each other and required (or deserved) CNS hit occurs affect the probable time to incapaci­ are a myriad ill-defined and not well understood psy­ He thought this must certainly be the result of a CNS separate answers. I realize they say the same thing, tation?" chological gradations between the simple purely con­ hit. It was, in fact, the result of a miss - the bullet had fromperhaps a slightly different angle. Basically, yes. The only exceptions would be scious decision to quit, and the total collapse from not hit the fe llow but he obviously thought it had -­ Whatever light you can shed on this issue if the heart's output was interrupted by destruction of psychologically created subconscious fa ctors that and that thought caused his immediate collapse. Kevin would be most appreciated. I'm trying to begin devel­ the heart itself(a 12 gauge shotgun hit from a fe w fe et, cause a true physiological (loss of blood pressure) in­ published this incident, but I can no longer remember oping myself as a resident wound ballistics "expert" for example), or by interruption of the blood pathway capacitation, the mechanism of which is described the reference. Anybody who has had occasion to re­ within the department. It's tough when someone asks, from the heart to the brain: if the blood flow from the below. view significant numbers of shooting incidents in de­ "How come I heart-shot a dear, and he dropped in his heart to the brain was stopped by a projectile destroy­ The subconscious psychological reaction that tail has seen examples of this phenomenon - maybe in tracks?" I'm comfortable saying handgun rounds can't ing the aorta just after it leaves the heart. The fa stest can create transient incapacitation by altering the some cases it is not a miss but a graze or minor wound be counted ori to incapacitate immediately apart from physiological non-CNS incapacitation (about ten sec­ physiology without damaging it is called neurogenic causing an unexplained major collapse. CNS hits. I don't know about rifle hits. Does a non- onds) from a gunshot would be most likely to occur in shock. Let me illustrate with an example: As a senior Vol 4, No. 5 4 Vol 4, No. 1 1 ------

WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Questions and Comments Questions and Comments JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

There is no question in my mind that the ef­ To illustrate that principle I will answer this it weren't for the inherent variation in the distance the made by its reliable expansion -- with cutting edges on fects of Emotional Fainting, or some gradation of psy­ question in several ways: first, I will give the most bullet penetrates before it yaws (then breaks and frag­ the expanded bullet, coupled with its reliable penetra­ chologically caused incapacitation (the gamut from logical answer, considering the question came from a ments)- about seven-in-ten times it yaws after four to tion to an adequate depth of 12 inches. With the po­ surrender to Emotional Fainting), are either totally or law enforcement source. I will assume that the .308 six inches, but in the remainder it yaws sooner - or tentially acceptable .223s shot from a short barrel, I partially responsible for much more of the observed bullet is a 168 grain Sierra Matchking (which I think is later - in its penetration. Many of the fragmenting would expect the time to incapacitation to be longer reaction from bullet hits than is recognized. The prac­ by far the most common bullet used in that cartridge . 223s would be fine for precise placement at a specific · than that of the .45 ACP. tical result of this misinterpretation of the causes of by law enforcement), I will assume that the .223 is a well-chosen point in the human anatomy by a sniper reactions to being shot is its overwhelming con­ nonfragmenting bullet such as the Federal Tactical using a rifle producing half-minute accuracy. But the 3. Is there a level/quantity of non-CNS tissue dam­ founding effect on any attempt to compare the effi­ round (which several sources tell me has been the un­ inherent shallow penetration of these bullets would age that can be expected to cause near-­ cacy of various bullets by observing, recording, and fortunate choice of many law enforcement groups), make them unsuitable for fast shooting when they instantaneous incapacitation? comparing the reactions of those hit. and I will assume that the .45 ACP bullet is a 230 might be required to perforate an arm before striking No, only direct or indirect CNS tissue damage It seems likely that Emotional Fainting is more grain hollow point which expands reliably and has a the torso . The best compromise would probably be one can be expected to cause nearly instantaneous com­ common in the scared-to-death petty criminal than in jacket that folds back and forms cutting edges which of the heavier .223s that fragments some but has a core plete incapacitation. I think the question implies a hit the seasoned and well-trained terrorist. If that is so, it add to the tissue disruption the expanded bullet pro­ that holds together for adequate penetration (the Win­ in which the bullet does not actually strike the CNS. appears to be a lucky break for law enforcement, who, duces (such as either the Winchester SXT or the chester 64 grain soft point comes to mind). Please But let us not forget that indirect "CNS tissue damage" in most of their gunfights will then be facing those Remington Golden Saber -- in this caliber, at least, note, I am assuming that these bullets will be fired can also be produced by bullets that do not strike the susceptible to overreacting to being hit- or sometimes most law enforcement groups seem to have made a from a barrel with a minimum length of 20 inches. CNS directly -- by sudden violent motion transmitted even to being missed. There is, however, a large de­ valid bullet choice). We must remember that the .223 is a varmint to the bones of the spine, which cover and protect the gree of uncertainty about the type of person who might I would expect the time to incapacitation gen­ cartridge, never intended for use against animals the spinal cord from the temporary cavity produced by a be more susceptible to the Emotional Fainting. That it erally to be shortest for .45 ACP, second for the .308 size of the adult human. And law enforcement groups bullet, provided the cavity is large enough. I would occurs is certain, its physiology is clear: to whom it and longest for the nonfragmenting .2233• Some might are adopting it in ridiculously short barrel lengths (16, expect a temporary cavity as large in diameter as the occurs, how much of their reaction might be due to it, argue that I have chosen the most effective bullets 14.5, and even 9.5 inches) which decrease significantly front-to-hack diameter of the human chest (about ten and under what circumstances it is most likely to oc­ available in the .45 ACP and compared them with its already marginal performance. Bullets from a .223 inches; 14 inches side-to-side) might cause instantane­ cur, however, is far from certain. It will probably help bullets for the two other cartridges that are substan­ will do the job reliably only when the bullet is placed ous incapacitation in many torso hits: but it is difficult you in a gunfight, but it is unpredictable- don't count dard, and therefore this skews the answer . Such an ar­ with surgical precision - as it can be from a 24 inch to view this as "non-CNS" since the mechanism of on it. You need to know about this factor, however, if gument is entirely correct. But my choices were made heavy barrel on a bolt action scoped rifle. I'm afraid incapacitation is, in fa ct, fr om CNS tissue damage. you want to have a good, practical, and comprehensive to reflect the irrational bullet choices currently being that if law enforcement groups continue to use the Such a temporary cavity would be large enough so that understanding of wound ballistics. made by the majority of law enforcement groups. Are .223, with short barrels, as a spray-and-pray gun for it could cause the spine to be moved violently and these rounds the ones I would choose to take best ad­ entry purposes they will find out the hard way - by abruptly, causing the spinal cord to be struck by the 2. "Would one expect the time to incapacitation to vantage of the cartridges named? In the .45 ACP, yes: losing officer lives unnecessarily - that it is not up to wall of the spinal canal and causing a "concussion of generally be shorter fo r a non-CNS chest shot fr om for the other two cartridges, a resounding No. what they are expecting of it. The cartridge just the spinal cord" which affects the cord, transiently at a .308 than fo r a similarly located shot from a .223 Now, I will answer the question assuming in doesn't have the power to provide a safety margin - least, as if it had been cut: it would cause immediate or .45 ACP?" all cartridges the most effective bullet available is everything must be done exactly right for the little incapacitation of the muscles innervated by nerves that It is impossible to give an accurate answer used. These would be: in the .308, a bullet that frag­ varmint round to give acceptable results on the human come from the spinal cord at or below the level of the without knowing what kind of bullets are being used in ments reliably, like 168 grain Sierra Matchking or­ target. concussion. What this means is that many torso hits each caliber. For the past half century I have been dered/rom Sierra with a 0.060 inch or larger diame­ OK, now let me answer the question assuming could cause incapacitation of the muscles of the legs - reading about small arms and their effects. The great ter hole in its tip. Please understand, this bullet is a reliably fragmenting .308 bullet, which can be made but would be unlikely to incapacitate the muscles of majority of the "experts" are strongly wedded to their available - but not in small quantities - large depart­ easily by enlarging the HP hole in the Sierra Match­ the arms (which are innervated predominantly by ideas on which cartridge is best for a particular pur­ ments must demand fr om their suppliers that they or­ king to at least 0.060 inch, one of the best available nerves emerging from the spinal cord in the neck). pose. Their strongly held opinions, many based on der these large-hole bullets fr om Sierra and load them .223s , and the .45 ACP loaded with a 230 grain cut­ I recall an article in which a gun writer de­ wide experience, are often opposed by just as strongly rather than the ones with the tiny holes that are regu­ ting action hollow point bullet. I would expect the time scribed shots into the torsos of prairie dogs made with held opinions of other well-qualified "experts" who larly supplied. Erratic performance with the current to incapacitation generally to be shortest for the .308 hollow point handgun bullets. He reported that some prefer another cartridge. These experts generally tiny-hole Matchkings (mostly they act like FMJs) is by a large margin. I would expect there to be no clear­ of these hits had literally blown these tiny animals in overlook the single most critical principle, the crux, of well documented, as is the method of eliminating the cut difference between the .223 and the 45 ACP: the half . He used this to argue that the temporary cavity of wound ballistics: the design and construction of the problem by enlarging the hole4-6. .223 might have more spectacular successes - which the handgun was therefore of awesome power and bullet is by far the most important element deter­ In the .223 cartridge, I have great difficulty would be counterbalanced by just as many spectacular could not be regarded as ineffectual for shots in the mining its wounding capacity. The cartridge or caliber identifying the most effective bullet. Every choice is a failures - but I would expect the 45 to be the more re­ human torso. This writer lacked a sense of perspective is clearly of secondary significance. compromise. The military ball round would be fine if liable overall because of the large permanent hole and proportionality: he overlooked the all-important 6 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 7 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW - ______- - _ _ __ Questions and Comments _ JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURN AL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

scaling effect - which is little more than common cord" might be transient - or it might be permanent. Shock Wave materials commonly called liquids or gases); almost sense. He was shooting these animals with bullets that The shot in the deer also might have broken both front QUESTION any kind of agitation will create a pressure variation. caused temporary cavities more than twice the diame­ shoulders. By the way, comparisons of bullet effects I would like to--ask your assistance in a more The pressure movement through the fluid is called a ter of their torsos . Yes, if one scales up the prairie dog on human sized animals, such as deer, are very useful or less running debate I have over the effect of waves pressure wave because the pressure at any location is a shots and shoots a human in the torso with a bullet that in helping to understand bullet effects. It eliminates and "shock waves" when a bullet hits a live target. time varying parameter that can be visualized as causes a temporary cavity of 36 inches, more than the Emotional Fainting as a cause of incapacitation, In the discussion, I explained temporary and analogous to the height of a wave on water. This wave twice the diameter of the largest diameter of the hu­ leaving only the anatomic and physiological explana­ permanent cavitation effects when the bullet hits. My modeling has three intrinsic parameters; velocity, fre­ man torso, it would certainly most likely cause in­ tions. Pondering these comparisons brings up some opponent (so to speak) mentioned that I had forgotten quency, and amplitude. The pressure wave velocity in stantaneous complete incapacitation: but the mecha­ interesting questions: if the .223 is an adequate car­ shock waves to which I replied that the shock wave he any material is constrained to a specific value; all nism of this incapacitation would still be fr om CNS tridge for use by police on the human, why is it that so meant is actually a sonic wave. A shock wave occurs pressure waves (of interest in this context) in the mate­ tissue damage - widespread cord concussion, maybe many state hunting laws prohibit its use for shooting when the originator travels at or a higher speed than rial travel at this velocity . The pressure wave fre­ even accompanied by fr actures of the sp ine and actual deer? the speed of the wave. Since the bullet is slower, it is quency and amplitude are unconstrained in the sense physical disruption of the cord. It seems to me, how­ As a further aid to comprehending wound bal­ not a shock wave. Also, this person mixes up the that they can assume any value of practical interest. ever, that this goes somewhat beyond the scope of our listics, I suggest that you study the damage patterns sonic wave with the wave effect caused by the cavita­ The sensing organs in our ears can detect these pres­ discussion since I am unaware of any shoulder fired illustrated in some wound profiles7 and superimpose tion (which is sometimes noticeable in gelatin blocks sure waves in air over a wide- range of frequencies and bullet that could produce such a temporary cavity. them on anatomically correct diagrams of the human jumping up or in game animals seen as a ripple going amplitudes, and we call these waves "sounds" or anatomy (available in an atlas of human anatomy - by through the body). "sound waves" or (if we want to sound impressive) 4. If increasing the amount of non-CNS tissue dam­ Grant, Netter or Clemente) at various positions and However, I am at a bit of a loss (or losing "sonic waves". Pressure waves with frequencies be­ age decreases probable time to incapacitation, is it angles- and make sure you get the scales right . ground) when the HESH-AT round comes up. A yond our capability to detect are also "sound waves"; via increased rate of blood loss or some other In evaluating a shooting one needs to look HESH round (high explosive squash head) is an anti­ we are just "deaf' to them. Because we detect these mechanism? I thought the idea behind the subject over the variables - all of the variables. In how many tank round which has an explosive charge which pan­ pressure waves in air as sound, we call the unique ve­ continuing to operate for several seconds was that cases are all of these variables known with certainty? cakes against the armor and then detonates. The locity that these pressure waves travel in any material the oxygen was already in the brain. That wound Answer: damn few. This is the difficulty the layman "stress wave" that is caused by this then sets off chips the speed of sound in that material. The frequency of seem to suggest it wouldn't matter what happened has in trying to compare results from shootings: this is of armor on the other side of it without creating a real the sound wave is what musicians call pitch, longer to the rest of the circulatory system. the reason gun writers so typically make fools of hole. This is like the flakes of rust flying off a rusted wavelengths have a lower frequency and are "bass", Yes, decreasing the non-CNS tissue damage themselves when wandering into this area, which they steel plate when you hit it with a hammer on the other shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies and are time to incapacitation is via increased blood loss. Yes, do not understand. There is also an inescapable inher­ side. Since you can get this effect with a hammer, I "treble". The amplitude of the sound wave is meas­ the ten-second time for purposeful action after blood ent variation in almost everything involving the human would say we are talking about a sonic wave and not a ured by how "loud" it sounds; greater pressure ampli­ stops coming to the brain occurs because of the oxy­ body - such as the time to incapacitation from "non­ shock wave. The term stress wave is very confusing tudes sound "louder". Extremely loud sounds can gen already in the blood in the brain. Correct, it CNS" hits. That is why the biological sciences are here. damage the delicate sensing mechanisms in the ear and doesn't matter what happens to the rest of the circula­ called "inexact," as opposed to the "exact" sciences, Can you explain all of this? can cause pain while doing this, but do not create in­ tory system in the ten seconds it takes the brain to use such as physics. Maarten J. van Maanen capacitating physiological trauma that persists after the up the oxygen already there. Further explanations wave passes. REFERENCES which bear on this question are included in some of ANSWER Shock Waves in Air Newgard K. The Physiological Effectsof Handgun Bullets - the answers to the previous questions. I. There are a couple of very specific technical The Mechanisms of Wounding and Incapacitation. Wo und The only correct use of the term "shock" in usages of the term "shock", but none are applicable to Although not in the form of a question, you Ballistics Rev 1992; 1(3): 12-17. ballistics is in supersonic bullet flight in air (techni­ bullet penetration in tissue. A lot of people talk about also mentioned "Its tough when someone asks, 'How 2. Guyton AC. Textbook of Medical Physiology, Eighth Ed. cally called a compressible fluid flow), where a shock Philadelphia, Saunders, 1991, p 269. come I heart-shot a deer, and he dropped in his WB "shock waves" in terminal ballistics without realizing is a separation between two different volumes where tracks?"' 3. Fackler ML. Editorial comment- Perspectives on the .223 that this terminology and concept are essentially Remington. Wound Ballistics Rev 1998;3(4):27. the air has different state properties (e.g., pressure, After reading the answer to question three you meaningless in this application, and this practice has 4. Haag LC. Federal Premium .308 WIN. 168 gr. JHP-BT- A temperature, density). Aerodynamicists usually just historically caused a lot of confusion for those who try should be able to answer that one. The shot might have SWATIHRT Round with some Idiosyncrasies. Wound Ballis­ use the term shock for this phenomenon, but in some tics Rev 1995;2(2):8-10. to think about what they are talking about. The fol­ been in the top part of the heart and made with a pow­ contexts call this a shock wave; non-technical people erful enough bullet so that the temporary cavity was 5. Fackler ML. Matchking Bullet- Past. Present, and Future. lowing comments on sound waves and shock waves Wound Ballistics Rev 1995;2(2): 11-12. invariably use the terminology shock wave in all tech­ large enough that it caused the spine to be moved attempt to clarify this without getting too technical. 6. Tobin EJ. More Information on the Matchking Bullet. Wound nical contexts (and often apply the term to effects that abruptly, causing the spinal cord to be impacted by the Ballistics Rev 1995;2(4):22-24.Fackler ML. Sound Waves are not shocks). The shock in front of a blunt nosed wall of the spinal canal and causing a "concussion of 7. Fackler ML. The Wound Profile & The Human Body: Dam­ Pressure changes can easily be produced in supersonic bullet is called a normal shock (the term the spinal cord" which affects the cord as if it had been age Pattern Correlations. Wound Ballistics Rev 1994;1(4):12- fluids ("fluid"is used technically here, and includes all "normal" is used technically here to mean perpen- cut . The paralysis resulting from "concussion of the 19. 8 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 9 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Qu�stions and Comml·nts Qu�stions and ComrnL·nts JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

