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International Wound· Ballistics Association WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
Drag-Stabilized (Bulb With Tail) 12 Gauge Shotgun Bean Bag Projectile by Dean Dahlstrom, Kramer Powley, Marlin L. Fackler,MD
Accuracy Comparison of Drag-Stabilized and Square 12 Gauge Shotgun Bean Bag ProjectilesShot from Smoothbore and Rifled Barrels by Kramer Powley, Deal Dahlstrom, Marlin L. Fackler,MD
5.45x39mm JHP Ammunition for the AK-74 by Michael Hagen
Reporting Research byMarlin L. Fackler, MD
Testing of.357 Magnum HollowPoint Bullets in Water byRon Jones
Pseudo-Exit Wounds from a Bullet Path Crossing a Skin Crease by Marlin L. Faclcler, MD
PersoiUII Defense Wet1p0ns - Answerof inSetlrch a Question? by Charles M. Hayes
What's Wrong With the Wound BallisticsLiterature, and Why by Marlin L. Faclcler, MD
VOLUME 5 SPRING 2001 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 reviews which correct errors noted in the literature. WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW
The review of all manuscripts reporting original work will be open; the names of reviewers will be given to JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL authors of rejected papers and will be made available upon request to anyone. WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
Articles are accepted only fo r exclusive publication in IWBA, and when published, the articles and VOLUMES SPRING 2001 NUMBER 1 illustrations become the property of IWBA. TABLE OF CONTENTS
····· · Editorial ··· · ········· ·········· ········· · · · · · · · ···· ··· · ······· ············· · ······ ····· ·· ··· · · ··· ··········· 3 ·· ······ · · ······ · ··· ··
If submitting a letter or review which refutes or points out errors in another work, please provide the Questions and Comments ...... address of the source (please include a copy of the article reviewed-these will be returned if requested)...... 4
In submitting original work, the manuscript and one copy are required; one set of high quality illustrations Drag-Stabilized (Bulb With Tail) 12 Gauge Shotgun Bean Bag Projectile...... 8 is required; black and white is preferred. Author's name must be clearly identified on the title page with -Dean Dahlstrom -Kramer Powley -Martin L. Fackler, MD 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 MANUSCRIPT FORM IS Accuracy Comparison of Drag-Stabilized and Square Gauge Shotgun THE 3 1/2" (1.44 Meg or 720K) PC FLOPPY DISK WITH THE FILE AND A HARD COPY. Most 12 major PC word processing files are acceptable but WordPerfect or Microsoft Word are preferred. (Please Bean Bag ProjectilesShot from Smoothbore and Rifled Barrels...... 13 convert files to WordPerfect S.l or 6.0, or to Word fo r Windows 3.0--2000.) PLEASE DO NOT -Kramer Powley -Dean Dahlstrom -Martin L. Fackler, MD PROVIDE COMPUTER TEXT WITH SPECIAL FONTS OR LAYOUTS: PLAIN: SIMPLE TEXT WITHOUT GRAPHICS OR MERGE FIELDS. Any graphs, tables, charts, etc. should be supplied as 5.45x39mm JHP Ammunition for the AK-74...... 17 separate files and/or with a clean, high quality paper copy. Legends fo r all illustrations should be listed in -Michael Hagen order, double-spaced. An abstract of 150 words or less should precede the text. Reporting Research ...... 20 References are to be numbered sequentially within the text and appear in the order cited at the conclusion of -Martin L. Fackler, MD the article. Page numbers must be given in books, cited as references.
23 EXAMPLES: Testing of.357 Magnum Hollow Point Bullets in Water ...... -Ron Jones I. Book: Broad W, Wade N, Betrayers of the Truth. New York, Simon & Schuster, 1982, p 192 Pseudo-Exit Wounds from a Bullet Path Crossing a Skin Crease ...... 27 2. Article in periodical: Fackler ML, Surinchak JS, Malinowski JA, et al. Bullet fragmentation: major cause of tissue disruption. J Trauma 1984;24:263-266. A PersonalDefense Weapons - Answerin Search of a Question? ...... 30 -Charles M. Hayes Articles submitted fo r publication consideration should besent directly to theEdito r-in-Chief: Dr. Martin L. Fackler, 21 I Star Lake Drive, Hawthorne, FL 32640 What's Wrong With the Wound Ballistics Literature, and Why...... 37 -Martin L. Fackler, MD
Volume 5, Issue 1 Spring 2001 1 ------
WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Editoria l .J 0 URN AL 0 F THE INT ERN AT I 0 NA L W 0 lJ N D BALL I ST ICS AS SOC IAT I 0 N JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
IWBA ORGANIZATION EDITORIAL The InternationalWound Ballistics Association (IWBA) is an IRS50l(c)(3) non-profit scientific,educational, and public benefitCalifornia corporation with Federal ID#94-3136817. Martin L. Fackler, MD The IWBA is devoted to the medical and technical study of wound ballistics, including evaluation of literature in the fieldas well as encouraging and promoting new work. First, I must apologize to our readers for a ma from being published that in the past would have re The WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW is the Journalof the IWBA. jor error in our last issue (Vol 4, # 4). We had planned quired correction. Those corrections that formerly filled to include the Letterman Army Institute of Research pages in the Wound Ballistics Review are no longer re institute report "What's Wrong with the Wound Ballis quired. Board of Directors tics Literature and Why" (which appears in this issue). With so few errors to correct, the IWBA now At the last moment, because of space constraints, a faces the dilemma of how to obtain sufficient high quality shorter institute report was substituted, but the preface useful information to fill the pages of the Wound Ballistics meant for the original report was printed - and out of Review twice a year. Unfortunately, at present there does Martin L. Fackler, MD Alexander Jason Torrey D. Johnson place: it introduced the "Literature Review" section. not appear to be sufficient material generated by knowl Wound Ballistics Consultant Ballistics Consultant Criminalist This and other less obvious errors that slipped into print edgeable wound ballistics researchers, who know how to Gainseville, FL Pinole, CA Las Vegas, NV in Vol 4 # 4 occurred because that issue was rushed to write good quality readable papers (and are willing to the printer before it had the necessary editorial review. spend the time to do so) to fill an issue of the Wound Bal Vol 4 # 4 was a source of great embarrassment to your listics Review each Spring andFall. Peter G. Kokalis David M. Gross Richard Mason, MD editor. Steps have been taken to assure that such an Perhaps now is the time to declare victory, Firearms Consultant Attorney at Law ChiefMedical Examiner oversight will not be repeated. cease publication of the Wound Ballistics Review, and Phoenix, AZ St. Louis Park, MN Santa Cruz, CA The cause of the rush to print Vol 4 # 4 was the dissolve the IWBA. The IWBA, after all, was formed to false assumption that the top priority for publication of deal with a problem - and it appears to have solved the the Wound Ballistics Review is that it be printed and problem. sent out on schedule (one issue in the Spring and one in The feeling of the IWBA Board of Directors is the Fall). My own top priority is, and always has been, that discontinuing publication of the Wound Ballistics that the Wound Ballistics Review must be filled with Review (which would mean dissolving the IWBA) is not WOUND BALLISTICS REVIEW high-quality, valid, and useful information. Had I been something we should do without serious consideration Journal of the International Wound Ballistics Association more alert, perhaps I could have prevented this fiasco - of all the alternatives. Under current conditions, our but living 3,000 miles from the IWBA office has its only recourse seems to be to publish an issue when ISSN 1055-0305 ©Copyright 1995, IWBA. All Rights Reserved disadvantages. In any case, I apologize, and pledge that enough high quality material has been received to fill it. from this time on our top priority will remain the quality This migbt mean that the time interval between publica of the journal's content - and that priority will be tion of Wound Ballistics Review issues would be in Editor-in-Chief: Martin L. Fackler, MD emphasized to everybody who might have a hand in the creased: so actually a subscription (which includes four Design & Production- Robyn Townsend-Miller publication process of the Wound Ballistics Review. issues) would last longer. We will consider any solution Ironically, the IWBA has become a victim of except lowering the quality of the Wound Ballistics Re- its own success. The IWBA was started because of the view. copious errors that went uncorrected in the wound bal We present this situation to our readers to so