dicular to the flow velocity, and not in the usual sense more physiological trauma than any other sound wave The wound ballistics effects attributed to a "shock has high pressure on the side facing the bullet and low of meaning "typical" or "ordinary"). Shocks that are having the same amplitude (loudness). The sensed wave from bullet penetration" by uninformed people pressure on the other side, the gelatin is rapidly accel­ off the centerline slant backwards and are called loudness (pressure wave amplitude) is greater when actually are a result of the temporary cavity, a sonic erated away from the bullet. This gross movement of oblique shocks. Most normal shocks transition to es­ the listener is close to the source. These shocks have wave, or imagination. the gelatin away from the bullet creates what we call sentially fixed angle oblique shocks; the typical curved nothing to do with bullet penetration in tissue, but I have also seen the term "hydrostatic shock" the temporary cavity. This process is described in arc of the shock shape on a blunt body at supersonic simply illustrate that the layman's presumption that used to denote the effects of bullet penetration at high more detail in Reference 4; but in part: velocity is shown in the Schlieren photo taken from "being hit with a shock wave" is always very traumatic velocity; this is essentially meaningless even if the "This temporary cavity is produced because the Reference 1 (all of the straight dark and light lines of is simply not true. more correct adjective "hydrodynamic" is used. The bullet passage at high speed forces the gelatin various intensities are flaws on the photo, not shocks). phrase "physiological effects of temporary cavity for­ laterally with enough velocity to temporarily Waves in Tissue or Gelatin A normal shock has supersonic flow on one side and mation" does not have the impressive ring of "hydro­ create a hole much larger than the bullet." The general discussion of sound waves above subsonic flow on the other, but oblique shocks do not static shock" or "shock wave", but does have the vir­ This description is valid and has nothing to do with applies to gelatin or tissue or water as well as in air, (except near the normal shock). The oblique shocks tues of being precise and technically correct. "sonic waves" or "shock waves", and I think most but the detailed dynamics are quite different because are "weaker" than the normal shock (i.e., smaller dif­ A very damaging pressure wave can be created people would have a much better idea of what is really tissue and gelatin are very nearly incompressible. ference in pressure across the shock). in water with a powerful underwater explosion, but happening if they thought about what was occurring Fluid dynamics theory gives a truly incompressible this is a sonic wave, not a shock wave, and has nothing instead of trying to describ� this in terms of "sonic fluid an infinite speed of sound; the speed of sound in to do with bullet impact effects. Bullet impact does waves" or "shock waves". nearly incompressible water at 70°F is about 4880 ft/s produce a high frequency sonic wave in water, gelatin, There is obviously a variation in pressure in (and this is representative for most common liquids). or tissue that is not related to the gross movement of the gelatin while the temporary cavity is going through The speed of sound in gelatin or tissue is about the the medium caused by bullet passage (which is de­ the creation and collapse cycle; this can be called a same as in water because these materials are primarily scribed below). The peak wave pressure is relatively pressure wave, but I don't think this nomenclature water . high, but the wavelength is so short that the total ac­ provides much understanding of the actual process to Nothing corresponding to the shock that can tion time is only about 2 microseconds . As a result, most people. This "pressure wave" is not a sonic wave occur in compressible fluid flow exists for bullet the resulting soft tissue displacement is trivial and because the dominant effect is bulk movement of the penetration in tissue or gelatin or water because this does not create wound trauma. From Reference 3: gelatin or tissue that would continue expansion indefi­ "shock" is produced by compressibility effects. There "The most unambiguous quantification of the nitely if it were not halted by external forces (i.e., soft is no transonic drag rise near the velocity of sound in nondamaging effect of sonic waves is that such solid shear forces and gravity). It is true that the bullet tissue or gelatin because this effect is also a result of waves are now used to break up kidney stones penetration produces both the temporary cavity and the compressibility effects (the transonic drag rise is the without surgery and without damage to the sur­ small sonic wave that does exist, but the sonic wave increase in drag coefficient that occurs at velocities rounding soft tissue. Each of the 2000 sonic effects are too small to detect except with sophisti­ near the speed of sound in compressible fluids). This waves typically used to break up kidney stones is cated instrumentation. The person you are having the absence of "shock" and "transonic drag rise" is ruil a at least 5 times more intense than the sonic wave discussion with is improperly describing the gelatin result of the typical bullet velocity being lower than produced by bullet passage. The basic reason movement he sees as a result of a "sonic wave" and/or sonic velocity in gelatin or tissue; tests have demon­ soft tissue is not damaged in this process is that "shock wave" when it is really the temporary cavity strated this on special test projectiles driven near sonic the displacement caused by the sonic wave is generation and collapse. velocities in gelatin.2 Thus, any "shock wave" effect very small and introduces only trivial strain in due to bullet penetration in tissue is not just relatively Armor Spall softtissues . The small displacement causes much inconsequential physiologically as it is in air; the The process of armor aft side flaking you de­ larger strain in the solid kidney stones; this is "shock wave" is simply not there. This misunder­ scribe is technically called spallation or spalling, and why the stone breakup occurs. Strain in soft tis­ standing about the difference between bullet passage this is a serious problem in armor design. Personnel sues caused by the temporary cavity is vastly through air and through tissue or gelatin is very com­ behind plain sheet armor can easily be killed by spall greater than strain caused by sonic waves under mon, even among people with technical training who without any penetration of the armor . The technical all conditions. ought to know better. Use of the term "shock" in bul­ model of this spallation does involve a stress wave Our ears can detect these shocks as sounds; the let penetration is common but erroneous, and it is done Temporary Cavity through the armor plate; in effect, this stress wave is a "sonic boom" of a supersonic jet plane or the "crack" merely because it sounds technical or impressive or Bullet penetration in tissue or gelatin creates a very rapid increase and decrease in the stress at any of a supersonic rifle bullet in air is the oblique shock important. "The shock from being hit by a bullet" is high pressure at the bullet/gelatin interface; this pres­ point in the armor. The effect of this stress wave is to wave passing the listener. This oblique shock travels actually much like "The shock from being called an sure is large enough to create the deformation or frag­ "snap" pieces of armor off the back face. The most at the speed of sound relative to the listener standing idiot"; it is an expression of surprise and has nothing mentation that occurs in bullets that are not con­ relevant simple physical model that readily comes to on the ground; this is a sound wave, and causes no to do with physical effects or physiological trauma. structed to withstand this pressure. Since the gelatin mind is the process of ejecting a particle stuck to your

10 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 11 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Questions and Comments Questions and Comments JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

fingertip by flicking your finger. This produces stress ANSWER Mr. Burroughs advised that you may be able to would not break the bone but only make a small forces that the adhering particle interface can't sup­ This kind of Kevlar cap does not provide the assist in confirming or refuting her belief that there is hole in passing through it: this would do nothing to port, so the particle flies off. I am not surprised you same kind of protection that body armor does because validity in targeting the pelvic area. The theory being destroy bony support of the pelvic girdle. The pel­ find this confusing, but I suggest you just accept it the skull still takes the force of the blow (unlike soft that due to certain autonomic responses the body un­ vic girdle is essentially a circle: to disrupt its unless you really want to get into heavy weapon armor body armor, where the indentation of the armor into dergoes during periods of stress the rounds fired by structure significantly would require breaking it in design. The important thing for this discussion is to soft tissue lets resistive forces build up in the Kevlar). officers are likely to strike (low) the pelvic area, and two places. Only a shot that disrupted the neck or forget all about sonic waves and shock waves here as As a result, this cap provides essentially no protection that the human body is capable of suffering severe dis­ upper portion of the shaft of the femur would be well because they aren't useful in understanding the against blunt trauma from a hard blow with a baton or ability resulting from pistol wounds in that area . likely to disrupt bony support enough to cause the problem. baseball bat. This cap does provide a minimal cush­ Any assistance you can provide would be ap­ person hit to fall. This is a small and highly un­ ioning effect which isn't important for these blows, but preciated. likely target: the aim point to hit it would be a Summary could reduce the "seeing stars" effect when struck by a Mr . Michael Lenehan mystery to those without medical training - and to The bottom line in all of this is that I think the lighter object (e.g., an empty beer bottle). The same OIC Firearms Training most of those with medical training. confusion goes away if you can just get the person you effect keeps the cap from providin the body armor Ontario Police College, Canada are having this discussion with to stop talking about � The "theory" stated in the question postulates level of effectiveness in stopping a bullet, so some "shock waves". You are leaning too far over back­ that "certain autonomic resP,onses the body undergoes bullets that are stopped by body armor will not be ANSWER wards in trying to get a definition of "shock wave" for during periods of stress" causes officers to shoot low, stopped by the cap when impact is near perpendicular. I welcome the chance to refute the belief that him; you can easily show he is using this term without and that apparently this is good in a gunfight because Some low power rounds (.22LR, .25 auto, .32 auto) the pelvic area is a reasonable target during a gunfight. understanding by asking himto define exactly what he such shots cause "severe disability." I hope that the will still be stopped by the cap. The cap will cause I can find no evidence or valid rationale for means by it. points presented above debunk the second part of the bullets to glance off the skull rather than penetrate at intentionally targeting the pelvic area in a gunfight. Duncan MacPherson theory. As for the "autonomic responses" that cause somewhat higher angles of incidence. The reasons against, however, are many. They include: officers to shoot low, I am unaware of anything in the References This kind of Kevlar cap was more generally • From the belt line to the top of the head, the areas anatomy or physiology of the autonomic nervous sys­ I. Shapiro, Ascher H., Th e Dynamics and Th ermodynamics of available in the past, but is not now produced by most most likely to rapidly incapacitate the person hit tem that would even suggest such an occurrence. Most Compressible Fluid Flow, P888, Roland Press, New York, body armor manufacturers. As a guess, this change is are concentrated in or near the midline. In the pel­ 1953 laymen do not understand the function of the auto­ a result of a general recognition that the protection vis, however, the blood vessels are located to each 2. MacPherson, Duncan, Bullet Penetration - Modeling the Dy­ nomic nervous system. It is simply a system whose offered in very limited, and that the manufacturers side, having diverged from the midline, as the namics and the In capacitation Resulting fr om Wo und main function is to fine tune the glands and smooth Tra uma, P. 104-106, Ballistic Publications, Box 772, El Se­ have generally opted to not sell a product that could aorta and inferior vena cava divide at about the muscles (those in the walls of organs and blood ves­ gundo, CA , 1994 create unrealistic expectations in our current litigatious level of the navel . Additionally, the target that, 3. Ib id., P. 64 sels) of the body. During times of stress such as per­ society. when struck, is the most likely to cause rapid and 4. Ib id., P. 59 ceived impending danger, the autonomic nervous sys­ As with any equipment, the important thing is reliable incapacitation, the spinal cord (located in tem diverts blood from the intestines and digestive to understand its limitations and consider how these the midline of the abdomen, thorax and neck), organs to the skeletal muscles - in the so-called "fight limitations relate to your particular requirements. In ends well above the navel and is not a target in the or flight" response. The effects of this response are talking to Sgt. Swarm, I learned that the most common pelvis. Kevlar Cap constantly exaggerated by laymen who lack an ade­ weapons threat faced in his jurisdiction is the low • The pelvic branches of the aorta and inferior vena QUESTION quate understanding of it - most notably by gun writ­ power handgun guns the cap will be most effective cava are more difficult to hit than their parent ves­ I am a sergeant with the NYC Police Dept. as­ ers eager to impress their readers. Interestingly, the against, so the cap would provide more protection for sels -- they are smaller targets, and they diverge signed to the 45th Precinct in the Bronx patrol area. I human body can get along quite well without major him than it would for others facing different threats. laterally from the midline (getting farther from it have come across a piece of protective equipment parts of the autonomic nervous system. During my Duncan MacPherson as they descend). Even if hit, each carry far less called the Command Cap sold by Silent Partner Body professional life as a surgeon, myself and c�lleagues blood than the larger vessels from which they Armor, Inc. This is a piece of level 2 Kevlar fitted removed parts of thousands of vagus nerves (mostly in originated. Thus, even if one of these branches in into a baseball cap and provides coverage to the front treating peptic ulcer disease) - thus depriving the pa­ Shots to the Pelvic Area the pelvis is hit, incapacitation from blood loss of the forehead area. tient of the major part of the parasympathetic half of QUESTION must necessarily be slower than from a major ves­ Please forward any information regarding the autonomic nervous system. We also removed During September of this year one of my per­ sel hit higher up in the torso. blunt trauma and head injuries as they relate to this many ganglia from the sympathetic half of the auto­ manent staff range instructors attended a program, in • Other than soft tissue structures not essential to piece of equipment. I have read of people being shot nomic nervous system, in treating such things as pro­ pistol and shotgun techniques, offered by Bill Bur­ continuing the gunfight (loops of bowel, bladder) in the head and the bullet glancing off the skull with fusely excess sweating and various problems caused roughs. As a result of that training, she is interested in the most likely thing to be struck by shots to the minimal injury. Does this cap make this more likely? by spasm of the arteries. I am unaware of any evidence obtaining additional information on the effectiveness pelvis would be bone. The ilium is a large flat Does it provide protection when hit with blunt objects? that these operations produced any significant effect of targeting certain areas of the body with pistol bone that forms most of the back wall of the pel­ Sgt. Edward Swarm on the future capacity of these patients to react appro- rounds. vis . The problem is that handgun bullets that hit it 12 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 13 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Questions and Comments ------1 JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION - -

priately in times of impending danger. didn't kill anyone in L.A. Growing up in northern during the encounter or when he tries to get something chester offe rs a 200 grain Power Point. The Power Unfortunately, the pelvis shot fa llacy is com­ Maine as an early teenager, we hunted whitetail deer else from his administrators. Point uses a soft, thick, brass jacket (rather than cop­ mon. This fa llacy, along with other misinformation, is (and anything else that moved - sorry - I know better Martin L. Fackler per), and is probably the best conventional expanding promoted constantly by at least one gun writer who is now) with .22 magnums using 40gr solid bullets. bullet line, offering premium performance at a Wall­ widely published in the popular gun press. Because of Shooting them in the neck always brought them down REPLY mart price. A 225 grain Power Point or Trophy this, I regularly debunk this fallacy by including some with no meat loss. In my limited exposure to military Dear Dr. Fackler, Bonded in .358 Winchester would probably be as reli­ of the above rationale in my presentations to law en­ combat, I've seen men shot and die and I've seen men It was my original intention fo r my 21 Dec 98, able as the Nosier partition. A very satisfactory police forcement firearm instructor groups. shot and live. From a strictly non-scientific view, it responses to your editorial to be of personal dispatch, load could be developed by using a 225 grain Nosier didn't seem to matter with what they were hit with as However, by all means fe el free to use it in the Journal partition bullet in either cartridge case. It is possible Martin L. Fackler much as where. Hence, we teach our Officers to al­ if you see it fit. In addition, it certainly was not to my to safely hand load a 225 grain Nosier at over 2,500 ways assume your shot will not work, just keep intention to challenge your wound ballistics expertise. fps in the small Winchester case with a compressed Perspectives on the .223 Remington whacking your opponent until it does, much like they I've attended several of your lectures and know better. load of IMR 4895 powder5• While this is the only LETTER did in Miami, Alaska and L.A. When you dissentingly speak of the .223 as the powder listed which is capable of reaching this veloc­ You can continue to use the scientific radi­ "panacea", one must contemplate ALL the advantages, Dear Dr. Fackler, ity, the Whelen and Remington can equal or exceed cal/pie formulas, but if you look out of the laboratory not just barrel length and best projectile selection. After reading your editorial comment 'Per­ this velocity with several powder combinations. window about 100 meters away, you will see me With its superb delivery system and remarkable accu­ spectives on the .223 Remington' in the latest journal, The .35 caliber has an unexp anded frontal area holding the black rifle talking to the ghosts of slain racy, even the shortest barrel AR with the worst per­ I fe lt compelled to respond. I take exception to your of 0. 10 square inch compared to 0.074 fo r a .308 cali­ Officers encouraging them to haunt the administrators fo rming bullet is better than any buckshot over 40 "near hysterical stampede to the .223 by law enforce­ ber, 0.089 square inch fo r the popular .338, and 0.110 that denied them better weapons to defend themselves. meters. We fo und it very important to play the ment groups" speculation. � square inch fo r the .375. Expanded frontal area of a John Bedell, O.I.C. Incidents of assault/battle rifle usage by crimi­ comparedto what' scenario. As an example, when we .358 can range from .378 to .476 square inch at 2,550 Firearms Training Unit, Pembroke Pines Police nals in historical. From Miami, Florida to Cortez, were selecting a .223 cartridge, IWBA technical stud­ fps6• I have had a lot of experience with the medium Colorado to Alaska to New Hampshire, police officers ies indicated the M855 had a slightly better wounding bores at close range killing American Buffa lo with RESPONSE have been out-gunned for decades and we've known it. profile than the M193. The Ml93, however, is far shots to the neck and spine. This shot placement gives Dear Officer Bedell, For years, many of us in the firearms discipline have more accurate than the M855. Decisions, decisions. the bullet only a few inches of tissue to expand in, and The comment "near hysterical stampede to the Keep up the good work. promoted .223 shoulder weapons fo r high risk patrol is not unlike the incident reported by Lucien Haag1• .223 by law enforcement groups" refers to the wide­ use, unfortunately, many police administrators have John Bedell, O.I.C. Despite their high energy and use of premium spread adoption of the .223 without consideration of Firearms Training Unit, Pembroke Pines Police obstructed this which left us with buckshot and if you bullets, the .257 and .300 Weatherby Magnum would the severe limitations of this round fo r use on the hu­ were lucky, pistol caliber carbines. The only good not kill a buffalo with one shot to the spine. Though man target, in the apparent belief that it is a panacea thing that came out of L.A. was the massive amount of the buffalo would go down quickly, they always fo r the limitations of handguns in law enforcement. I video, which did open some administrators' eyes. Th e .358 Winchester as a Police Rifle needed a finishing shot. While these high velocity believe that the efficient use of the .223 by law en­ Your theory about weapon takeaways and de­ COMMENT cartridges are very destructive on deer sized animals fo rcement requires an appreciation of sound wound fe ating body armor is also groundless. Your one-in­ I have read with interest four IWBA articles they were surprisingly ineffective on neck shots. The ballistics principles. In particular, the use of inappro­ five numbers are outdated. Although, in the 70's the having to do with increasing the frontal area and .338, .35, and .375 would kill buffalo with one shot, priately short barrels, and inappropriate ammunition ratio was 21%, current numbers are closer to 7%. weight retention of bullets which have passed through even when used with inferior bullets (like the inappro­ are common, and greatly reduce the already marginal Probably due to better retention holsters and aware­ common barricades, such as car doors, plate glass, and priately named Remington Core Lokt). Larger cali­ effectiveness of the .223 in law enforcement. ness. In addition, I challenge the assumption that more complex arrays such as aircraft windshields. ber's with less velocity, such as the 12 gauge slug, Please see the answer to the question by Offi­ shoulder weapon takeaways would be equal to sidearm (References 1,2,3,4). What is really needed is not a .458 Winchester magnum, and .54 muzzle loader were cer Wilcox (p 4-8) for clarification on my views on the takeaways, as distance and knowledge are fa ctors. better bullet, but a more appropriate rifle caliber fo r poor killers, being much less effective than the .257 marginal nature of the .223. Having armed yourself with a shoulder weapon, one police marksmen. If the engagement range of police and .300 WM. There appears to be a complex rela­ One of the objectives we are trying to achieve would think the element of being attacked by surprise marksmen is really as short as that reported by the FBI tionship between frontal area and impact velocity. in the Wound Ballistics Review is to provide our law would be diminished and unlikely that you would be (about 70 yards), than a low velocity medium bore is What is significant to IWBA members is that enforcement members with sound information so they within grappling range. Unfortunately, I'm not sure probably indicated. the relatively low recoil 35 Whelen or .358 Remington can make valid recommendations on armament to their that a distinction between sidearm and shoulder weap­ The .358 Winchester, 35 Whelen, and .358 loaded with the Nosier or bonded core Bitterroot bul­ administrators. Law enforcement needs the best we ons data is available. Remington Magnum have never been very popular lets would kill as well as the high-energy .338 Win­ can offer, and we need to make sure what we propose Lastly, I'm sure some of those knowledgeable sporting cartridges, and a suitable police load may not chester Magnum. Since so much velocity is lost is actually the best. The inevitably unsatisfactory con­ hunters told you large powerful bullets sometimes exist for any of them. Federal recently introduced a passing through automobile and aircraft glass ( 180 - sequences of poorly selected .223 weapons and/or don't kill game just like the .30 caliber rifle bullets 225 grain Trophy Bonded for the 35 Whelen. Win- 634 fps as reported by Lt. Robertson4), most rifle cali­ ammunition will not help the officer in the field either ber's are going to have to depend more on frontal 14 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 15 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW �------Questions and Comments -- JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