The WOUNDBALLISTIC S REVIEWis issued twice a year. Subscriptions are included with listics literature. Journal editors, embarrassed by the licit their ideas on the future course of the IWBA. failure of their review process, refused to publish cor Time constraints caused by my forensic wound membership, but are available without membership. Dues are $40 for 4 issues of the IWBA rections. The Wound Ballistics Review published the ballistics practice are making difficult finding the time I Journalfor both membersand subscribers. Four issue mailing cost surcharges of$8. for Canadian necessary literature corrections, as well as book re andMexican addresses and$18. for other foreign addresses are required with the dues. have devoted to the Wound Ballistics Review in the past views, to help cleanse the wound ballistics literature of - and I'm not getting any younger! IWBA members errors. At least partially as a result of our efforts, we are with an MD degree, specialty boards in a surgical disci All matters related to membership should be directed to: seeing far fewer faulty papers on wound ballistics pub pline or pathology, and a sound knowledge of wound . lished in recent years. Another reason for the sharp de ballistics who might like to take over the job of editor IWBA, PO Box 701, El Segundo, CA 90245-0701; Telephone (310) 640-6065. cline in published errors in the wound ballistics litera in-chief of the Wound Ballistics Review, are invited to or for informationabout the IWBA visit us on the web at ture is that the IWBA is now represented in the peer make their qualifications known to us. review system of just about every major journal that http://www.iwba.com would consider articles dealing with wound ballistics. So the IWBA is now in a position to prevent articles Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, I e 1 Spring20o1 2 ssu Volume 5, Issue 1 3 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW <' WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Questions and Comments Questions and Comments JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION I
firing and give no indication that they have been hit (for The problem of the anatomic uncertainty the first fifteen seconds at least - during which time they pointed out above has serious consequences for those QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS can shoot a lot of bullets), while others who have suf whose lives depend on the effects of their bullets. How Question As for the 30-caliber MI Carbine vs. Ml6 com- fered a superficial graze wound might collapse immedi do they protect themselves fromthe fact that some bul Dear Dr. Fackler, parison, it depends mostly on the thickness of the body ately. These large causes for uncertainty, one anatomic, lets passing through the center of mass of the torso I must thank you for the information in the part hit. Figure I illustrates the problem. About 15% of one psychological, essentially negate the concept of might just miss every vital structure? Keep shooting so IWBA Journals. I have literally trained dozens of police M16 bullets will act like the wound profile on top, and evaluating bullets by observing their effects in gun long as the threat remains. One bullet might sneak and military students, and even more private citizens, in another 15% like the one on the bottom, with the aver fights. When I first heard of the "one shot stop" concept, through without hitting anything that bleeds a lot, but handgun classes who had no idea that the "stopping age wound profile shown in the middle. If a bullet pro .------L--� three or more greatly increase the chances of per power" books were a fabrication. ducing a profile like the bottom one penetrates an aver These three woundpro forating something vital. Of course, the larger the Many students have pointed out the purported age human torso, it might well pass through from front files illustrate the ap expanded diameter of the bullet the greater the proximate variation in her French Strasbourg goat tests to me as a proof that my to back without yawing - and cause less disruption than chance it will do the job. But this point can back the MI Carbine FMJ bullet over the same bullet path. ent in the distance befor information was wrong. It has been a great teaching as yaw in military rifle bul- fire if carried to extremes: bullet expansion de set to have Maarten van Maanen's story in the Fall 1999 But the average M 16 ball round, at ranges under I 00- lets. About 70% of bullet creases bullet penetration depth; and most vital " IWBA Journal on hand for them to read. yds (from a barrel of at least 20 inches), will yaw, break, begin to yaw within a fe structures lie deep in the torso. Ignoring this and fragment in the torso, causing more damage than the em of distance shown o caused the unnecessary deaths of two FBI agents I have a question concerning the M 1 Carbine. I the middle profile. Abou Ml Carbine FMJ bullet. This inherent variability in the have had students who fought in Korea and/or in Viet 15% begin to yaw signlfi in the "Miami Shootout" in 1986. In summary, nam who used the M 1 Carbine. I know many shooters distance of penetration before yaw occurs is characteris cantly earlier, and abou shoot enough bullets; shoot bullets that have who still prefer the 130-grain carbine round to the 55 tic of all military FMJ ammo. It probably accounts for 15% significantly later enough penetration potential (12 inches in 10% grain M16 round. some of the wide variation of opinion on how much ordnance gelatin); and shoot them into the center I read DiMaio's First Edition Gunshot Wounds damage various military bullets cause. of the upper part of the torso. back in 1989. In that book, at the bottom of Page 141 Incidentally, some who have seen the M16 A particular bullet comes to mind, fromthe and top of 142, he writes that the M1 Carbine produces wound profile have suggested that it should be an ideal Diallo case, that illustrates these points. One of the bullet for deer hunting. They point out that bullet should pistol type wounds with ball ammo and rifle-like 9rnm FMJ bullets, used by the New York City PO wounds with soft-point or hollow-point ammo. penetrate the shoulder muscles without yaw, thereby Officers, struck Amadou Diallo at the top of the My question is: is that information accurate? losing little of its wounding potential; then it yaws, curve of his aorta as it passed front-to-hack. The breaks, and fragments at a depth that should be near the bullet struck the aorta's wall traveling in a path es Writers who fall for the Kinetic Energy wounding the .. ... ory must always be suspect. deer's heart (from the side). Unfortunately, due to the sentially parallel to it. That bullet sliced a one-and inherent uncertainty illustrated in Figure 1, in about one Michael Ruppert one-half-inch hole in the wall of Mr. Diallo's aorta. Dayton, Ohio in six shots the bullet would be likely to shoot through That same bullet then perforated his spine and di Response the deer without yawing significantly, and in another it vided his spinal cord. The criminal case was would likely yaw to early, causing a lot of tissue disrup Dear Ruppert, brought against the policemen because the city pa Mr, tion in the shoulder, but never reaching the heart. In con Sorry for the ultra-late reply [11 Apr 01] to your thologist mistakenly thought that this particular trast, the expanding bullet nearly always starts expand letter of 22 Dec 00. We had some problems at the shot, which everybody agrees caused his immediate ing within an inch of the skin, where its velocity is high IWBA causing me to receive your letter just a week ago. a out 1 een years ago, tt was 1mme tate y o VIous at collapse, was one of the first. Actually, the angles est. This makes its effect far more certain and depend Anyhow, the problem has been solved and I hope to get the human anatomy and psychological make-up would of the other shots proved it to be one of the last shots able than that of the FMJ bullet. all mail addressed to me in the future in a more timely thwart the attempt. Then, when the "too good to be true" fired. Nobody could have planned that shot - it was a The major problem with trying to judge a bul fashion. purported statistics began pouring in; it was again obvi matter of luck. But the luck could not have happened let's effectiveness by observing its effect on the living If any reading this have sent a letter to me at the ous what the authors had elected to do - make up "data" without a bullet that had adequate penetration potential human, however, is that two bullets traveling at the IWBA Office in El Segundo and received no answer, to fit their theory. Yes, it was nice that van Maanen's (coming from the front, the bullet had to pass through same angle through a human torso can produce large the reason is that most likely I never got the letter. In the simple mathematical comparisons finally proved the more than an inch of boneto get to the spinal cord). differences in effect depending on which structures they future, please communicate with me at my home, 211 "one shot stop" data fabrication beyond a shadow of a In what you cited from DiMaio's book, I find hit. A 22 Long Rifle bullet that perforates the aorta will Star Lake Drive, Hawthorne,FL 32640, or preferably by doubt for the layman (those with scientific or statistical his "pistol type wounds" and "rifle-like wounds" impre most likely have a far more deadly effect than a 44 e-mail ([email protected]). training had long since figured it out). But I remain cise and somewhat misleading. Would he call the fist Magnum bullet that misses the aorta by 1116 of an inch. Thank you for your comments. It is rewarding amazed at the number of persons who had been taken in: five inches of the average M 16 wound (Fig 1) "pistol Yet their paths would be essentially identical to anybody to know that the contents of the Wound Ballistics Re- perhaps this is what we should expect from a failing type" and the following five inches "rifle-like"? In the watching the shooting. Couple this uncertainty with the view are proving useful. education system. wound profile of the M 1 Carbine firing a Remington highly unpredictable psychological reactions of humans soft-point bullet, the bullet expanded to 63 caliber, lost to being shot: some shot through the heart will continue Volume 5, Issue Sp ring 1001 5 4 Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 1 """'
WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Questions and Comments Questions and Co mments JOURNAL OF THE rNTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
Ann-Marie's paper is evidence of anything, why do you either quit working or work less effectively. That de no weight in fragments, produced a temporary cavity Response keep bringing it up? Why are you so interested in "What creases the inflow to the brain. That is why 3rd degree five and one-half inches in diameter, and penetrated I7 Dear Shawn, specifically discredits" it? OK -- what discredits it is bums are painless, and less severe 2nd degree bums hurt inches. have not done a wound profile of the MI Car I believe the answer to your dilemma lies in my I that she, along with Suneson et at., claims that the sonic -- the nerves are destroyed in the 3rd degree ones. That bine FMJ bullet but would estimate a temporary cavity first message on this subject (27 Jan 01): "When some pressure wave causes CNS damage at a distance (al is probably why it hurts when you hit your thumb with a of three and one-half to fo ur inches and a penetration body says something, it is up to them to present data in ready disproved by Harvey -- see VI#I ref). They have hammer, but is unlikely to hurt immediately after you depth of about 25 inches. The only thing I can do is to support of it. If they don't, well, the intelligent person overlooked a far more likely cause -- the skeletal blow your thumb off with a shotgun. It is well docu give you the measurements fromshots done under stan simply doesn't believe them. Be skeptical. If they would movement transmitted to the spine and possibly even as mented that gunshot wounds, in general, cause little or propose physiologic mechanisms, one could disprove dardized conditions into standardized ordnance gelatin, fa r as the brain causing CNS concussion in their 50 no [immediate] pain. them. But since they don't, you end up trying to guess which has been calibrated fo r penetration depth, against pound pigs -- when shot in proximal part of the thigh Even if there were some undiscovered mecha what they might be hinting at: and causing yourself a lot living muscle. Anybody who wishes to characterize and have their fe murs broken (same mechanism I ex nism that caused nerves to increase their output rather of undue concern." these objective measurements as small, large, rifle-like, plained above). Now, I ask you to read again pages 38 than decrease it, the brain has a protective mechanism You wrote, "Quite simply there exists NO or pistol type can fe el freeto do so, but I prefer to com and 39 in the WBR Vol I # I, 199I (suggested previ against being overloaded. Aftera certain amount of sen VALID DATA to disprove Tobin's assertions." I sug municate such things using numbers wherever possible. ously) and see if it is clear to you this time. You said this sory stimulus reaches the brain it simply limits the input, gest that, quite simply, there exists no valid data to I applaud your insight: it is always wise to citation doesn't directly address our concern? It clearly or ignores any additional stimulus,ra ther than becoming prove Tobin's assertions. Think of your words. For check out anything written by persons who "fall fo r the directly addresses the sonic shock wave theory -- which "overwhelmed" by it. That is why counter irritation can something to be "disproved" it must, by definition, first Kinetic Energy wounding theory." is what the Swedes (including Ann-Marie Gorannson) be useful in limiting pain (while in severe pain from be "proved." Your demand to "disprove" assumes an M. Fackler postulate as a tissue damaging mechanism. You brought pulled a back muscle, I could make the pain disappear existing proof: yet you fa il to present that proof. You her paper up Shawn, I didn't. by standing in a shower with the water so hot it nearly must present such proof to those of whom you demand Question You claim, "This has nothing to do with M&S." burned me). Some years ago dentists put earphones on . that they "disprove." is In fa ct, Tobin's crap is the whole theoretical basis fo r their patients through which they played music. Then (Pleasenote that the following the end of anextended e-mrulexchange) If some wish to believe things without evidence, Dear Dr. Fackler, their fa bricated numbers. It is the crux of their fraud. they turned up an irritating static superimposed on mu that is unfortunate fo r them -- they will remain fo rever Here is the information I'm seeking: The only mechanism of which I am aware by sic. While this was playing they could drill teeth, with ignorant. It seems to me that you would do better trying which increased systemic blood pressure can cause in out anesthesia, and cause no pain. Theoretically, the ) . What nervous system subsystems (autonomic, to explain that to them than allowing them to manipulate capacitation is if it breaks an intracranial [blood] vessel: sensory gate in the brain was loaded with the irritating peripheral, etc.) are located in the abdo you into an impossible position: like trying to disprove this is commonly called a stroke. And the incapacitation static, and the pain was therefore ignored. men/thorax? A general description of what they the yet to be proved. fr om this type of stroke comes from increased intracra I am unaware of any "reflex" that causes "in do and how they work. When you say that the answer to the question nial pressure due to blood leaking from the broken blood stant collapse." I know of no neuroanatomy or neuro What effect, if any, would a temporary cavity by Todd Wilcox in Vol 4 # I, 1999, pp. 4-8 does not 2. vessel. This is not instantaneous, but a gradual process. I physiology that would predict such a collapse. am un address the effects on the nervous system by a penetrat I (handgun, rifle) in the region of the solar plexus am unaware of any case reports that have associated aware of any reported (or even specu lated by a reliable (and elsewhere in the torso) have on these subsys ing projectile, I can only assume you skimmed it rather strokes with hits in the torso by a bu llet. source), collapse that cannot be explained by well tems? than reading it thoroughly. Please read thoroughly the "What nervous system subsystems are located known mechanisms. right column on page 7. There I discuss the CNS tissue 3. Is it possible that one or more of these nervous in the abdomen/thorax"? Well, under the heading of You note. "There's misinformation aplenty but damage produced by "sudden violent motion transmitted system subsystems could be stimulated to the "plexus," my medical dictionary has fo ur pages of list at present NO VALID INFORMATION exists to to the bones of the spine" which can cause spinal cord point where it overwhelms the brain's ability to ings (about 50 per page). I suppose you could call them counter the flourishing misinformation." I suggest that concussion. The reason referred you