area and bullet mass than energy and bullet fragmen­ Editorial note: of their .308 Winchester barrels to a gunsmith to be re­ enough money and a few computer chips. tation to be effective. This suggests use of a medium I talked to Andy about the numbers in the barreled or re-bored to the .358 Winchester. Load it Actually, the problem of the gun that gets away bore like the .358 Winchester may be an ideal police above paragraph, and he sent me a photocopy of the with a case full of 4895 and a 225 grain Nosier partition, was a very simply solved back in horse-calvary days. cartridge. article (Rifle Recoil by Phil Mannes) that was the and repeat any of the FBI 's barricade tests. You won't You tie the gun to the user with a lanyard. If he drops it, Ammo makers may have to rename this unas­ original source of these recoil calculation methodol­ be disappointed! he can yank on the cord and get it back. If somebody suming cartridge something like, "The .358 Police," to ogy. Mannes erroneously describes the values 2.77 lb Andy Tillman else gets it, a yank on the cord will at least mess up his make it appealing. For shots within 300 yards, a prop­ seconds and 3.3 lb seconds as energy with the mean­ Retired Editor of the International Defense Review erly loaded .358 should equal or exceed the frontal ingless unit of ft lb/sec2• This is just a nomenclature aim, and it will probably get the gun back, since you area of the best 9mm pistol bullets, with more than error because the recoil energy calculation is correct have the whole arm of the trooper working against the References twice the impact velocity. A .358 Remington extends and in the correct units. Mannes' recoil calculation fingers of the thief. this velocity threshold to 350 yards, and a .358 Norma methodology assumes that the effective powder gas I. Federal Premium .308 Win. 168 grain JHP-BT, by Lucien C. Isn't this a simple way of giving an officer a Magnum to 400 yards. velocity is 1 � times the muzzle velocity. This as­ Haig, IWBA, volume 2, no. 2, pg. 8-10. little edge in a struggle? Can't we do it ri�ht now , at the I have been surprised that none of your authors sumed velocity is probably a little high for the loads 2. Matchking Bullet - Past, Present, and Future, Martin L. Fackler, expense of a lanyard loop and a couple of bootlaces? have experimented with the .308 Nosier partition bul­ under discussion, but any error is too small to signifi­ IWBA volume 2, no. 2 pg. 1 1-12. Must we wait fo r Colt, or someone else, to perfect some let as loaded by Federal. The copper partition will at cantly affe ct the recoil numbers calculated by Andy. 3. More Inf ormation on the Matchking Bullet, Ernie J. Tobin, vol­ pistol that will only work fo r'policemen? least insure that the rear portion of the bullet gets Duncan MacPherson ume 2, no. 4, pg. 22-24, IWBA. It is to the great credit of the Journal when you through a barricade. The Nosier was the original pre­ 4. Rifle Ammunition Performance Through Barriers, Lt. Stephen C. assess the possible choices fo r "patrol car rifle". The mium hunting bullet, dating back to 1948, and is still Finally, I would like to suggest that when using Robertson, IWBA volume 2, no. 4, pg. 25-34. ordinary officer these days is pretty sophisticated. He is one of the best. The recent Combined Technology a copper bullet like the Barnes X bullet, or a bonded 5. Nosier Reloading Manual, pg. 269. educationally somewhat ahead of the common Army Nosier/Winchester alliance has moved the partition core bullet with solid base or partition to halt expansion 6. Bullet Performance in the .375 H & H Magnum, by Andy Till­ recruit, and there is no reason to think he can't be farther forward, and pro vides even more retained like the Trophy Bonded or Swift A Frame, that the man, Bitterroot Bullet-in, 1982, page I 0. trusted to manage a good semi-auto rifle. weight, though it does nothing to increase expanded lightest bullet available be used. The long, partially ex­ But what is assessed? Cut-down M16's and frontal area. A caliber larger than .308 is useful be­ Gun Retention, Ml Ca rbine vs.. 223 expensive foreign sub-machine guns, mostly. Hanging cause the Nosier's frequently loose most of their fron­ panded bullets are more prone to tum over and break up COMMENT on my wall is a rather cheap weapon which could do tal area at high velocity and end up as little more than on a complex target array. The Nosier partition can also a wad-cutter. The .338, .35 and .375 caliber, which tum over, and expand from the base. A higher than I've noticed a certain emphasis lately on the sad most of the chores we expect of a patrol car rifle -- an have thicker side walls in the ogive, seem to retain normal rotational velocity is useful in keeping the bullet fa ct that about a sixth of police officers fatally shot are M1 Carbine. We also note that the Ruger Mini-14 and their expanded frontal area better than the smaller point forward, but it is even better to use a lightweight killed with their own guns, snatched by a bad guy re­ Mini-30 are rarely considered. They don 't cost $800 a calibers. bonded bullet that has a shorter overall length. Since it sisting arrest. This is a presented as a good reason for copy, andthey don't look like they fell off a flying sau­ If users want the ultimate (tactical) medium is bonded, a bullet with greater SD is not needed. officers to use ammo which won't go through their own cer that was trying to get back to civilization. In these bore they should consider the .358 Remington Magnum The Trophy bonded with its solid base and the body armor. designs, extractor, ej ector, bolt fa ce, locking lugs and which can be built on an intermediate length action and A Frame with its partition are both longer than desirable We have here another case of a simple statistic cams, are all visible and open. They can be cleaned and obtain 2,650 fps. The Remington is a short case with for a tactical bullet. The Bitterroot was the original that might tum into bad policy. If I'm close enough to lubed pretty well without taking the gun apart. Simple the capacity of the longer Whelen, and should be very bonded core bullet, being invented by Bill Steigers, of grab an officer's weapon, I can probably tell if he's to be attached to theprowl car, not the patrolman. accurate. In my experience, all of these cartridges are as Lewiston, Idaho in 1965. It's tapered jacket which wearing armor. Current body armor might be called The details of wounding effects so far discov­ effective on game as the more powerful .338. measures 0.065 inch thick at the base has never been sorta-concealable -- if the only thing on top of it is a ered show that in 5.56mm there isn't much to gain by And unlike the .300 Winchester Magnum or duplicated by his many imitators. The Secret Service tailored uniform shirt, anybody can tell who is armored. varying bullet construction. We don't have much wig­ .338 Lapua, the .358 Winchester is easy to shoot accu­ tested the 7mm and .308 Bitterroot in 1981. They were So if the bad guy gets your gun, it might not matter gle room with a projectile of 45-60 grains. In rately. Recoil momentum of .308 match ammo is about the only bullets tested to maintain structural integrity much whether you're loaded with .44 Magnums or .22 7.62X39mm, good police ammo design should be easier 2.77 lb seconds. The .358 generates only 3.3 lb seconds. and accuracy after passing through the glass used in Shorts. -- we can play with weights of 90-150 grains, and ve­ This is equal to a 150 grain 30-06. In a typical 10 - 12 Can any one out there tell us how many body locities of 2000-3000 fps, and we ought to be able to pound tactical rifle, this will generate only 14.6 to 17.5 commercial skyscrapers. Unfortunately the Bitterroot armor "saves" were made against the officer's own find something reliable against people, not just wood­ ft lbs. of recoil. The .358 Winchester has a trajectory will never be made in adequate numbers to be available that most tactical shooters will be familiar with. The to law enforcement marksmen. And like all bonded weapon. Not many, I suspect. chucks. 225 grain has the same Sectional Density as a 168 grain bullets, they lack the match quality accuracy to inflate a Colt appears to be working hard on a gun that Anyhow, here's the $40. Talking to smart peo­ .308, and a ballistic coefficient similar to a 165 grain marksman's ego. can't be fired except by the designated owner, and they ple is worth it. soft point. I would urge any of your members to send one are trying lots of fancy technology. The idea seems to Leon Day be that any tactical problem can be resolved with 16 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 17 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Suicide by Cop Suicide by Cop JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

shooting, although this does not always happen in cational needs by taking two administrators of the Or­ UNDERSTANDING THE LAW cases that are at least arguably suicide by cop. ange County Board of Education as hostages in No­ Scenario I vember, 1998. He also had mental anguish in losing An ex-convict and parole violator, Thomas custody of his two children. He was quoted as saying ENFORCEMENT ISSUES IN Belsheim, on a suicide mission, fa iled to engage police to intimates "I came here today to get myself killed officers in a suicide by cop in San Pedro, California, because I don't have the guts to kill myself'. The December, 1998. In a two and one half hour standoff Costa Mesa Police and SWAT TEAM went by the SUICIDE BY COP with police Belsheim brandished a weapon at officers, book. For three hours hostage negotiators attempted to but did not fire. Special weapons team officers fired talk the gunman into releasing the hostages, putting his Shirley Ma cPh erson, Ph.D. tear gas into his car, shot him with a non-lethal round weapon down, and surrendering peacefully. All me­ and pulled him from his car. The officers involved diation efforts were disregarded by Generakos. When In troduction nizing this category of suicide? adhered to departmental use of fo rce policy in con­ • It is difficult to accurately substantiate a suicide all options are exhausted and a hostage's life is being "Victim Precipitated Suicide" is a clinical frontational situations, with the result that there was no by cop, which is usually a judgment call, Anec­ threatened, the SWAT TEAM commander has the term fo r the action of an individual who chooses to be loss of life and no injuries to anyone. dotal accounts by intimates of the victim, suicide authority to make the decision to use deadly fo rce. In killed by law enforcement officers as an alternative to notes penned by the victim, or records docu­ Scenario II this case, the decision was made to use deadly fo rce in a conventional suicide. The act is now commonly re­ William Griffin in 1981 had taken hostages in menting previous suicide attempts can strongly order to save the lives of two hostages. Strict adher­ ferred to as "Suicide By Cop", the term used herein. a bank in Rochester, New York. His only demand was indicate suicide by cop, but are not definitive evi­ ence to established police policy in armed confronta­ There are various reasons fo r this action and several that police execute him. Clinton Van Zandt, an FBI dence. tional standoffs with a self destructive subject resulted indications of the potential occurrence of this act; special agent commanded police and the FBI during • The bias of the courts reflects societal prej udices in one fa tality (the victim/perpetrator) and no injuries. these are important issues to mental health profession­ the three and a half hour standoff with Griffin. Van of communities in general which are influenced The investigation showed that Generakos actually had als, but are not considered herein. This paper fo cuses Zandt refused to take Griffin's life although hostages by religious, cultural and ethnic constraints on a relatively harmless pellet gun, but this was impossi­ on the law enforcement issues associated with suicide taken by the gunman were threatened. Griffin exe­ suicide. There exists a general reluctance to ac­ cuted one of his hostages and then, only then, did ble to determine from a distance and the hostages by cop. cept the premise that individuals can and do pro­ sharpshooters kill him. In this case, departmental use themselves thought it was a firearm. This encounter voke law enforcement personnel into an escalated of fo rce policy was either faulty or violated, with a required either shooting Generakos or violating de­ Acknowledgment of Suicide by Cop battle in order to be killed. Both courts and local resulting innocent hostage death in addition to the sui­ partmental use of force policy with a decision to put The suicide by cop phenomenon, long recog­ communities in which the incidents occur have a cidal perpetrator. However, one unseen victim of the the lives of the hostages at risk. The decision not to nized by law enforcement, is now being acknowledged tendency to interpret the law enforcement behav­ suicidal gunman was Van Zandt, who second-guessed risk another Griffen/Van Zandt case was sound. the perpetrator and lost. He has lived with his decision as a separate category from "criminal intent to commit ior as aggressive and punitive in these particular and his nightmares since the event. assault on a police officer" and "j ustifiable homicide". police shootings, denying the culpability of the Suicide by cop has existed fo r decades, but no hard true perpetrator, the suicidal individual. Scenario III Public Response to Suicide by Cop data had been systematically compiled to support this • Suicides by cop are less than 10% of overall sui­ In July, 1997, Associate Press released a story The public reaction to suicide by cop varies category of officer-involved shooting until Richard cides in the United States, and consequently have about Henry Brown. He stood outside the Shelby, widely, with this variation between individuals being Parent, a Canadian constable, completed a comprehen­ been overlooked by social scientists, the legal North Carolina police station, a .38 Rossi in one hand driven primarily by their view of and reaction to law en­ sive study of fa tal police shootings in British Colum­ system, and others. and a .357 magnum in the other. For forty minutes, forcement in general. The general public's attitude to­ bia from 1980 to 1994.1 He concluded that ten per We can hope that as more studies document Sheriff Dan Crawford attempted to talk him down. ward law enforcement personnel is measurably divided, cent of fatal police shootings were suicide by cop. Dr. and substantiate suicide by cop cases, the reluctance With 24 officers surrounding Brown, he shouted, "Do with only a small segment of the population appreciating H. Range Hutson, Research Director at Harvard Medi­ on the part of the judicial system, communities and your job". One of Brown's pistols discharged, and a the difficulties of their work. The segment of the public cal School, examined 425 fatal and non-fatal police general public to accept the authe nticity of this phe­ marksman killed Brown in response to his action; that usually supports law enforcement generally sees no shootings in Los Angeles County from 1987-1997 and nomenon will begin to evaporate. there were no injuries or other deaths. need fo r a revised use of force policy in response to the fo und one in six were suicide by cop.2 The number There is no way to know whether Brown's suicide by cop phenomenon. On the other hand, indi­ viduals who tend to consider law enforcement personnel would rise to one in five if ambiguous cases were in­ Representative Suicide by Cop Shooting pistol discharge was accidental or intentional. After cluded in the final accounting. Los Angeles County the fa ct analysis of the victim/perpetrator's actions and as bullies interested primarily in trampling civil liberties Sheriffs Department has reported that suicide by cop Scenario Outcomes intentions is of no value to officer-involved shootings. and otherwise acting aggressively and oppressively tend cases have soared in 1997. Cases in which these The fo llowing shooting scenarios represent the The officers had the choice of either adhering to de­ to view incidents of suicide by cop as a validation of the shootings left individuals dead made up 27% of fa tal spectrum of perpetrator actions and outcomes in sui­ partmental use of force policy or risking another need for law enforcement to respond differently. A vari­ officer-involved shootings during that year. Dr. Har­ cide by cop scenarios; these cases involved at least 40 Griffen/V an Zandt case. ant of this second group is the belief thatlaw enforcement vey Schlossberg, retired director of psychological minutes of dialog before any shooting, and all these personnel are poorly trained and do not understand the Scenario IV psychological needs of the suicidal victim but "should" services fo r the New York City Police Department, cases appear to have been planned as suicide by cop by The case of Michael P. Generakos of Costa have the skills of a mental health professional in order to described suicide by cop as another form of euthana­ the perpetrator. None of these cases include law en­ sia, similar in some respects to reaching out to Mesa, California, is illustrative of the mental pain evi­ prevent the death of such persons. The differences in in­ Dr. forcement deaths or injuries, although these have oc­ Kevorkian. The principal difference here is that the denced by these suicidal victims. Generakos, a 45 terpretations between these two groups are remarkable; curred in suicide by cop cases. In all of these cases pain is mental, not physical. Why the delay in recog- year old unemployed teacher in Lakewood, California, "he was waving a gun around threatening to kill people" there was dialog with the perpetrator prior to any believed he could call attention to his deaf son's edu- vs. "he wasn't hurting anyone" or after the fa ct "every 18 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 19 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Suicidr by Cop Suicide b�· Cop JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