to this is that the cope, causing the brain to lapse into unconscious I "subsystems." I estimate that at least 60% of them are the misinformation is of the Tobin sort -- a science mechanism I explain there is the only one that has been ness? If no, why? lfyes, why? located in the abdomen/thorax. Suffice it to say that fiction-like assertion with no supporting data. As I ex shown to cause CNS mediated incapacitation from bul most of those in the torso belong to the autonomic nerv plained above, there can be no valid information to dis 4. Is it possible that a temporary cavity could pro let wounds. And please note, only large temporary cavi ous system, which essentially regulates organs. Most, if prove something that has not been proved. I refer you duce a systemic blood pressure spike of sufficient ties like those produced by [large, fa st] rifle bullets, if not all, of the nerves in these plexi are efferent-- coming back to my first paragraph. You will save yourself a lot amplitude to cause the brain to lapse into uncon placed just at the right spot, can move the spine and sciousness? If no, why? If yes, what mechanism fr om the CNS, not carrying info back to the CNS. The of time, and possibly nudge a fe w toward valid self cause cord concussion. A handgun bullet must actually causes this effect? effect of a temporary cavity on these plexi, if any, would education, by demanding evidence fo r the things that are strike the bone of the spinal column to have any effect probably be to disrupt bowel motility, constrict or dilate asserted, rather than demanding the irrational -- disproof 5. Is it possible fo r a temporary cavity, produced in on the cord. I thought we had settled that at the FBI small blood vessels supplying organs, etc. of the unproven. the abdomen, to produce a reflexive response that wound ballistics meeting in 1987. There all the medical am unaware of any instance in which the brain Marty causes a person to instantly collapse, as asserted experts agreed that temporary cavities produced by I has been shown to be "overwhelmed"by stimuli causing by Tobin (in a manner similar to how the lower handgun bullets were too small to have a reliable ro le in it to "lapse into unconsciousness." Such a concept is leg reflexively kicks when the lower knee is incapacitation. contrary to everythingwe know about the nervous sys- stimulated with a low level of blunt fo rce)? Now lets get rid of Ann-Marie Goransson's tem. When peripheral sensory nerves (afferent -- Shawn Dodson data. Shawn, I don't understand you. If you don't believe carry- Port Orchard, Washington ing info back to the CNS) are disrupted by trauma they Sprinc2001 Spring 200/ Volume 5, Issue Volume 5, Issue 1 7 6 1 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Drag Stabilized Bran Bag WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Drag Stabilized Bean B�1gs JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
DRAG-STABILIZED Method surface of the abdominal wal l. After the damage to the A pig weighing about 200 lbs. was killed by superficial tissue was evaluated, the chest was opened shooting it in the head. Loops of chain were attached to by cutting the costal cartilages and removing the ster (BULB WITH TAIL) 12 GAUGE each fro nt leg and fixed to the front-loader on a tractor. num. The chest incision was then extended onto the The front-loader was lifted to raise the pig's torso so abdomen, downward in the midline, as fa r as the pubic SHOTGUN BEAN BAG PROJECTILE that its chest was fo ur to five fe et from the ground. A bone. Through this incision, the internal organs of the black fe lt-tipped marking pen was then used to mark chest and abdominal cavities were then removed fo r Dean B. Dahlstrom, R.C.M. P. Forensic Laboratory, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada fo ur aim spots, about fo ur inches apart, from top to evaluation. Kramer Powley, R.C.M. P. Forensic Laboratory, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada bottom down the right antero-lateral chest wall on the An identical procedure was done on a second Martin L. Fackler, ¥D, Wound BallisticsConsultant, Hawthorne, FL rib cage. A similar set of marks was then made on the 200 lb. pig. With the second pig the shooting was be anterior abdominal wall, medial to and below the rib gun 10 minutes after the pig's death and the 16 shots were fired in I0 minutes. Abstract CONCLUSION: The 5 inch group at 50 fe et accuracy cage, about two inches to the right of the midline. A live 200 lb. pig was shot on the right lateral with the drag-stabilized bean bag These eight aim points were then duplicated on the left PURPOSE: To determinethe penetrationthreshold chest wall, just behind the" front leg, with a Defense round, along with its increased safety, side of the pig's torso. The marking pen was then used of the I2 gauge drag-stabilized projec Technology Corp. drag-stabilized bean bag projectile dictate that it replace the outmoded to mark 250 next to the top mark on the right chest, and tile, its velocity lossover distance, and from a distance of about 10 fe et. About one minute square bean bag projectile. The theory proceeding downward marking 300, 350, and 400. The itsaccuracy. To investigate the theory later, the same pig was shot with an identical projectile that pain inflicted by nonpenetrating same numbering was then done on the marks made that bean bag type impact projectiles below and medial to the rib cage. The marking proce on the upper lateral part of the right thigh. These two cause incapacitation, or compliance, impact of projectiles causes incapaci dure was repeated, in reverse order ( 400 on top) on the projectiles, and the five used fo r the accuracy test de by inflicting pain. tation or compliance is unsupported. two rows of marks on the left side of the pig. scribed below, were the standard projectiles as m·ar keted. METHOD: Drag-stabilized projectiles were Square bean bag projectiles, made to be shot A Remington Model 870 shotgun (SN: Five drag-stabilized bean bag projectile shots loaded to progressively increasing ve from I2 gauge shotguns, are made by stitching together Y251999V) with a 20 inch cylinder-bore barrel, and a were fired, from a bench-type rest, at a standard RCMP locities to determine their penetration two-inch square pieces of heavy cloth. Each holds rifle-type notch rear and bead-on-post front sight was human torso silhouette target 50 fe et away. Their ve threshold in freshly killed pigs. Muz about 600 grains of lead birdshot (usually # 9 shot). then used to shoot drag stabilized bean bags fo r all the locities were measured using a Weibel W-700 Doppler zle velocities and velocity drops fo r These squares must be fo lded to fitinto the shot shell. shots reported in this study. These were produced by radar chronograph. These shots were done to measure five shots of standard-velocity drag Although meant to strike their target flat, when these Defense Technololgy Corporation of America, Casper, velocity and accuracy. The barrel was cleaned with a stabilized rounds were determined square projectiles exit the shotgun's barrel they fre WY, and several groups were specially loaded, by wire brush before these five shots. over a 45 foot distance using a Dop quently remain in the fo lded position for distances in them, to produce the velocities of 400, 350, 300, and An unfired drag-stabilized bean bag projectile pler radar chronograph, and the excess of 20 feet. This greatly increases their propen 250 ft/sec that we marked on the pig. The I6 actual pig was removed from a shell, weighed, and photographed. maximum diameter of the five-shot sity to penetrate the body and do major damage. The shots were not chronographed, but five shots of the A broken firing pin in the shotgun we intended group they produced at 50 fe et was first two authors· reported a case in which a death oc loads produced fo r each velocity had been chronogra to use fo r the pig shots caused a 45 minute delay in the measured. One live pig was shot curred from such a bean bag round striking at a dis phed to verify the velocity they produced (all velocities shooting in the first pig. We started shooting 55 min twice to observe itsrea ction. tance of 2I fe et, and penetrating the chest cavity and were within 9% of that written on the shell). All shots were fired, one at each of the I6 utes after the pig's death, compared to I0 minutes fo r heart of the person at whom it was shot. 1 Experimental RESULTS: Eight shots striking at 400 ft/sec all the second pig. It took 20 minutes to do the shooting shots reported in that paper, done at a distance of 21 spots marked on the pig, fr om a distance of 10 fe et. penetrated the pigs' torsos. Six of fo r the first pig and I 0 minutes fo r the 16 shot in the fe et, showed that the square bean bag struck flat in The shooter moved around the pig, between shots, in a eight shots striking at 350ft/sec pene second pig. Autopsies were done on each pig immedi only 38% ofthe 29 test shots.1 I 0 fo ot radius to place the shotgun's barrel perpendicu trated the pigs' torsos. None of the lar to the skin surface at the location of each aim point. ately after the shooting on that pig was finished. sixteen shots striking at 300ft/sec and The drag-stabilized bean bag projectile tested in this study was developed because of the increasing Each shot struck within less than one inch of its aim at 250 ft/sec penetrated the pigs' tor point. Results sos. The average velocitydrop over 45 number of injuries and deaths resulting from the use of 2 Due to a gun malfunction, the shooting was In both pigs, all of the 400 ft/sec shots pene fe et was 25ft/sec. The average muzzle the square bean bag projectiles. The purpose of this paper is to determine the penetration threshold of the begun 55 minutes after the pig's death and it took 20 trated through the chest or abdominal wall. In both velocity of the standard drag minutes to fire the I6 shots. An autopsy was then done pigs, none of the 250 or 300ft/sec shots penetrated into stabilized bean bag rounds was 292 I2 gauge fabric bulb type drag-stabilized projectile, to measure its velocity loss over distance, and to verify its on the pig and the damage done by each shot was a body cavity. In the first pig, both of the 350 ft/sec ft/sec. Their five-shot group spread documented. A skin flap was raised down to the fascia accuracy. It will also investigate the effect of this pro shots penetrated into the abdominal cavity, but neither was five inches. The live pig showed overlying the right chest wall and extended under the of the 350 ft/sec shots penetrated into the chest cavity. jectile on a live pig. no significant reaction to being hit by row of shots. A similar flap was raised to evaluate the In the second pig, however, all four of the 350 ft/sec drag-stabilized projectiles. shots of the left chest. A single flap was then raised shots (two over the chest and two over the abdomen) and extended under both rows of shots on the anterior penetrated into their respective body cavities. Sp ring ZOO/ Volume 5, Issue 1 8 Sp ring ZOO/ Volume 5, Issue 1 9 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Da·ag Stabilized Bean B�1gs Ora� Stabilizt•d Bean Ba� JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
The live pig's lack of any immediate reaction to We suggest that the sudden displacement of the All of the 400 ft!sec shots penetrated deeply. tissue turgor or elasticity between the pig in wh ich the being shot with two drag-stabilized projectiles was most subject's body is the only sure method to force compli Two produced holes in the wall of the heart and one shots were done within 20 minutes of the pig's death revealing. Far from being incapacitated, the pig didn't ance using less-than-lethal impact. Using a fire hose as passed completely through the lungs and was fo und and the one in which the shooting was done 45 minutes even squeal! Assumptions that non- for crowd control, however, is neither embedded in the intercostal muscle, stuck between two later. 1,;;;;:=-::;;;:�;::;;�:;;;��-�l penetrating impact projectiles cause generally convenient nor widely avail ribs in the posterior wall of the mid-chest. Each of the compliance by inflicting pain/ and that able to police for control of individuals. 350 ft!sec shots that penetrated into the chest or ab Discussion their effectiveness is proportional to We suggest that diversion of at dominal cavity also penetrated deeply, breaking ribs, Despite the increasing unintended deaths and their velocity,4 are common. We have tention, surprise, deception (made to disrupting the liver, perforating the stomach, etc. injuries caused by so-called less-than-lethal projectiles. yet to see any valid data presented, think they are being shot with real bul The 250 and 300 ft!sec shots, which did not their use is apparently increasing greatly. In the only however, to support these assumptions; lets), and confusion are far more likely penetrate into body collection of citizen and we can think of lots of things that than pain to cause compliance from cavities, did crush a injuries and deaths contradict them.5 Pain is highly subjec less-than-lethal impact projectiles. Pos disc of subcutane- TABLE 1 from these projec- tive and its effects are extremely vari sibly a subject who is firearm literate, ous tissue, including tiles of which we able even among persons who are of not under the influence of drugs, and the platysma muscle MuzzleVelocity Velocity at 45 feet Velocity loss are aware, three of sound mind and not under the influence not suicidill might be impressed by see (this inch thick (ftlsec) (ft/sec) (ft/sec) 1!. the eight deaths of mind-altering drugs. And a large per ing the barrel of a shotgun pointed at flat muscle, fo und reported were due centage of persons confronted by police him, whereas he might not recognize between the skin 284 250 34 to penetrations by are under the influence of mind-altering the 39 mm baton round launcher. Thus and the walls of the 290 262 28 the 12 gauge shot substances - which could completely the 12 gauge less-than-lethal weapon chest and abdomen, 279 257 22 Figure 1. Five shot group, gun square bean protect them from any pain produced by might have a psychological advantage. is used by animals 306 288 18 measuring 5 inches center-to bag projectiles.2 In the impacts of less-than-lethal projec Several years ago, the third au center, fired at 50 feet from a to move their skin 303 281 22 addition to these. tiles. We find it disappointing that none smothbore barre, using drag thor reviewed the unfortunate death of a to repel insects). Average 292 268 25 the th ird author is of the authors who have presented these stabilized, 12-gauge bean bag police officer: one caused specifically The discs of crushed aware of fo ur addi assumptions on pain,3 effe ctiveness of projectiles. by the use of less-than-lethal fo rce subcutaneous tissue, tional penetrations (one in the face, three in the chest) these projectiles,4 and the incapacitation against lethal force. 5 and the marks on the skin made by the projectiles produced by this same type of projectile. To our knowl that they are supposed to cause, have We find that fa iling to consider the which did not penetrate, were about 0.7 to 0.9 inches in edge, no injuries have yet been reported by drag any training in medicine or physiology - safety of the law enforcement officers is diameter. stabilized type I 2 gauge projectiles, and we are aware of nor do they cite anybody who does. the most serious flaw in what we have Interestingly, no shots penetrated only part no unreported penetrations by this type of projectile. We find the crushing of subcu read on the subject of less-than-lethal way through the chest or abdominal wall. If the shot Our data showed that the average velocity taneous tissue by the 250 and 300 ftlsec impact projectiles. The trend seems to penetrated the skin, it went the whole way into the measured fo r the standard drag-stabilized bean bag pro shots, which did not penetrate into body indicate that police are trying to find body cavity - and deeply into the cavity. jectile produced by Defense Technology Corporation of cavities, to be highly significant. The more and more applications fo r the use The pig shot on the lateral chest wall with a America (see Table I) was 43 ft!sec below the 335 ft/sec nerve endings and fibers which would of less-than-lethal impact projectiles. drag-stabilized bean bag projectile showed no response V 50 velocity determ ined by our study. This suggests generate and carry pain impulses from We think that expanding their use will whatsoever. When shot in the thigh a minute later, the that the fa bric bulb with tail, drag-stabilized projectiles nonpenetrating impacts are located in inevitably cost more officer lives. Rec pig showed no immediate reaction, but in a fe w sec would be un likely to penetrate the skin even at ranges of the region where the tissue was crushed Figure 2. Photograph of an ommendations to aim fo r the lower ex onds, picked up its right leg and shook it slightly - as if fe et. unfired fabric bulb drag I 0 by the shots striking at 250 and 300 tremities or the lower part of the torso to remove a fly. The pig then walked on the leg with no The accuracy of five inches fr om center-to stabailized projectile made by ft/ sec. This suggests that the only thing are certain to add confusion, and un discemable difficulty or discomfort. center