" one thought the gunwas real" vs. "he only had a toy gun . the wife of a suicidal man who manipulated and complex conditions. tion that was not available to the officers during the con­ These profound differences are driven by diverse and Muskogee, Okla. police into killing him in This trend is illustrated in Reference 2, which frontation. This inability to come to conclusion after the subjective societal beliefs, and are not objective observa­ 1994." 4 suggests that law enforcement agencies "may be able to encounter is over illustrates better than any other argu­ tions and analysis. Accordingly, an individual's view of develop strategies for early recognition in handling of law ment why any attempt to identify suicide by cop during a the law enforcement issues associated with suicide by cop This is an erroneous interpretation of the case and enforcement-forced-assisted suicide, or suicide by cop". confrontation is doomedas a general strategy. Note that a usually reflect the individual's view of other relationships fa ctually wrong in all important particulars. On March 2, This hope fo r "early recognition" implies training law better understanding of suicide by cop might sometimes between law enforcement and society. 1998 theUnited States Supreme Court declined review of enforcement officers to diagnose and handle severe pa­ help crisis negotiators in their task of preventing the con­ the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on this case; thology in an individual in the scenario of an impending frontation (i.e., resolving an incident without casualties). Th e Legal Sy stem Deals with they did not rule on the case, but merely let the Appeals gunfight. This is a preposterous notion when you realize Note also that even these crisis negotiators cannot predict Court ruling5 stand. The Appeals Court's ruling was not that trained mental health professionals themselves often with certainty what a perpetrator may do during any given Suicide by Cop on the case itself, but was a ruling that the hearing court find difficulty in making an accurate diagnosis even under incident. Although law enforcement has recognized sui­ erred in issuing a summary judgment fo r the defense (the optimal conditions with no time pressure. The diagnostic In effect, a segment of the public and even some cide by cop over the years, the courts have not been sup­ municipality sued). The hearing court's dismissal was in workups and profiling of individuals by mental health mental health professionals are asking the officer in the portive of this interpretation by participating police offi­ effect a statement that the police actions during the con­ professionals are often controversial; court cases having field to assess the threat in a situation based on what he cers. In fa ct, judges in some cases have refused recogni­ frontation were proper; this ruling is incomprehensible mental status as an issue almost always have dueling ex­ subjectively believes to be the mental status of this sus­ tion of suicide by cop citing Daubert (lack accepted sci­ because the police tactics leading up to the shooting perts cheerfully advocating very different opinions. Does pect and not what he sees as the threat posed to society at entific basis for evidenceV (which were not manipulated by the decedent) were egre­ any one of these experts really want his life or his loved that moment. Putting responsibility on the officer to do a What happened in the Griffen/Van Zandt case is giously bad by any reasonable standard. These poor tac­ ones lives to hang on this level of analytical precision? psychological analysis and to base decisions on this psy­ a classic scenario; law enforcement personnel historically tics effectively forced the decedent's actions that led to The prevailing policy of mental health profes­ chological analysis requires him to modify departmental have been fa ced with a hard choice of putting innocents at the shooting, which by itself was not improper. This in­ sionals is to devote their clinical skills and efforts to de­ use of fo rce policy (presumably thoughtfully chosen and risk in an attempt to save the life of a homicidaVsuicidal cident and the associated legal actions do not depend in veloping a suicidaVperpetrator profile fo r law enforce­ precisely delineated) on the spur of the moment. This individual; or to adhere to the departmental shooting pol­ any way on suicide by cop issues; the only relation to sui­ ment use and to provide supportive counseling and de­ approach is irrational and illogical and inevitably places icy and incapacitate the armed subject. When after the cide is a statement by a relative that the decedent threat­ briefing of the officers who have been victimized by a the officer and others in jeopardy; note that Van Zandt fa ct information shows that the apparent risk was not real, ened to kill himself. The legal decisions in this case suicide by cop encounter. Development of a sui­ was absolutely correct that a suicide by cop was being the inevitable civil suits claim the participating officers merely verified municipal responsibility fo r adequate law cide/perpetrator profile could be useful in scenarios where attempted, but his lack of proper action still got an inno­ "should have known" the armed subject was a suicide by enforcement training (which was never an open issue), the perpetrator is willing to dialog, but is not useful fo r cent killed. Most law enforcement personnel understand cop victim/perpetrator and presented no threat to the offi­ andprov ided this plaintiff the right to have this case heard dealing appropriately when the perpetrator is immediately this problem very well; the rest of society also needs to cer or the public. on its merits (not summarily dismissed). This case does threatening the safety of others. Debriefmg and support understand the practical realities of this problem. The unpredictable and impulsive mindset of an not yet have a verdict of any kind, much less one that sets counseling is essential in the recovery from the trauma Law enforcement agencies should have unambi­ armed subj ect precludes any certainty that he will not ini­ a standard fo r law enforcement conduct that requires the and possible post traumatic stress disorder syndrome guous, well thought out use of fo rce policies that respond tiate violence. Advocates in litigation, with benefit of officer to determine the perpetrator's state of mind. (PTSD) that may be suffered by these officers. It would to the threat observed, and that do not attempt to utilize 20/20 hindsight, interpret the police behavior as aggres­ be in the best interest of all parties if the members of the on-the-spot psychoanalysis. The responsibility of the sive and insensitive to the state of mind of the subj ect. Mental Health Professionals Deal with mental health field would develop and implement support field officer is to adhere to this use of fo rce policy, no Courts and the legal system in general are under extraor­ on all levels for law enforcement officers caught up in a more, no less, at all times under all provocations. The Suicide by Cop dinary pressure from political leaders and special interest suicide by cop while properly fo llowing use of fo rce poli­ responsibility of the rest of society is to support the offi­ groups to accommodate this view. As a result, they tend The suicide by cop phenomenon has placed in­ cies. cer when he or she has the mental discipline to accom­ to want the police to have a supernatural intuitive sense creasing pressures on law enforcement officers to modify plish this difficult task. standard departmental use of fo rce policies in dealing that enables them to determine whether the perpetrator Dealing with the Reality of represents a Scenario II (killing a hostage) or a Scenario with emotionally disturbed individuals who display life­ References IV (no attempt to harm hostages) encounter. This deter­ threatening and criminal behavior with lethal weapons or Suicide by Cop Parent, R., Aspect of Police use of Deadly Fo rce in British Co­ fac similes. The impracticality of implementing this kind I. mination has life or death consequences and must be ap­ Reference 6 includes an analysis of 240 shooting lumbia: Th e Phenomenon of Victim-Precipitated Ho micide, propriately reliable even though it sometimes must be of a modified use of fo rce policy is understood by law cases to assign the likelihood of suicide, and grouped Vancouver, Canada, Simon Fraser University, 1996. made in seconds. enforcement, but seriously misunderstood by much of the them into five categories: 2. Hutson, Range H. Dr., Suicide by Cop : Annals of Emergency The considerable confusion and misunderstand­ public and even some mental health professionals. This Probable suicide - 4% Medicine, Dec. 1998. 32:6, 685-689. ing surrounding suicide by cop issues extends to legal misunderstanding is a consequence of being unaware that possible suicide - 12% 3. Bennett V. Murphy, Civil Action 94-2 14, US Federal Court, status. As a case in point, an article on suicide by cop the only obj ective evidence usually available to police Indeterminate - 67% Western District of Pennsylvania stated that the police legal position on this issue is be­ officers in these encounters is the visual scene, and that Suicide unlikely - 9% 4. Associated Press article Suicide by Cop , Todd Lewan , June 27, 1998 coming more difficult because ignoring threats by attempting to second-guess the prob­ no suicide motive - 9% 5. Allen v. Muskokee, Okl., 119 F.3d 837, 97 Daily Journal D.A.R. " ...the Supreme Court ruled that cities canbe ability of suicide by cop could endanger the police officer The striking fa ct about this analysis is the large fraction of 1119 (I OthCir. (Okla.) Jul 17, 1997) (NO. 96-702 1) sued fo r inadequate police training that leads to and/or innocent persons. This misunderstanding encour­ the cases that are indeterminate in after-the-fact-analysis 6. Kennedy, DB, Homant, RJ,Hupp, RT, Suicide by Cop , FBI Law death or inj ury - even when mentally ill or sui­ ages the trend toward holding police officers accountable even though this analysis is not done in a stressful envi­ Enforcement Bulletin LW19980916130002199, August 1998 cidal people threaten police officers with fire­ for any fa ilure to compile a diagnostic psychological pro­ ronment or under time pressure, and can include informa- arms. The decision came in a case brought by file of the armed perpetrator under volatile, unpredictable 20 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 21 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW 12 Guagc 00 Buckshot 12 Guagc 00 Buckshot JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

2 Index Number 14in. ModifiedChoke Barrel The difference between the mean penetration 12 GAUGE OO BUCKSHOT Minimum Maximum Mean* values of the two types of tested shotgun ammuni- RR12BK8-00 03.625" 10.375" 07.4" tion was insignificant. SPL12-00BK 09.125" 13.0" 10.8" Index Number Penetration AMMUNITION TEST LE 132 00 10.25" 15.5'' 12.5" Minimum Maximum Mean* RR12-00BK 14.255" 16.75" 15.5" RR12BK8-00 13.1" 18" 16.73" George Bredsten Lead Instructor, Firearms Division, Steve Bryant Inspector, U. S. Ma rshals Service, SP12SMAG 18.625 23.5" 21.1" SPL12-00BK 14.9" 18" 16.83" Dan Fa ir Lead Inspector, U. S. Marshals Service, Eddie Brundage Armorer, Firearms Division, 3 Index Number 14in. Cylinder Bore Barrel C Mean Velocity Values Billie Savell Armorer, Firearms Division, all at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA Minimum Maximum Mean* The difference between the mean velocity val­ RR12BK8-00 06.5" 10.25" 08.4" ues of each type tested shotgun ammunition (1 0 Abstract instances. SPL12-00BK 10.375" 14.875" 12.6" shots each type - 14" Modified Choke Barrel) var­ When care istaken to match the bestperf orming LE 132 00 09.5" 15.0" 12.6" The US. Marshal 's Service has been inter­ ies from insignificant to significant. ested in finding a replacement fo r the authorized load with the shotgun barrel/choke being used, the results RR12-00BK 13.125" 18. 125" 15.9" Remington, 12 gauge 2-314 " OOBK, 4DR. EQ. 12 Pel­ of this test indicated the 12 gauge, 00 buckshot load can SP12SMAG 18.0" 26.0" 22.0" Index Number Velocity (feet p/ second) lets (In dex Number: SP 12SMA G) , provided the re­ be effective to a foiltwenty-five (25) yards. *Mean values rounded to nearest 1110 inch. Mini19um Maximum Mean* placement load would produce a smaller dispersion Editorial Note: LE132 00 1003.6 1053.9 1020.6 (pattern), penetrate approximately the same and if This article abstracts the primary results and the 25 Yard Pattern Diameter RR12-00BK 1062.6 1120.3 1094.3 1 Index Number possible develop less recoil. While the shotguns used conclusions in a detailed (about 85 pages) report 20in. hnproved Cylinder Barrel RR12BK8-00 1068.7 151.2 1110.38 Minimum Maximum by the Us. Marshal's Service are exclusively of the same title describing the buckshot test pro­ Mean* SP12SMAG 1097.5 1152.1 1118.96 Remingcon, Model 870 's, the barrel length and choke SPL12-00BK 1148.4 1254.1 1188.24 gram implemented by the authors. This study RR12BK8-00 11.25" 22.25" 15.9" configuration can vary; i.e., 14" Cylinder Bore (CB) SPL12-00BK 14.0" 25.25" 17.4" used 10 shot samples, and so is more extensive D Recoil to 20" Improved Cy linder (!C) , with the current pref LE132 00 15.0" 21.75" 18.1" and reliable than the typical testing that uses Using an individual mean pellet weight of 51.5 erence the 14 "ModifiedChoke (MC) barrel. RR12-00BK 14.625" 24.375" 19.4" grains, a shotgun weight of seven and one-half A request was submitted by the US. Marshal 's fewer rounds. The full report contains details of SP12SMAG 23.375" 34.25" 27.4" Service to the Federal Law Enforcement Training each test shot and statistical analysis of these test pounds, the mean velocity values of the tested 2 Index Number loads, the fo llowing recoil values are listed in as­ Center, Firearms Division to conduct tests to deter­ shots, and should be in the files of any law en­ 14in. ModifiedChoke Barrel Minimum Maximum Mean* cending order. mine which, ifany, 00 buckshot loads (a vailable fo r forcement agency that uses buckshot. Space testing) would meet the above requirements. These limitations preclude our publishing the whole RR12BK8-00 05.125" 17.75" 10.3" Index Number Shotgun Recoil SPL12-00BK 16.25" 22.25" 20.0" Weight Foot Pounds tests were conducted over a period of several months report, but law enforcement agencies can order a LE132 00 17.125" 24.5" 22.1" RR12BK8-00* 7.5 lbs 10.4 ft lbs to determine the dispersion, penetration and velocity copy of the complete report from: values. Barre/ lengths of 20" IC, 14 " MC and 14" CB RR12-00BK 22.5" 33.375" 27.8" LE132 00 7.5 lbs 10.8 ft lbs George Bredsten were used to determine dispersion values at fift een SP12SMAG 33.5" 41.375" 36.9" RR12-00BK 7.5 lbs 12.4 ft lbs FAD - Bldg 221 SPL12-00BK* 7.5 lbs 14.8 ft lbs (15) and twenty-five (25) yards. The 14" MC barrel 3 Index Number 14in. Cylinder Bore Barrel Federal Law Enforcement Training Center SP12SMAG 7.5 lbs 22.3 ft lbs length was used to determine penetration values at Minimum Maximum Mean* fift een (15) yards and velocity values atfive (5) fe et. Glynco, GA 31524 * Loads which produced the smallest mean pattern diame­ RR12BK8-00 12.25" 16.625" 14.1" The results of this test tend to substantiate the ters. SPL12-00BK FBI 's general view (FBI Close Quarter Combat Shot­ 12.625" 28.25" 19.8" gun, MP 5 Ammunition Test Results; FBI Academy, A Mean Dispersion Values LE132 00 14.0" 28.125" 21.8" Summary RR12-00BK Firearms Training Un it, Quantico, VA 22135) that the The differences between the mean dispersion 22.125" 33.625" 28.2" 1. Dispersion (Core/Pattern) SP12SMAG effective use of 00 buckshot as an anti-personnel load (pattern diameter) values of each type of tested 29.375" 40.5" 34.5" a. Comparing the pattern performance of *Mean values rounded to nearest 1110 inch. 15YARDS. is limited to approximately 15 yards. However, the shotgun ammunition (10 shots each type) were the five loads from each of the barrels tested dis­ combination of the 14" MC barrel and the Remington, quite varied. B Mean Penetration Values closed all five loads fired from the 20" IC barrel had 12 gauge 2-314 " OOBK, 3 DR.EQ. 8 Pellet load (In dex As described under Test Protocol, C.2.d. of a sufficient quantity (3+) of 00 buckshot pellets im­ Number: RR12BK8-00) produced core patterns at 15 Yard Pattern Diameter this test, the two types of tested ammunition .whi.Qh pact within the eight inch core. Four of the five twenty-five (2 5) yards which were superior to more 1 IndexNumber 20in. hnproved Cylinder Barrel loads fired from the 14" MC barrel had a sufficient producedmean thesmallest pattern diameterswere than two-thirds of the other tested 12 gauge ammuni­ Minimum Maximum Mean* to be tested for penetration by firing five shots of quantity (3+) of 00 buckshot pellets impact within tion at fifteen (1 5) yards. Thepenetration differences RR12BK8-00 05.375" 10.75" 08.3" each load into calibrated 10% Ordnance Gelatin at the eight inch core. Three of the five loads fired (14" MC barrel) between the two tested loads were SPL12-00BK 05.625" 10.5'' 08.5" fifteen ( 15) yards. The dimensions of this circular from the 14" CB barrel had a sufficient quantity (3+) minor, and the developed velocities (14" MC barrel) LE132 00 08.75" 12.75" 10.0" test medium were 17- 1/4" diameter by >19" in of 00 buckshot impact within the eight inch core. were significantly less than the velocities claimed by RR12-00BK 08.625" 12.625" 10.9" depth (thickness) and a separate test medium sam­ b. 25YARDS. Comparing the pattern performance of the manufactures; i.e., more than 200 fps less in most SP12SMAG 12.25" 15.625" 14.1" ple was used for each test shot. the five loads from each of the barrels tested disclosed

22 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 23 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW 12 Guagc 00 Buckshot JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

none of the five loads fr red from the 20" IC barrel had developed recoil between the 8 pellet and 12 pellet a sufficient quantity (3+) of 00 buckshot pellets impact tested loads. Fired from the same shotgun and using within the eight inch core. One out of five loads fired a 00 buckshot mean pellet weight of 51.5 grains and WOUND PROFILE OF THE BRIESE CON­ from the 14" MC barrel had a sufficient quantity (3+) the mean velocity values of the tested loads, the 12 of 00 buckshot pellets impact withinthe eight inch core. pellet load develops more than twice the recoil of TROLLED DISINTEGRATER AMMUNI­ One out of five loads fr red from the 14" CB barrel had the 8 pellet load. a sufficient quantity (3+) of 00 buckshot pellets impact Index Number Shotgun Recoil TION IN CALIBER .308 WINCHESTER within the eight inch core. Weight Foot Pounds Kramer D. Powley and Dean B. Dahlstrom, R. C.M. Police Forensic Laboratory, Regina, Saskatchewan, Ca nada Distance Barrel Length Acceptable RR12BK8-00 7.5 lbs 10.4 ft lbs 15 Yards 20" IC All Loads SP12SMAG 7.5 lbs 22.3 ft lbs Abstract: were stretched a fe w milliseconds after bullet passage).2 14" MC LE132 00; Conclusion Purpose -. To establish the.308 Winchester 168 grain (p.643) SP12SMAG; MacPherson in his book Bullet Penetration - SPL12-00BK; 1. The results of this test disclosed several important 00 Briese Controlled Disintegrater ammunition wound Modeling the Dynamics and the Incapacitation Re­ RR12BK8-00 buckshot performance characteristics. First: The profile. quantity 00 buckshot perload; i.e., 8, 9 or 12 was not by sulting from Wound Trauma states "The maximum Method - 10% ordnance gelatin, gelatin covered with 14" CB LE132 00' itself a critical fa ctor in determining how many 00 volume of the temporary cavity represents stored SPL 12-00BK; buckshot pellets did or did not impact within the eight heavy clothing, and gelatin embedded with swine ribs, strain energy in the tissues of the target. The creation RR12BK8-00 inch core. Second: Whether or not there was a signifi­ was shot at 25 and 100 metres with 168 grain Briese of wound trauma as a result of this strain energy stor­ 25 Yards 20" IC None cant deformation of the 00 buckshot pellets was not by ammunition in calibre .308 Winchester. Skinned black age is entirely dependent on whether the tissues have itself a critical fa ctor in determining how much pene­ 14" MC RR12BK8-00 bear skulls backed with 10% ordnance gelatin blocks been stressed beyond their elastic limit."3 (p.61) tration was or was not achieved. Each of the two tested 14" CB RR12BK8-00 were also shot at the same distances. "The large temporary cavities created by high

loads disclosed no significant differences in the depth I' velocity rifle bullets can create significant wound of penetration achieved. There was no mean­ Results - The bullets had consistent and complete core 2. Penetration Third: ingful difference in either the mean pattern size or the fr agmentation in all the test events with penetration trauma in man sized or smaller animals ...... " 4 (p.63) a. A standard for penetration established by the FBI 1 mean penetration attributable to velocity differences depths between 8lh and 1rf/4 inches. Discussing hand gun ammunition, MacPher­ and accepted by many law enforcement agencies re­ alone. Fourth: Generally, the 00 buckshot loads gave son states "The strain produced by these small cavities quires a minimum penetration of 12-inches and a Conclusion - This bullet may have a practical appli­ a better pattern from the 20" IC barrel than from either is below the elastic limit, in most tissue, and so there is maximum penetration of 18-inches in calibrated cation in a specialized op erational use when over­ the 14" MC or 14" CB barrels. The one notable excep­ usually little or no tissue damage." 5 (p.63) 10% ordnance gelatin. Projectile penetration less tion was Index Number: RR12BK8-00 which produced penetration is unacceptable. than 12-inches is considered inadequate to marginal Fackler, Surinchak, Malinowski and Bowen significantly superior patterning (especially within the and projectile penetration more than 18-inches is recognized the magnitude of the effects of fragmenting eight inch core area) when fired from the 14" MC and considered excessive and .miibt result in projectile Introduction: bullets on tissue disruption in their research entitled 14" CB barrels. Fifth: The load, RR12BK8-00 devel­ perforation of a human thorax. The wound profile method for measuring the Bullet Fragmentation: A Major Cause of Tissue Dis­ oped significantly less recoil than the load, SPL12- b. When the two loads which produced the smallest damage caused by penetrating projectiles was developed ruption when they stated "Tissue weakened by frag­ 00BK. mean dispersions (patterns) were tested at 15 yards 2. An analysis of test results indicates that the shotshell at the Wound Ballistics Laboratory of the Letterman ment passage may be split by a stretch that would oth­ fo r penetration in calibrated 10% ordnance gelatin, load RR12BK8-00, when fired from a 14" MC bar­ Army Institute of Research in 1982. Its purpose was to erwise be absorbed by the tissue's elasticity." 6 (p .38) the diffe rence in mean penetration was less than one rel, gave superior overall performance (pattern, core clarify the interaction of penetrating projectiles with MacPherson also comments on the importance (1 %) percent. Both tested loads produced mean pattern, penetration, velocity and developed recoil) body soft tissues and establish a quantitative, predictive of bullet fragmentation at high velocities. 7 "High ve­ penetration values of approximately seventeen (17") to any and all of the other tested shotshell loads used model fo r human wounds. 1 This method was based locity bullet fragmentation can lead to severe trauma inches. When the elasticity of the skin is also con­ in one or more phases of this test. upon shooting projectiles into 10% ordnance gelatin at in the temporary cavity: this is not unusual in high sidered, the risk of excessive (thorax perforation) 00 3. Because this was a limited or restricted type test; buckshot pellet penetration is minimal 4° C and recording the projectiles penetration depth, its velocity rifle bullet impact, but is rare in typical hand­ i.e., only one barrel of each length and choke, the re­ yaw pattern, and its deformation (including fragmenta­ gun cartridges (because velocities are lower and a sults, while correct and valid for this test, should be 3. Ve locity tion and the size and location of the temporary cavity it bullet designed to break up will have inadequate considered as indicative and not definitive as to a. Four of five 00 buckshot loads tested produced produced). penetration)." (p.62) replication under similar conditions. mean velocity values within 10% of each other. The two mechanisms of wounding as discussed 4. It is intended that these testreports contain fa ctual data, The depth of penetration of the projectile prior The one exception had a mean velocity about 16% and that it provides data which are educational, infor­ and recorded by Dr. Fackler in his Wound Profile, are to the bullet disruption and maximum temporary cav­ higher than the load with the slowest mean velocity. those created by the permanent cavity, (which is the mative and free of bias. However, it is neither implied ity fo rmation must also be noted when determining the The total pellet energy impacting the core at 15 nor should it be inferred that there is intent to either "bullet hole" produced by the projectile crushing the yards will be about 987-ft lbs fo r RR 12BK8-00 and wounding potential of ammunitions. Recognizing the recommend or not recommend any particular brand or tissue it strikes) and the temporary cavity (which shows about 805 fo ot pounds for SPL1 2-00BK. importance of establishing a quantitative model for type of tested ammunition or fr rearm. the approximate extent to which the walls of this hole b. Another point of consideration is the diffe rence in human wounds, the wound profile as developed by

24 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 25 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Briese .308 Bullet JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Fackler was established for the Briese Disintegrater Results: Test Type: Heavy Clothing Penetration Tests Through Black Bear Skulls Into ammunition in calibre .308 Winchester by firing into Shot A-inches B-inches C-inches D-inches 10% Ordnance Gelatin Directly Behind Skull 10% ordnance gelatin, gelatin covered in heavy cloth­ 1 1.88 4.75 8.70 5.75 ing and gelatin with imbedded swine ribs. The dis­ Wound Profile in Ordnance Gelatin 2 1.75 5.25 9.75 5.75 Distance - metres tance before bullet deformation, the size of fissures 3 1.25 5.25 9.38 5.38 25 100 created by the temporary cavity, the overall depth of average 1.63 5.08 9.27 5.63 Skull Width - inches 8 6 penetration and an examination of the fragmentation of Calibration Temperature COC) 5 5 Cranial Bone Thickness - inch the ammunition was recorded. Calibration Velocity (ft/sec) 586 596 0.14 - 0.21 0.12 - 0.19 The ammunition was tested fo llowing estab­ Calibration Penentration (em) 9.0 9.0 Penetration Depth (bulletjac ket fragments only) - inches lished RCMP methodology, with some variation.8 Corrected Penetration (em) 9.1 8.9 2.75 4.0 Skinned black bear skulls backed with 10% ordnance Width of Temporary Cavity - inches gelatin were also introduced as an additional test. Testsat 100metres 0.54 2.75 A • dis Lancebefc.-e bullet defonnatioo Test Type: Bare Gelatin B • distanceto centre of fissures in gel min Bullet Fragment Weight Recovered in Gelatin - grains " 1o

26 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 27 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW 91\1!\1 in !VI PS JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

the cranium. Skull damage was extensive, the skull Note: At one time the Briese bullet was deployed by fragmenting along suture lines, with total removal at LAPD SWAT fo r head shot scenarios, and these tests IWBA HANDGUN AMMUNITION the top of the cranium as well as the bullet exit. There were intended to independently verify performance in was no appreciable deviation from the bullet path gelatin in addition assessing the skull impact perform­ SPECIFICATION TESTS - 9MM IN MP5 through the skull into the gelatin. ance. This bullet is not now used by LAPD SWAT Duncan Ma cPherson In further test shots unrelated to this original because the only available loading exhibited unsatis­ research proj ect, two black bear skulls were shot at a fa ctory functional reliability (bullets would occasion­ The IWBA Handgun Ammunition Specifica­ 9mm Winchester RA9T in an MP5 distance of 20 metres using the same ammunition. ally pull fromthe cases). tion is described in Volume 3 #3 of the Wo und Ballis­ 2 December 1998 test at LAPD Academy LAPD SWAT MP5 Cardboard witness panels were placed two fe et from tics Review; test data for .40 S&W, 9mm, and .45ACP all test shots into one large gelatin block Duncan MacPherson ammunition that satisfies this specification were in­ the back of the skulls to examine the fo rward spatter of cluded in Volume 3 #3 and #4. Velocity chronographed at 10 fe et (sample size = 10) blood often associated with firearm injuries. The re­ Editorial Note The 9mm Winchester RA9T was tested in the mean = 1064 ft/sec; standard deviation = 9 ft/sec sult was similar to the original tests with extensive One can't have a bullet that will never perforate MP5 on 2 December 1998 at LAPD Academy by the gelatin calibration skull damage. Only one jacket fragment penetrated the human target, and yet always penetrate deeply LAPD SWAT team and the author. The MP5 is the before test the witness panel in one of the tests. enough to disrupt maj or blood vessels in the human only 9mm LAPD SWAT weapon. The test showed 8.0 em @ 620 ft/sec � 7.5 em @ 590 ft/sec excellent performance against the IWBA Handgun torso, especially if it has to perforate an arm prior to 7.5 em @ 581 ft/ sec � 7.7 em @ 590 ft/ sec Ammunition Specification requirements; photos of the no aftertest (cold day and short test) striking the torso. This lesson was learned by the FBI in Conclusion: expanded bullets are shown below and the details are average calibration used in correction of penetration The bullets in all test events offered complete the 1986 "Miami shootout" at the cost of two dead and tabulated. The average velocity for 10 shots was 1064 data to standard gelatin: 7.6 em @ 590 ft!sec and consistent fragmentation. This bullet may have a five wounded agents. It is the reason that informed law ft/sec with a standard deviation of 9 ft/ sec. enforcement groups now specify a 12 inch minimum The RA9T bullets slightly overexpanded in baregelatin pe netration - em practical application in a specialized operational use, measured correction corrected penetration depth for their handgun bullets. For the bare gelatin (and gave about 14 inches of penetration), when overpenetration is unacceptable (i.e. non-barrier but did not break up. The RA9T tests through denim penetration penetration penetrating sniper round for SWAT). same reason, this 12 inch minimum penetration depth showed excellent consistency of expansion and gave 36.3 1.8 38.1 also applies to the effective trauma volume of rifle bul­ about 16Yz inches of penetration. The penetration depth 34.7 1.7 36.4 lets used in torso shots. Bullet fragmentation acts syn­ through the denim is slightly larger than the 16 inch 34.4 ].7 36.1 References: ergistically with the large temporary cavity produced by maximum suggested fo r handgun bullets in the Specifi­ 33.8 1.6 35.4 Fackler, M .. L., M.D., The Wo und Profile and the Human 33.0 1.6 34.6 a 168 grain bullet at velocities above 2500 ft/sec to pro­ cation Supplement', but this is a consequence of the Body: Damage Pattern Correlation, Wo und Ballistic Review higher velocity and is not a result of unsatisfactory ex­ 34.2 I .7 35.9 1994, Vol. l, No.4 12-19, Journal of the International Wound duce much more tissue disruption than a handgun bullet pansion. The RA9T is clearly much more satisfactory 32.5 1.6 34.1 Ballistics Association. causes. However, this increased tissue disruption needs in the MP5 than other ammunition that has been tested 33.9 1.6 35.5 33.6 1.6 35.2 Col. M.L. Fackler, Wo unding Patterns of Military Rifle Bul­ to be at an appropriate depth to ensure effectiveness on by LAPD SWAT; most JHP bullets usually seriously 34.1 1.7 lets, AFTE 1989, Vol. 21, No.4 643-649 torso shots. This penetration depth is not required on overexpand and/or break up when fired from an MP5 35.8 3•4•5•7 MacPherson, D., Bullet Penetration: Mo deling the Dynamics into bare gelatin. head shots, where almost any .308 bullet is adequate. average = 35.7 em = 14.1 inches and the In capacitation Resulting fr om Wo und Tra uma, Bal­ Snipers always talk about head shots, but there are an standard deviation = 1.1 em = 0.4 inch listic Publications, El Segundo, CA 1994 9mm Winchester RA9T in an MP5 inordinate number of torso shots in my own fo rensic ••. 4 layersof denim gelatin penetration - Martin L. Fackler, M.D., John S. Surinchak, M.A., John A. Ex n in Bare Gelatin em work and in cases reported to me by others. measured correction corrected Malinowski, B.Sc., and Robert E. Bowen, Bullet Fragmenta­ Not all fragmenting .308 bullets have the tem­ penetration penetration tion: A Major Cause of Tissue Disruption, The Journal of 41.5 2.1 43.6 Trauma 1984, Vol. 24, No. I, 35-39 porary cavity located at the same depth. The Briese bullet and other similar designs that have a core that is a 38.4 1.9 40.3 Dahlstrom, Dean B, Powley K.D. Comparative Performance 38.1 1.9 40.0 conglomerate of lead particles rather than cast or ••• of 9mm Parabellum, .38 Sp ecial and .40 Smith and We sson 38.5 1.9 40.4 Ammunition in Ballistic Gelatin, Canadian Police Research swaged lead tend to open up rapidly and have the tem­ 41.5 2.1 43.6 Center Technical Report TR-0 1-95, September 1994. porary cavity located at an inadequate depth fo r torso "*"* 40.2 2.0 42.2 41.1 2.1 43.2 Personal conversation with Tory Briese 98 Mar 26 shots. 41.1 2.1 43.2 10 The Briese bullet was probably invented be­ Post, S., First International Wound Ballistic Conference Lec­ Expansion in Denim Covered Gelatin 39.9 2.0 41.9 cause of the inconsistent performance of the 168 grain ture, Sacramento, CA, March 27, 1994. 37.2 1.9 39. 1

II Sierra Matchking bullet, as pointed out previously in Thompson, E., Ordnance Gelatin Testing Procedures, AFTE this journal (Vol 2, # 2, 1995, pp. 8-12. and Vol 2 # 4, average = 41.7 em = 16.4 inches Journal 25(2): 87-107, 1993. standard deviation = I.7 em = 0. 7 inch 1996, pp. 22-24). This subject is discussed in the edito­ rial on page 3. Reference Martin L. Fackler 1 Th e JWBA Handgun Ammunition Sp ecification Package, Wo und Ballistics Review, Volume 3 #3, 22-27 28 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 29 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Cardboard Cartons Cardbo�ud c�utons JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Method test weapon's muzzle being approximately 8 inches THE LIMITATIONS OF WATER­ The test media used in this experiment were from the first carton in the row about to be shot. single-file rows of water-filled, 2-quart milk and juice A sphere will present the same profile to the cartons made of polyethylene-treated bleached sulphite test medium as it penetrates regardless of whether or FILLED CARDBOARD CARTONS IN cardboard. The cartons were assembled on an 8-foot not it rotates on its axis, making this missile shape long, 2 x 6-inch board with 2 parallel pencil lines virtually yaw free and inclined to travel in relatively PREDICTING BULLET PENETRATION spaced 3.75 inches apart running along it lengthwise, straight trajectories therein. The hardness of Linotype which were used as guides to insure that the carton alloy is adequate to prevent substantial deformation in Gus Cotey, Jr. row was straight (a 2-qt. carton's cross section meas­ valid tissue simulants at the 1500 f/ s maximum impact ures 3.75 x 3.75 inches). For one test shot at 1086 f/ s, speeds anticipated for these tests. With .453 to .454- Abstract proach accurate gelatin penetration prediction. fo ur 1-gallon cartons were set up in front of the 2- inch Linotype spheres shot in gelatin, Duncan Mac­ Purpose: To determine whether rows of water-fi lled quart carton row. These had 5 9116 x 5 9/16- inch Pherson noted the first visible signs of metal yielding In troduction cardboard milk and juice cartons employed as a test cross sections and a combined row length of 22.25 occurredat about 1600 f/ s.8 The current state of the art soft tissue simu­ medium will accurately predict the calibrated gelatin inches, or .25 inches short of the length of a row of 6 lant is 10% Type 250A ordnance gelatin at a nomi­ penetration results of projectiles with substantially 2-quart cartons. Prior to being shot the test cartons Results nal temperature of 4°C (39.2°F), and calibrated to a lower impact sp eeds than those of typ ical modern were pinched shut, pressed firmly together, and num­ All test shots overestimated calibrated gelatin BB penetration depth of 8.5 em (3.35 inches) at 590 small arms impacts. bered, with the first carton to receive the shot being results per MacPherson's model. The most accurate f/ s. With this medium it is possible to accurately designated as #1. Before pressing the cartons together, estimation of calibrated gelatin penetration came from Method: A total of 18 test shots of Linotype alloy, predict penetration depths, expansion, fr agmenta­ those equipped with threaded caps had these caps shot #18 at 1476 f/ s, which predicted gelatin results to .6804-inch (1 7. 28 mm) diameter, 428.9-grain (2 7. 792- tion, temporary cavitation, and fr agment pattern loosened and then retightened when the pressing proc­ within 5.2%. The least accurate estimation came from gram) sp heres were propelled fr om a 12 gauge shot­ morphology for a wide variety of projectiles at ess was completed. shot #1 at 93 f/ s, which was over 10.7 times what gun at recorded sp eeds of 93 fe et per second (f!s) to practically all velocity levels. 1"3 With the recent The test weapon was a Browning A-5 auto­ MacPherson's model predicted. Generally, the lower 1476 f/s into single file rows of water-filled, 2-quart development of an analytical model and corre­ loading 12 gauge shotgun with a 24-inch "Buck Spe­ the impact velocity, the greater the extent to which the cartons. One of the carton rows had fo ur 1 -gallon sponding calibration correction procedures, it is cial" improved cylinder choke bored barrel equipped test shot's carton results overestimated the penetration cartons placed before the 2-quart ones to determine if now possible to measure penetration with hereto­ with rifle sights. Test projectiles were .6804-inch that would have occurred in gelatin. this would affect overall penetration. Gelatin pene­ fore unheard of accuracy.4•5 Unfortunately, not eve­ (17.28 mm) average diameter spheres cast of Linotype Table 1 contains the carton penetration results tration was predicted by dividing actual carton row ryone interested in gathering valid wound ballistics (an alloy of 86% lead, 11% antimony, and 3% tin7 for 18 shots into carton rows. The recorded velocity penetration (A) by 1.5. data has the facilities to properly prepare and use used to make type for certain printing applications) fo r each shot expressed in fe et per second (f/s) is listed gelatin. with an average weight of 428.9 grains (27.792 along with the number of the recovery carton ("Rec. Results: The lower the velocity, the greater extent to One method of testing bullets in the absence of grams). The alloy used was taken from scrapped type ClN"). The term "DENT" refers to the dent on the far gelatin is to use water-filled, 2-quart (1.89 liter), card­ which the A/1.5 calculation overestimated gelatin pieces, rather than from virgin ingots. Plastic shotcups wall of the recovery carton (See legend to Table 1 for penetration. Also, the disparity between actual carton board milk and juice cartons assembled in a single-file protected the test spheres from contact with the description of dent magnitudes.). row penetration (A) and gelatin penetration per Mac­ row, firmlypressed against each other as a testing me­ weapon's bore. "A" is the actual penetration based on the Pherson 's model (M) , tended to increase as impact dium. Previous experimentation has indicated that The spheres were cast using a Lyman-IDEAL combined 3.75-inch widths of all cartons penetrated, velocity increased. This increase in A - M values was penetration for typical modern small arms projectiles #678-R.B. single-cavity iron mould. After the balls plus the width of the recovery carton. Where 2-quart possibly related to the severity of carton burst effects at normallyencountered impact speeds in water-filled, were cast, a 4-inch fine cutNicholson file was used to cartons are concerned one would simply multiply the as impact sp eeds increased. However, the placement 2-quart carton rows is generally approximately 1.5 carefully trim the sprues, blending them down to recovery carton number by 3.75 inches to arrive at of fo ur 1 -gallon cartons in fr ont of a row of 2-quart times what would be expected in calibrated gelatin.6 match the rest of the spheres' rounded profiles. Di­ "A". ones had apparently no effe ct on overall carton row ameter measurements were taken with a Starrett No. "C" refers to Cotey penetration calculation penetration at 1086 f/s . Purpose 230 l-inch analog micrometer with .0001-inch resolu­ based on N1.5. "M" is the penetration depth calcu­ This series of experimental test shots was per­ tion. Projectile weight was determined after filing via lated via the model developed by Duncan MacPherson Conclusion: At very low velocities shots into carton formed in order to determine whether or not missile a Lyman-Ohaus D5 balance-type scale with .1-grain and described in his book, Bullet Penetration, listed in rows will yield exaggerated predictions of gelatin penetration in single-file rows of 2-quart cardboard resolution. The spheres' weights ranged from 428.7 to the references. The "M" calculations were done via penetration, especially with high sectional density, cartons would continue to be approximately 1.5 times 429.2 grains. computer courtesy of Duncan MacPherson.9 A - M minimally disruptive projectiles. Thelower a missile's what it would have been in calibrated gelatin as impact Projectile velocities were measured with an readings were calculated to determine whether or not sectional density and the more disruptive its shape, the velocities decreased well below those normally en­ Oehler Model 33 Chronotach chronograph. Skyscreen there would be a constant difference between these 2 lower the impact speed at which A/1.5 begins to ap - countered with modern small arms. spacing was 4 feet, with the farthest screen from the variables after a certain velocity.