produced by the bulb type drag-stabi lized projec Defense Te chnology Corpora incapacitated by these shots would be dermine training, since the center of The muzzle velocities, velocities at 45 feet, tiles at a distance of 50 fe et should lessen the danger of tion of America. The cloth tails the ability of the nerves to perceive pain. dragging behind the bulb stabi mass point of aim is used in every other and the velocity drop over 45 fe et fo r each shot, are shots striking the neck or the eyes when the shot is These findings strongly suggest that lize it for bult-first travel as it situation. Does it make sense to teach shown in Table 1. aimed at the center of the torso. The uniformity of ve shots striking at below 250 ftlsec would flies through the air. the police to aim for the extremities The five-inch grouping of the five shots into locity, an average velocity loss of only 25 ft!sec over a cause more pain than those striking at with less-than-lethal impact projectiles, the target at 50 fe et is shown in Figure 1. distance of 45 fe et, and the fact that the drag-stabilized higher velocities. which are generally far less accurate than real bullets? If The unfired Drag Stabilized projectile is projectile comes out the barrel in the same position as it Thus reducing impact velocity would not only so, the next question is why don't we train the police to shown in Figure 2. strikes the target (unlike the flat bean bag projectiles that greatly decrease the danger of permanent damage by do that with all of their bullets? After all, the Lone We estimate the V 50 (the velocity at which start fo lded and must flatten in the air) makes this fa bric bean bag projectiles, but, ironic as it might seem, it Ranger used to hit the extremities all the time when half of the projectiles will penetrate and half will not) bulb projectile useful at distances of as close as a few would most likely increase any compliance effects that shooting the gun out of the hand of his adversaries. With as about 335 ft!sec. feet, greatly increasing its versatility as compared to the are due to pain. firearm illiteracy on the increase, many laymen already The autopsies were done by the third author, a square bean bag projectile. expect the police to do as the Lone Ranger did. Public surgeon, who could find no discemable difference in Spring 2001 Spring lOOJ Volume 5, Issue 1 11 10 Volume 5, Issue 1 ------
WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW
JOURNAL OF Squan· lh·an Bag Prohl<.'ms THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
pressure could easily mount to demand less-than-lethal jectiles striking at higher velocities are more likely to be locations be targeted with bullets. That is a very slippery less effective. ACCURACY COMPARISON OF DRAG slope - one that could get a lot of officers killed. Acknowledgement STABILIZED AND SQUARE 12 GAUGE Conclusion We thank Mr. Dave DuBay, Director of Re The 5 inch group at 50 fe et accuracy with the search at Defense Technology of America, fo r fu rnish drag-stabilized bean bag projectile should permit de ing the Drag Stabilized projectiles used in this study, SHOTGUN BEAN BAG PROJECTILES pendable shot placement in the human torso up to 50 and fo r his helpful advice regard ing the study. fe et. It is highly unlikely that any of the standard drag SHOT FROM SMOOTHBORE AND RI stabilized projectiles would penetrate the skin even at References the closest ranges. I. Dahlstrom DB, Powley RD, Penk DVR. 12 Gauge Bean Bag We noted that the V 50 fo r the drag-stabilized Ammunition Penetration. Wound Ballistics Rev 1998;3(3 ):38- FLED BARRELS projectiles we tested was only 43 ftlsec higher than their 41. Klinger D, Hubbs K. Citizen Injuries from Law Enforcement Kramer Powley, R.C.M. P. Forensic Laboratory, Regina, Saskatchew.an, Canada average velocity. We think the manufacturer should 2. Impact Munitions: Evidence from the Field. Wound Ballistics consider reducing its velocity to or ftlsec lower Dean B. Dahlstrom, R.C.M. P. Forensic Laboratory, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 40 50 Rev 2000;4(4):9-13. than its currentveloc ity, giving nearly a 100 ftlsec safety 3. Kenny JM, Heal S, Grossman M. The Attribute-Based Evalua Martin L. Fackler, MD, Wound Ballistics Consultant, Hawthorne, FL margin. We suggest that this small r�duction in velocity tion (ABE) of Less-Than-Lethal, Extended Range, Impact Muni would essentially eliminate penetrations with this pro tions. (a study done by Penn State University and the Los Ange Abstract Mr. Dave DuBay, Director of Research at De les County Sheriffs Department, available at jectile - at no cost in reduced effectiveness. fe nse Technology Corporation of America informed us www.arl.ps u.edu/areas/defensetech/defensetech.html) that they had, indeed, fired the square bean bags in ri The theory that pain inflicted by nonpenetrating 4. MacPherson D, Hudson D, Maruoka R. 12 Gauge Beanbag Fa PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of drag impact by less-than-lethal projectiles causes compliance tality Risk Investigation. Wound Ballistics Rev 2000;4(4): 16-30. stabilized and square bean bag pro fled barrels; and that although the bean bags did flat is unsupported . If pain plays a part in the effectiveness 5. Fackler ML. Editorial Comments on the ,;Less Than Lethal" jectiles shot from smoothbore and ri ten, their accuracy decreased so much that the danger Concept. Wound Ballistics Rev 2000;4( 4):3 1. of these projectiles, we fo und evidence that impact pro- fled 12 gauge shotgun barrels. from inaccuracy (increasing strikes to the fa ce and METHOD: Five shot groups were fired from a neck) outweighed the risk of injury from not flattening. EDITORIAL NOTE He explained that early opening of the projectiles Evaluations of what is a success and what is a failure in the use of less-than-lethal impact projectiles seems to suffer from a lack of consistency rest at a distance of 50 feet. Veloci and a high degree of subjectivity. Manufacturers of these projectiles admit that they do not usually have an effect until after several hits. Incidents in which ties of these shots were measured us means that most of their flight is in the inherently a dozen or more hits were necessary are often viewedas successes. Few would apply these standards in the evaluation of the effects of ordinary bullets. ing a Doppler radar chronograph. nonaerodynamic flattened position, which causes er And, from this author's experience in evaluating forensic cases, it appears that a considerable percentage of those wounded or killed by the police with RESULTS: Accuracy from smoothbore barrels ratic flight paths. their lethal weapons had first been shot by less-than-lethal projectiles without effect. Yet these cases never seem to be listed as failures by those who Although MacPherson, et al. mentioned "lim appear to view every use of less-than-lethal projectilesthat does not cause a significantwound or the death of the person shot as a success. surpassed that fr om rifled barrels ited testing has shown very good accuracy from rifled Klinger and Hubbs (ref. 2 above) noted thatim pact munitionswere created for crowd control but are "currently used in a wide varietyof law en with both types of projectiles forcement situations where deadlyforce is not justified... barricaded subjects who do not pose an immediate threat..., fleeing suspects who have not com- CONCLUSION: The poor accuracy produced by ri barrels... (typ ical group size less than 6 inches at 40 mitted violent felonies, and suicidal citizens armed withdeadly weapons." : fled barrels in firing square bean bag fe et)," they also noted, "accuracy improvements are Might not just waiting be more appropriate for the barricaded nonthreatening person? Fatigue and hunger are lot more certain than the effects 1 impact munitions makes rifled bar only estimates." Unfortunately, they fa iled to list the of impact projectiles. manufacturer of the any of the projectiles they shot, Would thefleeing person remain long enough to be struck by any of these projectiles? And suppose he stops, turns around, has a gun, and the rels unacceptable fo r shooting these officer with the less-than-lethal impactweapon is firstin the line of thosechasing him. projectiles. fa iled to define "limited testing," and described no spe Most troublesome, however, is the suggestion to use less-than-lethal projectiles against any citizen - suicidal or not - armed with a deadly cific accuracy measurements listing the number of The "suicide by cop" subject is often armed with a knife and plans to get shot by charging the police. Use of less-than-lethal impact projectiles to weapon. In a recently published study, MacPherson et shots in each group, the group size fo r a specific pro try to stop such a charge I would view as a potential "suicide of cop." 12 jectile from a specific barrel, the type of sights used, or Klinger and Hubbs (ref 2, above) also mentioned two civilians who were killed when police mistakenly loaded lethal rounds into their shotguns at. showed that shooting the square-type bean bag the position of the shooter (standing, prone, from a in place of less-than-lethal rounds. gauge shotgun impact projectiles from a rifled barrel 1 suggest thatdiversion of attention,surprise, or confusion is unlikely to be generated in a subject, armed with a knife, bent on "suicide by cop," causes them to open reliably from their fo lded position rest?) when the shots were fired. Despite presenting no all - he has planned to be shot; he is expecting to be shot. In a recent winter in Saskatchewan, Officer Gordon 1 by shooting him with a projectile. After in the barrel and assume a flat position in the air. valid supporting data, MacPherson, et al. also recom Pope of the Regina City Police forced compliance of a citizen by spraying him with a garden hose. The subject's clothing froze. It is true, the cold of a When these square projectiles fa il to open from their mended that the "fabric bulb beanbag," equivalent to Saskatchewan winter is not ordinarily available in the USA. But a continued spraying of such a subject with a fire extinguisher (readily available in all police innovative think the drag-stabilized projectile we used in this study, cars 1 believe) would be certain to divert his attention, and just might generate enough surprise and confusion to cause compliance. Such fo lded position before striking their intended target, in most law ing should be applauded (and it was, OffiCer Pope received an award for it), but I'm not sure such innovative thinking is encouraged much they have been shown to cause penetration of the hu should be used "only in rifled barrels. "1 2 enforcement groups in the USA. man chest and death. ' 3 In an editorial comment about The purpose of this paper is to compare ·the ac that in a comparison of red paintballs (looks like The firsttwo authors havebeen hitby paintballs: it hurtenough to get theiratt ention. I suggest curacy obtained from shooting square bean bag band the higher com the rifled barrel study, the third author chided the blood, increasing thedeception factor) against any of thecurrent less-than-lethal impact projectiles, I would bet on the paintballs to cause ining, and paintball drag-stabilized fa bric bulb impact projectiles, when pliance. Additionally, paintballs are far less expensive, would eliminate any serious danger (except for hits in the eye), are useful for tra manufacturers fo r not finding out fo r themselves the 4 guns can't be mistaken for shotguns loadedwith slugs or buckshot. rather obvious findings of MacPherson, et al. shot from a smoothbore 12 gauge shotgun, with that Martin L. Fackler, MD
Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 Sp rlng 2001 12 Volume 5, Issue 1 13 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Sqmtn• Bl'an B::tg Prohll·ms S(J tla rl' Bl'a n Ba� Prohll'ms JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
obtained from shooting them from a rifled 12 gauge • Square bean bag projectiles from a rifled barrel barrel. (from Defense Technology Corp.) • Square bean bag projectiles from a rifled barrel Method (from Saskatoon Police) A Remington Model 870 shotgun (SN: • Square bean bag projectiles marked HV from a V25 1 999V) with a 20 inch cylinder-bore barrel, and a rifledbarre l (from Regina Police) Remington Model 1100 shotgun (SN: L 754451 V) with • Square red bean bag projectiles from a rifled ,a rifled barrel (1 turn in 35 inches twist) were used to barrel (from Saskatoon Police) \'qr this study. Both guns had rifle-type notch rear and bead- on-post front sights. All shots were fired, by the All projectiles fired in this study were produced by second author, from a bench-type rest, at a standard Defense Technololgy Corporation of America, Casper, RCMP human torso silhouette target, at a distance of WY. 50 fe et. Barrels were cleaned with a wire brush after every 5 shots. Results Velocities at the muzzle, and 45 fe et from the Figure 3. Five shot Figure 4. Five shot The five shot groups measured, from center-to-center: 8 group, measuring 9 3/4 muzzle, were measured on all shots using a Weibel W- group, measuring inches center-to inches center-to 700 Doppler radar chronograph. • Drag-stabilized bean bag projectiles Figure Five shot center, fired at 50 feet center, fired at 50 feet 6. from a smoothbore barrel 5 inches group, measuring 19 When we fired the accuracy group from the ri from a rifled barrel, from a smoothbore % fled barrel with the square bean bag projectiles ob Figure 5. Five shot inches center-to • Drag-stabilized bean bag projectiles using drag-stabilized barrel, using square 12 group, measuring 30 center, fired at 50 feet tained directly from Defense Technology Corporation 12 gauge bean bag gauge bean bag pro from a rifled barrel 8 inches inches center-to from a rifled barrel, of America we were surprised at the considerably projectiles jectiles center, fired at 50 feet using square gauge lower velocity and the much poorer accuracy obtained • Square bean bag projectiles from 12 from a rifled barrel, bean bag projectiles compared to that obtained from shooting the same a smoothbore barrel 9 % inches using square 12 gauge obtained from Saska loading of the same projectile from a smoothbore bar • Square bean bag projectiles from a bean bag projectiles toon Police (Sas rel. The ammunition used for both groups was indistin rifledbarre l (DefTech) 30 inches obtained directly from katchewan) guishable and presumably that which they sell com Defense technology • Square bean bag projectiles from a mercially. To expand our sample of square bean bag Corporation of Amer Figure 9. Current projectiles tested, we contacted the Regina, Sas rifledbarrel (Saskatoon) 19 � inches ica. Note that two of square bean bag pro katchewan, City Police and were able to obtain from the shots are in the jectile produced by • Square bean bag projectiles from a them five squ are bean bag rounds they had purchased cardboard below the Defense Technology rifledbarrel (Regina) 15 fr om Defense Technology Corporation of America. 114 inches target. Corporation of Amer • ica. Material is heavy These had "HV" printed on the cartridge cases. We Square red bean bag projectiles also contacted the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, City Po from a rifled barrel (Saskatoon) 18 inches and white, note that the stitching covers lice and were able to obtain from them five square Figure 7. Five shot the edges of the ma bean bag rounds purchased from Defense Technology The average velocities recorded, and velocity drop, fo r each group, measuring 15 Y.. group, measuring 18 terial, presumably to group are listed in Table I. inches center-to Corporation of America recently and five purchased inches center-to pad them and make center, fired at 50 feet some time ago (in the older rounds the shot was loaded The photograph of the first group listed above is shown as center, fired at 50 feet them less likely to from a rifled barrel, in a red nylon bag, whereas in the current ones it is Fig. I in the paper "DRAG-STABILIZED 12 GAUGE from a rifled barrel, injure the body. using square 12 gauge loaded in a white bag of canvas-like material). This SHOTGUN BEAN BAG PROJECTILE " immediately pre using square red 12 bean bag projectiles ceding this one. gauge bean bag pro allowed us to expand our study by adding three groups obtained from the Re jectiles obtained from of square bean bag projectiles fired from rifled barrels. A photograph of a drag-stabilized projectile is shown as Fig. gina City Police (Sas the Saskatoon City 2 in the preceding paper. katchewan) Police (Saskatchewan) )- . 1 The fo llowing five shot groups were fired: Figure 10. Older square --i �+: ; · -': ' Photographs of the second through the last groups listed • bean bag projectile pro Drag-stabilized bean bag projectiles from a I I above are shown in Figs. 3 through 8 in this paper. I -L· _;- .11_---r-t- duced by Defense Technol j'- . smoothbore barrel =- -- ·'-�- Fig. 9 shows the current Defense Technology Corp. of ogy Corporation of America. • Drag-stabilized bean bag projectiles from a ri �-� America square white bean bag projectile. Fig. I 0 shows the The material is red nylon. fled barrel ...1 I� previous square red bean bag projectile from Defense Tech Note the stitching does not I • Square bean bag projectiles from a smoothbore nology Corp. of America. cover the edges of the cloth. barrel