30 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 31 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Cardboard Cartons JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Table 1 Water-filled, 2-quart carton row penetration test results for 18 shots with .6804-inch, 428.9-grain Linotype spheres shot at velocities ranging from 93 f/s to 1476 f/s. 'Rec. CTN' is the number of the recovery carton. 'DENT' refers to the magnitude of the dent in the far wall of the recovery carton, Ve l . Rec . # f/s CTN DENT A c M A - M A/M with dent magnitudes classified as follows:

11.25 7.5 . 7 10.55 16.071 N None Evident 1 93 3 CSA 2 135 4 15 10 2.8 12.2 5.357 S Slight, barely discernible from outside, more easily discerned CSA 18.75 12' 3.7 15.05 5.067 3 153 5 CSA 5 from inside of carton. 1 4.2 18.3 5.357 4 162 6 s 22 .5 5 22 .5 15 4.6 17.9 4.891 M Moderate, easily observable from exterior without any cracks 5 170 6 s 26 .25 17'5 7.3 18.95 3.596 6 223 7 CSA completely through wall. 26 .25 17.5 8.4 17.85 3. 125 7 245 7 cs * 41 .25 27 .5 16.3 24 .95 2.531 CS Cartonwall split through. 8 399 11 CSA 41 '25 27 .5 18.3 22 .95 2.254 CSA Carton wall split through along with adjoining carton wall. 9 437 11 CSA** 23 .9 24 .85 10 548 13 PR*** 48 .75 32 .5 2.039 PR Projectilepenetrated row. 35 27 .5 25 '909 11 629 14 CSA 52 .5 1 52 .5 35 29 .0 23 .5 1.810 12 666 14 CSA 60 40 34 .2 25 .8 1.754 13 814 16 M 'A' refers to actual penetration of projectile in inches. 'C' refers to Coley 14 1007 18 M 67 .5 45 39 .9 27 .6 1.692 penetration estimate detennined by dividing the A value by 1 .5 (AI1.5). 'M' . ------�------1 refers to the penetration of the test projectile at the listed velocity per Mac­ t -�= -==-----=-- .. 15 1086 71 47 .33 41 .9 29 .1 1.695 =:::= **** N - . Pherson's model. The 'A - M' values indicate the disparities at various I • :-=_I--- - 16 1099 19 71 .25 47 .5 42 .2 29 .05 , '688 · -�·-= :--::� s velocities between actual water-filled carton row penetration and gelatin - - I § 45 .0 30 , . 667 1:: ---� 1 7 1221 20 s 75 50 f-- -=-=- - 52 .5 49 .9 28 .85 , '578 penetration per MacPherson's model, the largest of which occur in the 18 1476 21 s 78. 75 i :: -=- :=- . ·- - =-==--=! . -=:::::::::::�-=: =- ----.:..=. above 1 000 f/s velocity bracket 'AIM' results indicate the accuracy of the -==- ===-..: -- --·:=--.=:�=- �=-�·=-� � 8 -- .... Al1 .5 ( C or Coley) penetration predictions as compared to the proven - --=-===-�� ! -- I- • I · - __ MacPherson analytical model. The closer that the AIM value for a given - _ - - test shot comes to 1 .5, the more accurate the corresponding C prediction -===--- -::-.--=- I �------·-- · - - .:::-==- -= for that shot will be. _ -- -· - _ 0 = Almost a CSA. _ ** -_ Almost entered carton #12. _ *** _- Ball found on ground only 20 feetaway, so it is assumed that it would __· :, have stayed in carton #13 if another carton were backing it.

**** Ball first penetrated 4 1-gallon cartons, then made it into the 13th carton of the 2-quartcarton row behindthe gallon ones.

Table 2 --- - · - -�·-- ·· -- - Diagram of water-filled, 2-quartcarton row being struck by .. __: . . _ _ .. -= - . a non-defonning, .6804-inch, 428.9-grain sphere at 1476 . -- � f/s. The velocity of the sphere at various points of its tra­ jectory to the point of coming to rest has been recon­ VELOC ITY ( f /s) . - - structed from the test shot data in Table 1. Velocity fig­ -.::- · . . - 0 ures labeled a, b, c, and d are the averages of the re­ 1476 814 93 corded speeds for 2 shots that penetrated to equal depths. ---l .• . : M IM M .:;· IG I The letter codes for the qualitative assessment of the . I - · - · · - carton burst effects are described and discussed in the --=- �:::.:. . . - .: :=-=-::- text of this article: - -- -- • I I 30 0 37 5 45 .0 52 .5 60 0 67 5 75 0 G Great 15.0 22 .5 � � � � � 1 I I I 1 1 1 Moderate M 33.75 48 .75 63.75 18.I 5 78.7 5 Swelling with splits 7 I SS 11 '25 26 .25 56 .25 .25 S Swelling only • . 41 .25 7 1 =e. - -- � ACTUAL PENETRATION (inches ) Swelling barely evident. - - ; . :· :-�:.:·· . .. ; c::;::--.-----:. 0 2 � :; � -<

33 32 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW

C �l r d boa r d C a r to n s JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

NM readings show the degree of accuracy that 428.9-grain spheres employed in this experiment had an cutter of this SD level indicates a penetration of slightly Conclusion the carton method exhibited at various speeds relative to SD of .132 that remained virtually the same after impact . over 17 inches 13, which would mean that NM comes Single file rows of water-filed cardboard 2-quart MacPherson's model. The closer NM comes to 1.5, the In contrast, a 230-grain bullet expanded to .74 inches has pretty close to 1.5 at below 700 f/s. milk and juice cartons can be a useful test medium fo r better. An NM reading > 1.5 means that the carton row an SD of .06. Increases in disparity between actual carton row testing a wide variety of modem expanding small arms derived penetration prediction overestimates what would For a given bullet shape, the lower the post im­ penetration (A) and gelatin penetration predicted by ammunition at typical impact velocities. Th is medium occur in calibrated gelatin, while NM < 1.5 indicates that pact SD, the lower speed at which C = M (hence, NM = MacPherson 's model (M) were noted with impact veloc­ would not, however, be of much value for testing large the carton reading underestimates gelatin results. Figures 1.5). The velocity at which NM = 1.5 for the spheres ity increases (see A - M figures in Table 1). These in­ low velocity musket balls, slingshot projectiles, arrows, or 1 and 2 graphically illustrate the A - M and NM data employed herein would be over 1500 f/s, assuming no creases appear related in part to the severity of carton ballistic knives. from Table 1 in scatterplot form. substantial deformation took place. In contrast to these burst effects, which are analogous to temporary cavitation More experimentation is needed to determine Table 2 represents a row of 21 2-quart, water­ relatively large spheres, two minimally deformed .3322- in tissue. The test shots above 1000 f/s generated the this medium's value in testing projectiles whose impact filled cartons being struck by a .6804-inch, 428.9-grain inch spheres averaging 54.33 grains (SD = .07033) and most severe burst effects, along with the largest A - M velocities greatly exceed 3000 f/s . sphere at 1476 f/s, and what its speed would be at various shot at 1049 f/s and 1062 f/s penetrated to Carton #8, in­ figures. points along the row until it comes to rest in carton #21. dicating a C value of 20 inches10 Since the respective M The fa ct that A - M values tend to increase at The data therein was taken from all the test shots in Table values for these spheres are about 19.3 and 19.5 inches, higher velocity levels where carton burst effects caused 1 except shot # 15. In cases where there were 2 velocities the respective NM values run 1.554 and 1.538. These by a given missile also increase appears to be one factor References fo r a given depth, both speeds were averaged and the av­ values are smaller and closer to 1.5 than the NM value of that aids in preventing carton test results from excessively 1. Fackler ML, Ma1inowsky, JA. The wound profile: A visual method fo r quantifying gunshot wound components. J erage listed. 1.578 for the 428.9-grain, .6804-inch sphere (SD = .132) underestimating gelatin penetration, especially at 2000 to Trauma 1984; 25(6):522-529 The letters above cartons 1 to 13 in Table 2 des­ at 1476 f/s listed in Table 1. 3000 f/s impact velocities. For example, if the A - M 2. Fackler, ML, Kneubuehl, BP. Applied wound ballistics: ignate the magnitude of burst effects each sustained based Bullet shape appears to also have a role in deter­ value in Table 1 for all shots over 200 f/s were consis­ What's new and what's true. Proc. 6th Int. Wound Ballistics

on results from the 1476 f/s and 1221 f/s test shots. The mining the impact velocity at which NM = 1.5. It ap­ tently 20 inches, then the NM value for shot #18 at 1476 Symposium - Chungking, Nov. 1988. J Trauma (China) 1990; quantitative assessment of carton burst effects are per my pears that a bullets with relatively disruptive shapes will f/s would have been 1.401 rather than the actual 1.578. 6(2) Suppl.: 32-37. 3. Fackler ML. The wound profile and the human body: Dam­ article, A Poor Man's Ballistics Lab listed in the reference require less impact velocity before NM = 1.5 than less Assuming no deformation took place, further increasing age pattern correlation. IWBA Wound Ballistics Review the impact velocity would lead to an even greater under­ section (see Figure 3 fo r examples). disruptive one's of equal post impact SD's. 1(4): 12-19 In the case of shot #15 at 1086 f/s,the sphere first MacPherson assigns a shape factor designated as estimation of calibrated gelatin penetration. 4. MacPherson D. Bullet Penetration: Modeling the Dynamics and the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma. E1 Se­ passed through 4 1-gallon cartons (each 5 9/16 inches 0 to bullets with respect to the amount of force they exert Further testing needs to be done on water-filled gundo, CA, Ballistic Publications, 1994, pp 83-85 & 256-257 wide) before striking the fr rst 2-quart carton. This on tissue at a given speed. 11 The highest value of 0 be­ cartons with bullets impacting at speeds greatly above 5. MacPherson D. A simplified penetration depth correction for seemed to have no effect on penetration. The .25-inch longs to a full wadcutter (a flat headed, sharp edged cyl­ 3000 f/s. data taken in non-standard gelatin. IWBA Wound Ballistics difference in actual carton row penetration between shot inder) and is defined as 1. A sphere gets a 0 of .43, a When shooting into gelatin, block size can affect Review 1995;2(2): 41-45 # 15 and shot # 16 is due to the dimensions of the gallon round nose .69, a semiwadcutter and truncated cone .66, a bullet penetration. If the test block is too small, penetra­ 6. Cotey G. A poor man's ballistics lab. Rifle March-April cartons (4 1-gallon cartons are .25 inches shorter than 62- 45° half angle cone .63, and anexpanded hollowpoint .82. tion will tend to increase 14, so it was somewhat surprising 1990;(128): 1 8-21 & 43 (Wolfe Publishing Co., Prescott, AZ) 7. Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook, Middletown, CT, Ly­ quart cartons). At speeds of 880 and 925 f/s, two bullets from that placing larger 1-gallon cartons in front of the 2-quart man Publications, 1978, p 33 carton row for shot #15 at 1086 f/s did not cause a notice­ In these tests actual sphere deformation only oc­ one lot of Homady .358-inch diameter, 158 grain, lead 8. MacPherson D. Bullet Penetration: Modeling the Dynamics curred at the higher speeds (above 1000 f/s), and was so semiwadcutter hollowpoints (SD = .176) failed to expand able penetration decrease relative to shot #16 at 1099 f/s. and the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma. El Se­ small that it necessitated a micrometer for evaluation. For in calibrated gelatin and penetrated 61 and 64 em (24 and The .6804-inch, 428.9-grain spheres employed in gundo, CA, Ballistic Publications, 1994, pp 143-144 example, at 1476 f/s the recovered ball was found to be 25.2 inches). A bullet from the same lot was shot at 885 this experiment were able to penetrate considerably into 9. MacPherson, Duncan: Personal communication. 10. Cotey G. Number buckshot, the number 1 choice. IWBA shortened to .6755 inches, and its diameter 90° away from f/s into a 2-quart carton row and was recovered from carton rows at speeds that would most likely only mini­ I Wound Ballistics Review 1996;2(4): 10-18 the impact point being increased to .6810-.6835 inches. Carton #10 (C = 25 inches).12 In this case NM = 1.5 at mally injure a human or other large animal with a torso II. MacPherson D. Bullet Penetration: Modeling the Dynamics well under 1000 f/s. shot . The penetration threshold velocity (V.) of a sphere and the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma. El Se­ Discussion Two Remington 148-grain .38 Special factory fo r calibrated gelatin or soft tissue (without skin in place) gundo, CA, Ballistic Publications, 1994, pp 88-89, 116- 117, &205 wadcutters were shot into 2-quart carton rows at respec­ is only 80 f/s l5. Yet at only 93 f/s, the test sphere was It would appear that a major factor determining 12. Cotey, G. Do-It-Yourself Ballistics Testing. The New fo und in carton #3 (see Table 1), which is the same depth the impact speed at which actual 2-quart carton row tive impact speeds of 683 f/s and 680 f/s, and had respec­ GUNWEEK 1990;Friday, April 13: 5, 8 as some lots of 115-grain niP's. This is due to the penetration divided by 1.5 ("C" in Fig . 1) equals cali­ tive recovered diameters of .383 and .387 inches. Frontal 9mm 13. MacPherson D. Bullet Penetration: Modeling the Dynamics fact that the relatively high SD and minimally disruptive and the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma. El Se­ brated gelatin penetration per MacPherson's model ("M" profiles remained quite flat, with center points no more than .015 inches above the edges. Corresponding post shape of the test sphere permitted it to travel much further gundo, CA, Ballistic Publications, 1994, pp 244-245, & 247 in Fig. 1) is thepost impact sectional density (SD) of the 14. Ibid., pp 153-157 impact SD's were .144 and .141 (similar to a 130 grain in water at speeds below V,, while still retaining enough test missile. Sectional density is defmed as a bullet's 15. Ibid., pp 80-83 fo rce to penetrate several layers of cardboard, than could weight expressed in pounds (grains/7000) divided by its 9mm) and both bullets were recovered from Carton #7, typical expanded bullets with their much lower SD's and diameter squared expressed in inches. The .6804-inch, indicating a predicted soft tissue penetration (C value) of 17.5 inches. MacPherson's penetration curve for a wad- less streamlined shapes. 34 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 35 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW .22 Long Rifle HP Bullet JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Graph One, Table One COMPARISON OF THE TERMINAL GRAPHONE PERFORMANCE OF .22 LONG RIFLE BB's penetration in 11 %french gelatin at 4° C

HOLLOW POINT BULLETS 10 V.G. Swistounoff - Institut de Recherche Criminelle de Ia Gendarmerie Nationale. French Wo und Ballistic Society-France. 9- 8 'E 7 Abstract and hollow-point depth are almost never mentioned in .!!. c 6 Purpose - To describe, with the help of a tissue simulant, ballistic case reports. These numerous parameters have 0 5 the performance, fragmentation process and behavior of a decisive impact on the wounding process, and they 4 ic common .22 LR hollow-point loads fo und on the market. are not always taken into account, which presents a 8. 3 proper understanding of the wounding process. 2 Method - Thirteen hollow-point .22 Long Rifle bullets Appearing in 1887 and developed by J. Stev­ 1 were fired into ordnance gelatin tissue simulant. Shots ens Arms & Tools Company1, the first hollow-point 0 from a 6 inch barrel were compared with those from a 0 50 100 150 200 bullets were introduced to the market in 1930 by ImpactVelocity (mfs) 19.7 inch barrel. Remington2• CCI-Stinger, Winchester X-Pediter and

Results - The 180 f/s or greater reduction in velocity due Yellow Jacket bullets fo llowed the Remington bullets. to the shortened barrel caused a marked reduction in the In France we have "experts" who believe that expansion and fragmentation of the bullets tested. .22 hollow-point bullets are not powerful enough to TABLE ONE cause a serious wound, and who have a limited knowl­ Conclusion - The penetration depths, expansion, and edge of the wounding potential of 22 caliber rimfire fragmentation patterns of the bullet tested should give the Bullets tested, weight, shape and hollow-point characteristics bullets. Serious consequences for those wounded by fo rensic scientist a standard of comparison to assist in these bullets, and miscarriages of justice in the fo ren­ identifying the bullet type in a given shooting. l. oad\ ei�llr Shape Froural 1/olltm -/'oiur 1/ollo ll'-l'oiur sic cases arising from such shootings, can be expected 11 Buill'! : because of this lack of knowledge. .llt'plar lu11de /JI'plll (111111) Oitlllll'l<'r In troduction (IIIII/} (111111) Today in France, there are still many shootings WINCHESTER Method X-Pediter 2.25 -34 Round nose, copper plated 2.7 1.4 .. 3.6 involving .22 Long Rifle bullets. Although their 2. 1 As the use of standard US Kind & Knox 250 .22 Mag SJHP 2.59 -40 Semi-Jacketed, flat nose 2.7 1.2 wounding potentia is less than that of most larger CCI gelatin powder would have been difficult, we therefore Stinger 1.98 - 30 Point nose, copper plated 2.6 1.4 . 5.5 caliber bullets, they are the cause of large number of \ a decided to switch to a French manufacturer. The pow- Minimag (HP) 2.35 -36 Round nose, copper plated 3.0 1.6 5.4 deaths. There are ny misconceptions in France re­ m der used in the mixture had to be tested in order to RIYS High Velocity 2.55 -40 Flat nose, copper plated 2.9 4.2 garding bullets effe c s due, in fa ct, to a paucity of the 1.8 check its ability to be an efficient substitute to the .22 LR Low noise 2.55 -40 Half pointed-Flat nose 3.3 4. 1 type of research reported in this paper. In our lab, .22 1.8 original K&K powder. REMINGTON rimfire represents % of cases. It is, however, with Yellow Jacket 2.07 -32 Truncated cone 3.4 1.8 5.2 13 The powder comes from the French manufac- the 12 Gauge shotgun, one of the calibers most in­ .22 LR High Vel - HP 2.41 - 36 Semi-pointed 3.0 1.3 2.5 turer "WEISCHARDT INTERNATIONAL"; this ELEY volved in crimes. 2.7 1.9 1.5 product is delivered in 25 kg (55lbs) bags. Subsonic HP 2.41 - 37 Semi-pointed Regarding the "wounding potential" of this FJOCCHI Prior to the tests, we tried to reproduce the stan- Expansive .22 LR 2.35 -36 Semi-pointed 3.3 1.2 6.2 rimfire cartridges in France there are maj or problems. dard gelatin preparation and we checked the linear re- SWARTKLIP This situation is due to lack of information, knowledge Blitzer 2.40 -37 Round nose, copper-plated 2. 1 1.5 1.6 lationship between penetration and velocities. We used and time to carry out research. High Vel -HP 2.59 -40 Round nose 1.6 1.6 3.4 an air rifle and .177 inch (4.5 mm) steel copper-plated LAPUA Though it is known that distance produces per­ BBs. Results of this test are shown on Graph One. Lapua hollow point 2.35 -36 Semi-pointed, hollow point 2.60 1.4 6.2 fo rmance variations, and velocity, bullet drops or paths We also reproduced well-known wound profiles can be calculated with a ballistic software, the ques­ * Pentagonal hole with our mix. We then used Weischardt's powder as "'* Elliptic hole tions of bullet shape, weight, design, jacket thickness an efficient substitute in the original mixture.

36 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. I 37 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW .22 Long Rifle l-IPBull et JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

With the help of Thmcan Mac Pherson's general seven pump movements generated 590 f/s ata measured procedures for gelatin3, we reached the calibration stan­ distance of three meters. dard (8.5 em penetration at 590 f/s) with a 11 % (by Two different weapons were used during the weight) mix of gelatin, which is in fact very close to the shooting (see Fig 1), a German, single-shot action re­ Kind & Knox ordnance gelatin ratio. volver, a "RECK-12" n°35996 and a Russian bolt action Gelatin was added in the water at 8 oc and about rifle "TOZ 17-01" N°RN13233. The German single­ 13 grams ofThymol were added to avoid bacteria growth. action revolver had a 15.1 em (6 inch) barrel, and the We added this chemical product to delay bacteria devel­ Russian rifle had a 50 em (19.7 inch) barrel. Both weapon opment. The mix was put in a cold chamber at 4 °C. M­ types are found easily in France and are available to the - ter, the gelatin mixture was heated slowly in a "Labovolt" common citizen. double boiler to ensure that heating was progressive and The ammunition tested in the study came from - regular. various manufacturers. Test loads presented various The heating process was stopped after all the gela­ shapes, bullet hollow-point designs and weights (see Ta­ - tin had dissolved. Particular care was given to avoid in­ ble One, Fig 3). Selection was based upon several criteria. • homogenous gel parts from being submerged. Tempera­ These bullets are commonly involved in criminal activi­ ture when the mixture was converted into liquid was ties or gunshot cases, due to their widespread availability a around 35 °C (95 °F) and heating was stopped before on the market. reaching 40 oc (104 °F). Two types of tests were done: -a After being poured into 40cm x 20cm x 36cm Test I : 5 rounds of each bullet were fired with the moulds, the blocks were stored again in the cold chamber RECK-12 with a 15.1 em (6 inch) barrel • and left uncovered for a period of 48 hours. After this Test II : 5 rounds of each bullet were fired with the protocol, final dimensions were 20cm x 15cm x 36 em (8 TOZ 17-0 1 with a 50 em (19.7 inch) barrel. A .22 WMR • x 6 x 14 inches). Block weight was 13.50 kg (27 lbs.), was shot with a Winchester lever action rifle for compari­ sufficiently heavy and large to avoid movement during son. the shooting process. During the shooting process we tried to avoid tem­ After being used throughout the tests and after be­ porary cavity radial fissure crossing between shots and ing cut into pieces, the blocks were reheated in order to be maintained a typical shooting pattern (Fig 2). Velocities used again. We remelted the gelatin no more than three presented in data charts are impact velocities. In both times, in this way for the entire study 500 kg (ll OOlbs) events, if a shot velocity was not recorded by the chrono­ was produced. graph, a subsequent shot was fired on the same block, and We decided to use only bare gelatin in our tests, as the fa iled bullet behavior was eliminated from the data we wanted in our study to determine the effects of .22 LR presented but kept fo r subsequent checking. non-jacketed bullets fr red into gelatin and to study their After each shooting session, impact velocity, pene­ behaviors. Frequently the jacket plays a key role in con­ tration, and bullet configurations were recorded. Meas­ trolling expansion in usual hollow-point bullets. For .22 urements of wound cavities were made, with their maxi­ Long Rifle hollow-point, a thin copper plating is applied mum seize and position, to allow wound profiles to be to some bullets and other were conventional lead bullets. established. After the gelatin was cut to be analyzed, the Prior to testing, shooting range and gelatin block bullets were recovered. temperatures were recorded with a "Comark" thermome­ Bullet measurements were done with a Mitutoyo ter to ensure that fr ring was effected with the correct tem­ "Digimatic" precision caliper: the bullet measurements perature and to avoid viscosity being changed during being minimum and maximum expansion diameter, and shooting time. remaining length. Largest and smallest diameters of the Calibration was obtained by fr ring two standard distorted bullet were averaged. Remaining weight was .177 inch (4.5 mm) copper-plated BBs into the block, the given by a Mettler PM-400 scale. air rifle being a Daisy AirPump "Powerline 856" N°0796 Each gelatin block was photographed to help con­ 04269. The BBs velocity and penetration were both re­ duct bullet behavior analysis. Pictures were taken with all corded with a "Prochrono" chronograph placed at an in­ recovered bullets to show differences or similarities with strumental distance of ten fe et from the muzzle. About all bullets frr edthroughout the study. 38 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 39 1

.a. = I' .__ �· 0 lrlljllll 1111] 1111 IIII,IITI llll, lrll llrip ln METRIC 1 2 3 4 5

Figure 4 Figure 5 Fragments mostly encountered during the study. Fragments are Base view of Lead Hollowpoint plugged in the hollow base, (fr om fr om small to entire hollow point detached fo m the bullet (fr om the left to the right) two Swartklip-Blitzer and two CCI-Stinger. the left to the right) CCI Minimag, Rem-Yellow Jacket, Lapua­ HP, Rem-Yellow Jacket. i > t""' � :i O• �ttl • � � 0 � > � t""' � = > �0 � Ill � dJJJJJ_uJjJJ > """' rJJ. � � � """' < () n = Figure 6 Figure 7 Cll rJJ. - > Cll .a. Sideview of Lead Hollow point plugged in the hollow base, (from Three different core-hollow point separation (left) separation coming Cll ... the leftto the right) two Swartklip-Blitzer and two CCI-Stinger. fr om both side of the hollowpoint, (m iddle) break-up of a side, lead 0 0 <� � part tears and separate the rest of the hollow-point lead fr om the core > """' ? ::l tt'j (righ t) separation in one piece of the hollow point wall. � � �

< .....0 c: � = ;;o - z 0 > � '".a. t""' ' 0 � •...... , . "l'l � � ' , __ . , = ' - ·:· .,.. .. = . :I! � ttl > z � --l � """' rJJ. � � � """' � n > rJJ. t""' � <� �0 """' Ill tt'j Figure S Figure 9 > t""' � Most common bullets remains after the fr agmentation (fr om the Bulletim pactinggelatin block with a yaw angle (s hots done at 3 t""' leftto the right) Lapua HP, Swartklip Blitzer, Wi n X-p editer, meters with the Reck S.A.R) no intermediate target was in fr ont of � (5 Remington YellowJa cket, Fiocchi HP. the block. (L eft) Remington High Ve l (right) CCI Stinger. Cll > Cll Cll 0 () � � # ~ • - · 11 11I"'' IIH '''' '"'!" r 1 r 11'I' r1 1 I IT IJII r r IETRIC 1 I 2 3 4 5 -

S3H:)NI �1 1 , I 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I � 1 1 1 I . I r 1 . I 1 1 1 I 1 1 t

Figure 10 Figure 11 Asymetric expansion encountered during the exp eriment. Bullet Regular exp ansion and soft edges (fr om the left to the right) RWS­ were fired with a Reck handgun, (From the left to the right) low Noise with TOZ, CCI-Minimag with RECK, Remington High

,a. Swartklip-Blitzer, Lapua-HP (L argest asymetric diameter recov­ Ve l-HP with TOZ, and RWS High-Vel fired with a TOZ. � ered), Swartklip-HP, and Eley Subsonic HP. WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW .22 Long Rifle HP Bullet JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Wound profiles were created to allow bullet be­ bullet measurements that Winchester X-Pediter Bullets haviors to be presented (see Fig-12, Fig-13). These sim­ have a pre-cut mark applied on the nose's lead to produce Figure 12 Figure 13 plified wound profiles were established with measure­ regular small fragments. Depending on the impact veloc­ ments taken from cut sections. Each shot was analyzed ity, small square-like fragments were noted during the with this method. Lacking an X-ray equipment, we used shooting experiments withthe TOZ rifle. front and side close-up pictures to help plotting fragments At least three different bullets fragmenting proc­ on profile diagrams. esses were distinguished during the experiment (Fig-7). The first process comes from an entire side of the

.22 Long Rifle CCI Slinger (5.56 mm) bullet, with the hollow-point remaining is entire and .22 Long Rifle Eley-Subsonlc (5.56 mm) Results Vel- 1617f/s (493 m/s) Vel- 1 082 fls(330.2 m/s) crushed when detached (thin HP walls). This process in­ WI-32 gr (2.07 g) The results are shown in Figures 2, 4-13, Tables WI- 37 gr (2.41 g) Final WI 11.5 gr (.75 g) Temporary cavity duces a single large fragment. 63.7 " Fragmentation One and Two, and Graphs One and Two The second process comes from a breakup of a part Temporarycavity Permanent cavity of the hollow-point wall. A strip-like detached lead part Discussion progressively tears the entire hollow-point lead. In this Ve locity variation specific process, lead already 'Separated under the pressure Permanent covtty Ammunition fired with the German RECK re­ of the drag fo rces withdraws itself towards the rear of the volver had an average velocity between 255 and 394 m/s bullet and strikes the base of the bullet. Few bullets were (835 to 1290 f/s). Those fired with the Russian TOZ rifle recovered with the hollow-point wall plugged in the base. were between 306 and 500 m/s (1005 to 1640 f/s). There Generally velocity impact is lightly slower than full hol­ tm 10 15 20 25 .21/. .J em 5 10 1.1. .1 was a difference of at least 60 m/s (197 f/s) between same low-point fragmentation. This process induces typical bullets fired with the two barrels. Being one of the nu­ bullet remains (Fig-5, Fig-6). merous parameters of the wounding process, impact ve­ Marks created by the lead striking the base can locity seems to play a role in these lead bullet behaviors. damage several lands or groove marks. It appears less Using this velocity variation associated with a bal­ easy to evaluate the characteristics of these rifling marks. listic software allowed distance variation for these barrel Bullets fragmenting over 45 % by weight have been differences to be estimated. A CCI-Minimag shot with a . 22 Long Rifle Lapua-HP (5.56 mml shown to produce such distortions . .22 Long Rifle RWS Low Noise (5.56 mm) Vel - 1094 fls (333.6 m/s) TOZ rifle reaches the RECK's velocity at a distance of The last process takes place when the expanded di­ WI- 36 gr (2.35 g) Vel-036.4 f/s (255.0 m/s) WI-40 gr (2.54 g) about 60 meters (Graph Two). This variation can be used ameter increases substantially to over 10 mm (.40 inch) in a distant shot case analysis. rapidly. The drag forces generated by this rapid expansion Temporary cavity Temporarycavity Fragm entation create a weakness inside the bullet. Expanded diameters Fragmentation represented a value of between 30% separated from the bullet core and recovered in one piece to 70% in most cases. Fragmentation often occurred with are inside out. The inside hollow-point fa ce is now out­ light loads (Remington Yellow Jacket, Swartklip-Blitzer, side. In fact, the weakest side at theborder of the hollow­ Perm an e n1 cavity Permanent cavity Fiocchi-HP, CCI-Minimag, CCI-Stinger) with the 19.7 point base breaks first. Lead break-ups ensue from both inch barrel. Only fo ur loads did not retain their integrity sides and communicate together resulting in a large with the short barrel (6 inch). With the TOZ rifle, only break-up. The result is a separation of the entire hollow­ Ocm · 5 10 16 20. !1 Ocm 10 15 20 25 28. 8 two loads retained their weight (Rem-High Vel and RWS point. Subsonic Low noise). Three other loads (Eley-Subsonic, Fragmentation patterns are mostly reduced, often Swartklip-Blitzer and HP) showed a weak weight loss erratic with loads between 33 and 37 grains. Few frag­ even fired with the TOZ (a bullet over five had frag­ ments are pushed outside the permanent cavity during the mented). flight path. These fragments are embedded 0.5 to 2.0 em The velocity generally fo und to be necessary for from the center of the permanent cavity within the tempo­ Lowest and highest exp anded diameters Two particular wound profiles fo r highest and lowest fragmentation according to the experiment was 335-365 rary cavity. The biggest fragments create their own per­ encountered during exp eriment and effe cts impact velocity recorded. m/s (1 100-1200 f/s) for loads between 33 to 37 grains. manent and temporary cavity. An interesting finding also on penetration. Above 1200 f/s fragmentation over 30 % (Table Two). is the releasing oflead components at the end of the flight Various fragment sizes were fo und: Fig-4 shows thishaving occurred in many cases (Fig- 13). these different types of fragments. It appeared during After bullet fragmentation, small remaining flat­ tened cylinders were recovered at the end of bullet's 42 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 43 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW .22 Long Rifle HP Bullet JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

Graph Two, Ta ble Two path (Fig-8). Itwas established that when they are smaller Bullet weight GRAPH TWO than 40 mm, they do not remain stable and go sideways. Retained weights fo r non-fragmenting bullets These small cylinders at all times, are slightly distorted were different regarding nominal weight. A difference Trace 1: CCI Minimag 36 grains-2.33 g + TOZ u--o-o Crosshair (Fig-8). of 3 to 8 % between the theoretical weight and fired M/S 323,4 After separation, hollow-point fragments stopped bullets was shown during our experiments. Reaching a Meters: 61,0 close to the end of the bullet (around 0.5 to 4 em from the theoretical 100% retained weight was wrote when no Distance From The Muzzle & Remaining Velocity 380 base). Some hollow-point lead parts remained attached fragmentation occurred in spite of a lighter weight. M 366- (often by a thin link) to the bullet's core (Fig-6). Generally bullets rated lower than announced weight by e t 352 Expansion manufacturer. For example, over the ten Remington e r 338 High Vel fired, at least fo ur came from distinct bullet s The expanded diameters of recovered bullets were 324 cast's molds (distinct letter marks on the bottom of the p variable, depending on the bullets fired. All types of ex­ e 310 bullet base). r pansion have been obtained, showing the same fe atures 296 that have already been described by Duncan Mac Pher­ s Remaining bullet length e 282 c son4. All lead hollow-point bullet behavior described in 268 During our experiment, various lengths were 0 n his book were verified during our experiments. 254 noted. Table Two gives remaining length measure­ d 240 Few bullets did not expand. When expansion ments. The smallest recorded measurement is 2.37 mm ' 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 fa iled, velocity was generally lUlder 850 f/s (260 m/s) for (0.09 inch) for a CCI-Stinger fired with TOZ rifle. For 0 25 50 250 Range in Meters a large flat-nose design (RWS-Low Noise) fired with a this round, extremely shortened, the bullet remain were Reck handgun. flattened after weight loss. The largest length is 11.39 GRAPHTWO - Velocity variation ora CCI :!2 Minimag ft red with a TOZ ritle. Research ofReck- 12 velocityand correlation with dislance Many subsonic loads expand reliably with a barrel mm (.44 inch) fo r an unexpanded bullet a RWS-Low longer than 6 inch. When bullets yawed before impacting Noise round fired with the Reck S.A.R (single action the gelatin blocks (3 shots out of 130), the hollow-point revolver ). TABLETWO was flattened and curved away from the point of contact. Penetration Asymmetric expansion occured before regular ex­ Attention was given here to defining bullet be­ pansion, velocity threshold for semi-pointed hollow-point havior which might prove useful to a pathologist or to a with a smaller meplat (frontal flat surface) was above 850 ballistic technician when confronted with a wound bal­ f/s to lOOOf/s (260 m/s - 305 m/s). This irregular diame­ listic case. CCJ-Miolmag HZCVJ5 323.8 - 1062 22.2 5.24 9.38 - .37 2.31-35 100 377.8 - 1240 23.8 4.99 6.68 -.26 1.31 - 20.2 56.2 ter was obtained with bullets with a shallow hollow-point During these experiments penetration was be­ depth. (e.g Eley-Subsonic, Swartklip-Blitzer). A deeper CCI-Sdoger EZ8Sl3 366.0 - 1200 24.3 6.30 6.04 -.23 1.43 - 22 69.3 493.0 - 16!7 13.3 2.80 7.60 -.29 0.75 - 11.5 36.3 tween 1lcm (4.33 inch) to 30.6 em (12 inch). Generally hollow-point cavity depth (e.g Lapua-HP) creates a larger 270.0 - 885 22.0 9.00 7.94 -.31 2.41 -37 100 330.2 - 1083 28.3 7.25 8.33 - .32 2.3! -35.6 96.2 most of .22 fired lay between 17 em to 30 em (6.69 to Eley-Subsoolc RN58 irregular shape diameter (Fig-1 0). 10.8 inches). Penetration here depended from the bul­ Flocchl-HP 1966? 365.0 - 1197 19.7 4.90 10.22 - .40 2.35 -36 100 408.0 - 1338 19.7 3.59 5.92 -.23 0.81 - 12.5 33.9 When a fullexpansion was met velocity was above let's expansion, weight and fragmentation (Fig- 12). A Lapua-HP 1968 333.6 - 1094 20.9 6.57 10.37 - .40 2.35 -36 100 410.0 - 1344 17.6 3.82 6.86 - .27 1.01- 15.6 43.1 1000 f/s, it was consistent, hollow-point bullets have a large expanded diameter reduced penetration. Non­ thick mushrooming shape, nearly twice the nominal di­ expanding bullets logically penetrated deeper. Bullets Rem-Yellow Jacket YOZP28 379.6 - 1245 18.7 4.50 7.76 -.30 0.77- 11.8 36.2 418.0 - 1371 11.8 2.82 7.30 -.28 0.68 - 10.5 31.7 ameter (Fig-12). Regularmushrooming shape was associ­ which had lost a majority of their weight had the re­ Rem-H!gb Vel TII03E 324.6 - 1064 28.5 8.60 8.42 - .33 2.42 - 37 100 364.2 - 1195 27.7 6.82 9.24 -.36 2.42 - 36 100 ated with soft edges (Fig- 11) maining cylinder part sometimes also penetrating deeply RWS-HigbVe1 45VDZ 394.0 - 1292 23.3 6.62 9.20 -.36 2.39 - 36.8 93.0 394.0 - 1292 24.7 5.44 7.35 -.28 1.61 - 24.8 63.0 Maximum average expansion diameter fo und is in the block. 255.0 -836 28.8 5.58 - .22 2.54 - 39.1 100 306.4 - 1005 23.0 7.07 9.83 -.38 2.54 -40 !00 10.37 mm (.40 in) with the Lapua-HP fired with the The penetration depths produced appeared to indi­ RWS-Low Noise 430E3 11.2 handgun. Individually, Fiocchi-HP, and Yellow Jacket, cate that if these bullets were fued into the front of the Swartk11p-BIItzer 013511 334.0 - 1095 27.0 6.40 6.60 -.26 2.37 - 36.5 99.0 384.2 - 1260 30.6 6.86 7. 14-.28 2.02 - 31.! 83.4 have the largest diameter recovered. In such cases, car­ human torso the bullets would remain in the body. A re­ Swartkl!p -HP Z65504 323.2 - 1060 28.5 8.60 9.10- .35 2.58 -40 100 388.6 - 1274 29.9 6.72 9.09 -.35 2.26 - 34.8 88.0 tridges were fired with the handgoo. For these two bul­ cent paper written by Eugene J. Wolberg and Gary K. 376.2 - 1234 27.0 5.82 6.47 -.25 1.44 - 22.2 65.5 455.8 - 1495 21.0 4.27 8.74 -.34 1.40 -21.6 63.7 lets, expansion diameters were regular when recovered Roberts5, states about skin "Penetration depths of ex­ Wlnche•ter.Xpedlter AED1WL51 on account of their high fragmentation rate, but often a panded bullets in living tissue are frequently less than Wln-.Z2 Mag·SJHP ZBA9Z 565.6 - 1855 23.0 5.88 9.45 - .37 1.73 - 26.7 66.6 core and hollow-point wall weakness was noted, which those exhibitedin properly prepared and calibrated gela­ compromise penetration and favorized separation. They tin, due to the tough, resilient characteristics of the skin have quite similar penetration (11 to 13 em). on the exit side of the body This strong, flexible skin can Vel- velocity(m/s and fi's) Pen- average penetration (em/inches) RL- average length (mm). ED-averageexpanded diameter(rnrnlinches) RW- average weight (gramsI grains) %- average retained weight

44 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 45 WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW Book Review JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION

have the same resistance to bulletpassage asfo ur inch of Conclusion muscle and oft en causes the bullets to end their path un­ Having a smaller wounding potential than larger Duncan MacPherson der the skin at the anticipated exit point rather than exit­ BOOK REVIEW calibers, .22LR HP bullets have various performances. . ing, as would be exp ected based on the deeper penetra­ Rifle Accuracy Facts fortunately, he has not only done this well, but has Unjacketed bullets produce behaviors including lim­ written it up well in Rifle Accuracy Facts. tion results seen in ordnance gelatin.". ited or deeper penetrations depending on the remaining Vaughn, Harold R. Readers should be under no illusions; Rifle Knowing that the average thickness of an adult velocity and fragmentation. Behaviors were also Precision Shooting, Inc. Accuracy Facts is not light reading, and not for human torso is about 9.4 in (24 cmt, and correlating . . strongly related to bullet construction. Nose shape, 222 McKee St., Manchester, CT 06040 anyone who thinks Guns and Ammo IS a techmcal with Wolberg and Robert's statement, a great majority hollow-point cavity depth and bullet weight together publication. Rifle Accuracy Facts is a superb book; of the .22 bullets tested would most likely remain in soft cover $34.95, hard cover, $39.95 +$3.50 S&H play a key role in .22LR upset. Few bullets were able most attentive readers will understand all or almost the torso whether fired from the front or from the side. 290 pages, many photos, figures, andgra phs to reach 12 inches. Lighter bullets at higher velocities all the material in the main text. On the other hand, As a comparison, a .22 Winchester Magnum had a shallower penetration and a high fragmentation almost all readers will find that they have little or Rimfire was fired in ballistic gelatin. Theoretically one A book review in V3#3 of the Wound Bal­ rate. no interest in most of the appendix material (about could expect that the .22 WMR would have a greater listics Review and a comment on this review in For forensics scientists, it is necessary to seek 20% of the total) even though this will be invalu­ wounding potential. This bullet stopped after 23 em of V3#4 brought up the issue of a good book desc ib­ out information about load behaviors and performance � able to readers who wish to do sophisticated ex­ travel in tissue simulant. The bullet lost 1/3 of its ing exterior ballistics fo r the general reader. I said I " encountered during a case examination. It is also use­ perimentation on their own or who ar interested in weight, the jacket had been torn apart. Fragments re­ didn't know of one then, and Rifle Accuracy Facts � fu l to the check ballistics case theory. This can only be detailed equations. The bulk of Rifle Accuracy covered were small and powder-like size. The perma­ is not devoted to this subject, but will fill this pur­ accomplished through bullet behavior research. After Facts is a detailed description of Mr. Vaughn's ex­ nent cavity after a short "neck" was about 9.5 mm pose for many readers. With this a an introduc­ having acquired a solid knowledge of fo rensic and � perimentation in making rifles shoot more accu­ . (expanded round) in diameter. The maximum size tion, we will go back to a standard review format. . ballistic elements provided by experts, attorneys will . rately. This work is a true techmcal a v nce u ­ temporary cavity was reached about 1cm earlier than Harold R. Vaughn is an engineer whose dis­ � � m � be able to make more informed decisions in gunshot derstanding this issue, and the descnptwn of th s other temporary cavities in the study. Only a little tinguished technical career was spent at Sandia Na­ � wound cases. work is interesting in its own right. Anyone sen­ more tissue was stretched than with other .22 rounds tional Laboratories in flight dynamics and aerody­ ously interested in rifle accuracy should own this tested. Due to a curved path, penetration was shallow. namics. He retired in 1986, and devoted his consid­ book. The bullet veered after expansion, near the maximum erable technical skills to an orderly analysis and test Acknowledgments : Anyone who wants a solid understanding f temporary cavity depth. Penetration was fo und to be program to understand and demonstrate what fa c­ � either interior or exterior ballistics should get this less deep than for a .22LR Rem-HighVel, which has tors contribute to making rifles shoot more accu­ I would like to thank all people who helped the book even if they are not interested in rifle accu­ less momentum than the .22 Mag Win-SJHP bullet. rately. I called Mr. Vaughn to discuss some techni­ author with this study: especially, Dr M.L. Fackler, Mr L . racy. The descriptions of interior and e terior bal­ The RWS-Subsonic load had a larger expanded di­ cal details not relevant here, and we had an mter­ � Haag, DrEric Baccard, andMr. Tcher kassov. listics (one chapter each) are both precise and un­ ameter, penetrated equally and did not fragment. esting discussion about small arms and tec nolo y. � � derstandable without fo rcing the reader to fo llow we both deplore the fact that modern engmeenng the details in a lot of equations. The important Permanent and temporary cavities. capabilities and techniques are so li�tle used by . equations are there for readers who want th m, but Measurements for the permanent cavities were those interested in small arms. There IS httle hope � can be skipped without losing comprehensiOn for between 0.3 em to 1.2 em. Temporary cavity sizes References that this situation will be rectified anytime soon by readers not technically oriented. Each of these were between 4 em and about 6.5 em at an average 1. Barnes Frank C, Cartridges of the World, 4th Revisited Edition the fi rearms and ammunition manufacturers, who (1980) Illinois, OBI Book Ken Warner, p 289 chapters could be "puffed up" to longer length nd depth of 12 em. are fo rced to be very bottom line oriented in this . � . 2. Ibid. , p 290 some readers might prefer this, but the mformatwn Maximum permanent cavities were obtamed 3. MacPherson D. Bullet Penetration, Modeling the Dynamics and very competitive market. The amount of �o ey � is efficiently imparted in the chapters as written and only a fe w centimeters from the block surf�ce with the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma. El Segundo. required to run a laboratory that could revolutlom e � I personally prefer this approach. light loads fired with the rifle (with fragmentation). On Ballistics Publications, 1994 ; p 79 understanding of a variety of small arms fe atures IS 4. Ibid. ; pp 133-135 Perhaps the best summary of the conte�ts of such occasions the amount of tissue crushed was re­ relatively modest, but there is little hope for any­ . 5. Roberts GK, Wolberg EJ.Ha ndgun Stopping Power: TheDefinite Rifle Accuracy Facts is the chapter descnptlon lated to the expanded diameters, fragments released thing like this anytime soon. The few government Study. Book Review AFTE Journal Vol 24, no 4. October 1992; p given on the contents page of the book: and remains afterbullet fragmentation (see Fig 13). 386 fa cilities that might fund this work do not have staff Maximum temporary cavity sizes were reached 6. Roberts GK, Comparison of the Terminal Performance of 9 mm with the required technical skills, and there is no 1. Introduction: Contains data on the accuracy to about 4 to 7 em after the entry hole. Measurements Parabellum, .40S& W. and .45 ACP Ja cketed Ho llow-point Bul­ obvious other source for the money. As a result, the be expected from different types of rifles and lets. Wound Ballistics Review. Vol no 4; 32-37; Journal of the . showed a maximum diameter of 11.5 times the bullet I, primary source of advances in understanding is ta ­ background information on why and how this International Wound Ballistics Association. � caliber. 7. Gelatin came from "Weischardt International", B.P 259 - 81305 ented individuals who are willing to devote th�Ir work was done. Graulhet Cedex-France. The product reference is GPF5 (Technical own resources and efforts to this end for the satis­ 2. Internal Ballistics: Methods of measuring cham­ use). fa ction of accomplishment. That is what Mr. ber pressure are discussed and the complete in- Vaughn has done in the area of rifle accuracy, and 46 Vol 4, No. 1 Vol 4, No. 1 47 pas

WOUND BALLISTICS RE VIEW

JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION IWBA STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The widespread misinfo rmation and lack of understanding concerning ballistic injury are well known to anyone who understands the subject and keeps up with its literature. The undesirable consequences of these deficiencies range from substandard temal ballistics of a representative cartridge 11. Other Problems: Miscellaneous Problems, such gunshot wound treatment to lessened law enforcement effectiveness. TI1e effects of penetrating projectiles on the body is of vital concern to trauma surgeons w�apon designers :md users, :md (.270 Winchester) are measured experimentally as bore cleaning, bullet coating, drift free bullet . � those volved with no other org twn deals w1th the �nbJett for use in later chapters. Such things as bullet design, case neck tension, and shooting tech­ � the forensic aspects of ballistic trauma. Yet, we know of amza � exclustvely and in depth . Papers containing ballistic injury data appear in widely scattered sources, smce many groups mclude engraving fo rce, different powders, and cartridge niques are discussed. projectile effects peripherally in their interestS. rn each source, however, wound ballistics papers comprise a very small percentage case fa ilure are discussed. of the total, and h inertia being w,hat Appendices: Accelerometer design, barrel vibration and rhost of these papers contain numerous errors. Wound ballistics expertise issparse, uman 3. Chamber and Throat Design: Methods of ma­ it is, once in print, errors are likely to go uncorrected. Even when discredited by letters to the editor, these substandard papers computer equations, bullet balance device de­ chining chambers and throats and their effects remain in the literature to mislead the unwary. sign, six degree of freedom computer equations, give the itterested reader the scientific on accuracy are discussed. Various types of ri­ What needs to be done? First, the valid literature needs to be identified. This will tunnel range construction, rail guns, shadow­ background material on which to build a solid understanding of the subject. Next, an ongoing periodic critical review of the wound fling and barrel problems are analyzed. graph testing. ballistics literature needs to be initiated. Finally, an easily accessible source of wound ballistics expertise needs to be established. a journal, the 4. Barrel Vibration: Detailed measurements and The International Wound Ballistics Association has been fo unded to fill these needs. The IWBA publishes As the chapter descriptions indicate, most of Wound Ballistics Review, which contains original articles and reviews of other publications. By focusing its expertise upon the theoretical calculations of barrel vibration are the material in Rifle Accuracy Facts is related to ri­ literature relating to wound ballistics, the IWBA hopes to stimulate an increased awareness among editors, writers, and readers and presented along with methods of reducing barrel to help minimize future inaccuracies. Additionally, the International Wound Ballistics Association is prepared to offer expertise to fl es, not handguns. However, those interested in vibration. The effect of barrel vibration is assist any publication concerned with avoiding error and maintaining technical accuracy. handgun interior and exterior ballistics should not measured on sporters, bench rest, and rail guns. The IWBA encourages skepticism. We are convinced that only by encouraging active questioning, reevaluation and despair. The material in chapters 2 and 10 uses rifle verification of views, data and cherished beliefs, etc . in the open literature can wound ballistics assume its full potential as a science. 5 . Scope Sight Problems: Scope sight and scope bullets as examples, but the principles also apply to mount problems are investigated and some solu­ handgun bullets. IWBA MEMBERSillP POLICY tions to these problems are found. Reviews are supposed to describe the book's Membership Classes shortcomings, but I fo und only two small faults, nei­ 6. Barrel-Receiver Threaded Joint Motion: It was The IWBA has only a single class of membership ("member"); but an indilidual or an organization can be a "subscriber" ther important to most readers fo r diffe rent reasons to receive the IWBA Journal without membership status. experimentally determined that the barrel­ . There is a typographical error in the equations fo r F 1 receiver threaded joint moves as a result of the Dues and F2 on page 187 (exponent Y2 on wrong bracket), shock fr om firing. A simple solution to the Dues are $40 for the period covering four issues of the IWBA Journal (published semi-annually starting in 1995) fotboth but this will be recognized by most people attempting members and subscribers. Mailing cost surcharges of $8. for Canadian and Mexican addresses and $18. for other fo reign problem is described. to use this equation and is of no importance to any­ addresses for the four issues are required with the dues. Prepayment in US funds, drawn from a US bank are required. 7. Muzzle blast: The effect of bullet in-bore cant one else. The second topic is in the Chapter 11 dis­ Other options exist for fo reign payments, contact the IWBA office for details. and muzzle blast on dispersion were determined cussion of "moly coated" bullets (the relatively re­ Qualification for Membership experimentally and theoretically. Methods of cent technique of coating bullets with molybdenum I) Persons in the following categories canbecome IWBA members by submitting the appropriate documentation, indicating reducing dispersion from this source are pre­ disulfide and camauba wax). Vaughn has done test­ the category and paying the dues . a) Prior IWBA members sented. ing of some claims relative to the effects of moly b) Full-time law enforcement officers (copy of ID badge, business card) coating bullets and has very interesting comments on 8. Bullet Core Problems: Bullet core slippage due c) Members in good standing of any of the following organizations: (certificate/member listing) several issues, but is essentially neutral on the effects to the spin up torque is measured and fo und to Association of Firearms Toolmark Examiners of extended barrel life because he hasn 't proved this. American Academy of Forensic Sciences be a problem. Other bullet problems are ana­ This is a good example of how careful Vaughn is in American College of Emergency Physicians lyzed. American College of Surgeons making claims, a stance that many others in ballistics Societe Francaise Ballistique Usionelle 9. Bullet Imbalance: The static and dynamic im­ would do well to emulate. The careful distinction 2) Persons who have contributed to the body of knowledge in wound ballistics (either by adding to the scholarship or by balance of bullets is measured and the effect of Vaughn makes throughout the book between what he disseminating that body of knowledge) may apply for membership by submitting to the IWBA a letter of application along imbalance on dispersion is evaluated theoreti­ has demonstrated and his speculations is laudable with evidence supporting their qualifications. Acceptance by the IWBA Membership Committee and payment of the dues cally and experimentally. The causes of bullet and very evident here. However, in this instance the will confer membership. 3) imbalance are discussed. advantages of properly moly coated bullets in ex­ Persons who have an interest in learning wound ballistics but who do not qualify under any of the above categories may apply fo r membership by submitting to the IWBA a letter of application stating their reasons for wishing membership and tending barrel life have been established beyond rea­ 10. External Ballistics: The detailed motion of the including two letters attesting to their integrity and good character from IWBA members or persons who would qualify for bullet after leaving the muzzle is shown and the sonable dispute by many others, and Vaughn's IWBA membership in section 1 above. Acceptance by the IWBA Membership Committee and payment of the dues will effe ct of this motion for a given initial distur­ "could be true" is unnecessarily weak even though he confer membership . hasn't personally verified this. Again, readers who bance is evaluated. The effect of wind, gyro­ Application as a Subscriber scopic stability fa ctor, and ballistic coefficient care will know this, and it doesn't matter for the oth­ An individual or an organization can become a subscriber by paying the dues and requesting the IWBA Journal without on the bullet's trajectory are shown in detail. ers. membership status. Chronograph development and use are dis­ Rifle Accuracy Facts is going to be recog­ cussed. Wind gauges and their use is covered. nized as a classic in years to come, you will be glad you got it. 48 Vol 4, No. 1