14 Sp rlng 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 Volume 5, Issue 1 Sp ring 2001 15 - --- _..
WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Probh.•ms Squar·c Bean Bag 5.45xJ9mm JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION .J H P fo r .-\ K-7-t JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
Discussion Currently, it appears that at the newer drag Past bean bag projectiles, made to be shot from stabilized type projectiles are gaining increasing popu 5.45x39MM JHP AMMUNITION 12 gauge shotguns, have been two inch square pieces larity. A distributor we contacted already considered of heavy cloth stitched together (see Figs. 9, 1 0), hold the square bean bags "obsolete." FOR AK-74 ing about 600 grains of lead birdshot (usually # 9 shot). THE The squares must be fo lded to r------'------, Michael Hagen fit into the shot shell. Although TABLE 1 meant to strike their target flat, Muzzle vel. 45 ft. vel. vel. loss group Abstract Methods when these square projectiles (fUsee) (fUsee) (fUsee) (in.) Commercially available 5.45x39mm JHP bul A pulled bullet was inserted tightly into a hole exit the shotgun's barrel, they lets, manufactured by the Tula Cartridge Works in drilled in a block of wood. The block and bullet were frequently remain in the fo lded OS. smoothbore 292.4 267.6 24.8 5 Russia, were test firedthrough a civilian AK-74 style then sectioned with a hand saw (to obtain a tight fit the position fo r distances in excess OS, rifled barrel 269.4 232.4 37 8 assault rifle. When test fired into 1/2-gallon water bullet can be wrapped in a layer or two of paper as Jf 20 fe et. This greatly in Square, smoothbore 243.4 215 28.4 9 3/4 filled cartons, these JHP bullets did not expand, but needed. creases their propensity to pene Square, rifled (Offe) 179.4 142 37.4 30 did flatten along their length. The bullet's small tip trate the body and do major Square, rifled (S ktn) 269.2 21 1.6 57.6 19 % opening, along with the steel jacket, appear to be re 1 :rcwAMMUNI TION damage. ·3 Square, rifled (Rgn) 346.6 274 72.6 15 Y.. sponsible for this JHP's fa ilure to expand. We fo und that the aver Square, rifled (red) 250.2 195.8 54.4 18 &,45x39 nm age of the group sizes produced Introduction I by fo ur different groups of square bean bag projectiles MD! IN RUSSIA Conclusion Romanian AK-74 rifles, chambered for was 20.7 inches: that is more than twice the 9.75 inch 5.45x39mm ammunition, are available for civilian pur IOROUNDS The poor accuracy produced by rifled barrels group produced by the same projectile when firedfr om chase in the U.S. These rifles share the same barrel in fi ring the square bean bag type of impact projectiles CJ:NTI:RFIIU! A.'IM UNITION a smoothbore shotgun under identical conditions (see length as the military version (16.34 inches), but are 5,45X31 mm makes rifled barrels unacceptable fo r shooting these L C.B. eel
Sp ring 200/ Volume 5, Issue 16 1 Volume 5, Issue Sp ring 200/ 1 17 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW 5.45x39mm JHP fo r AK-74 5.45x39mm JHP fo r AK-74 JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION
Th e recovered bullet tip openings Test firing theJHP bullets into the water-filled . varied in bullet with the largest opening (0.047") failed to expand, Results dt meter from cartons was initially only partially successful. ini � 0.008" (trial fo ur) to 0.047" (trial seven), the steel jacket likely inhibits expansion aswell. The pulled JHP bullet weighed 60gr. and An wtth an average dia tial arrangement of eight cartons in a row succeeded in meter of 0.03 1 ". The opening size closely resembles the profile of the military FMJ bul capturing only one of the first three bullets fired. Bul does no correlate well with bullet performance, as the let. The steel jacket does not enclose the base of the � Conclusions lets two and three exited the side of carton fo ur and bull�t wtth the smallest opening had a recovered weight bullet, revealing a flat lead bottom. Upon sectioning, . The 5.45x39mm JHP bullet possesses a velocity were not recovered. Beginning with trial fo ur, addi stm1lar to the bullet with the largest opening, and both the air space at the bullet tip was fo und to measure similarto the military FMJ bu llet (2855 fps fo r the JHP tional cartons placed alongside cartons fo ur through bullets stopped in carton five. [TABLE 2] 0.355" long, as opposed to the 0.118" (3 mm) length bullet, versus 2980 fps seven assisted in capturing bullets that changed direc reported previously for the military FMJ bullet.2 A fo r the FMJ bullet), but tion in their travel. Of the remaining six shots, five TABLE FIRING RESULTS thin metal ring along the inside wall of the jacket, just 2-JHP differs in that it lacks a bullets were successfully recovered and returned fr om above the end of the lead core, is present in this air 5.45mm 60gr. JHP steel core and has a the range, for a total of six recovered bullets. No bullet Recovered %Weight Tip Opening Ending space. Unlike the military FMJ bullet, the JHP has a Trial Notes much longer airspace at penetratedmore than five cartons before stopping, and wei ht solid lead, not a lead/steel, core [Fig. 3]. s �sr·! Loss Diameter lin.! Carton the tip. The steel jacket the witness panel for all bullets showed clean round 1 45.5 4 0% 0.031" and small tip opening 2 .2 5 Airspace present at bullet tip holes, demonstrating that no bullet had significant yaw prevent this bullet from before entering the first carton. 2 - - Not recovered expanding, as evidenced The recovered bullets showed no signs of ex by the test ftring into pansion, and the tips remained undeformed. However, 3 - - Not recovered water-filled cartons. bullets did flatten along their length as a result of Instead, the bullet yaws, 4 53.1 11.50% 0.008" 5 forces acting on the bullet during its yaw cycle [Fig. 4]. No airspace remaining at bullet tip flattening itself out and The yaw cycle typically occurred within the first two expelling lead out the 5 - - Not recovered or three cartons, as evidenced by these cartons exhibit base, before coming to ing the most disruption while the rema·ining cart ns rest. The performance 6 52.4 12.70% 0.036" 4 No airspace remaining at bullet tip stayed relatively intact. This indicates that the JHP of this bullet clearly bullet appears to share the same early yaw b cycle 7 51 .9 13.50% 0.047" 5 Airspace present at bullet tip demonstrates that it is served with the military FMJ bul let.4 unsuitable fo r use where 8 48.9 18.50% 0.033" 4 No airspace remaining at bullet tip a hollowpoint bullet is needed. 9 48.7 18.80% 0.031" 4 No airseace remainin2 at bullet tie Averaqe: 50.1 16.50% 0.031 "
Figure 3: Close up view of sectioned JHP tip References (scale In millimeters) Discussion I. Fackler, Martin, Matchking Bullet - Past, Present, and Future, The results of the test ftring indicate that though Wound Ballistics Review, 1995;2(2): 11-12. the JHPbullet is stable in flight, it will not expand, and its 2. Gander, Terry ed., Jane's Infantry Weapons 1997-1998, Surry. Jane's Infonnation Group, 1997, p440. terminal behavior is similar to the military FMJ bullet in The average muzzle velocity of the JHP is 3. Fackler, Martin, Malinowski, John, "Internal Defonnation of 2855 fp s, with a range of 2840 fp s to 2868 fps. This that it also yaws early. The small tip opening certainly the AK-74; A Possible Cause fo r its Erratic Path in Tissue," average velocity is 125 fp s less than the military FMJ plays a ro le in this bullet's poor performance, but as the Journal of Trauma, 1988;28:S72-S75. bullet's published 3 m average velocity of 2980 fp s 4. Ibid Figure Recovered bullets from (left to right) trials (908 mps).3 [Table 1] 4: 1, 4, 1 EDITORAILNOTE respectively, with sectioned bullet ' 6, 7, 8, 9 We have published documentation previously showing that somecopper jcdeted soft-point or hollow-point bullets do not expand (see "Failure to Expand· Federal for comparison 7.62 x Point Bullets,"Vo 1, # 2, and "Matchking Bullet Past Present and Future,"Vol 2, # 2). Mr. Hagen's paper, however, is thefirst we have printed or seen TABLE 1 39 Soft ! : elsewhere, thattests the expCilSIOn a copper or jcdeted hollow-point bullet MUZZLEVELO CITY OF JHP BULLETS of brass-plated steel ' Since steelis not nearly � ductile as pper, we do not find n surprising that the bullets reported here did not expand. We wonder. do any steel-jcdeted bullets ex- All recovered bullets lost lead from the base, . � _ 5.45mm 60gr. JHP pand when male111 hollow-po1nt ? r -po1ntdes�gn? We wo ld be inlerested in hearilgfrom readerswho might be able to shedsome lighton that question. as evidenced by a slight protrusion of lead fr om the � . � Trial Velocity (fps) We applaud Mr. Hagen fordo1ng this study cr1d reporting It He hasdemonstrated the only waywe wiH find out when bullet manufacturers cr1d disbibutorssell us bul 1 2855 base, along with lead fragments fo und within the car lets thatfail to performas expected. We do not mean to Implythat this was a conscious attempt todeceive: probablythe manufacturernever bothered to test the bullets 2 2840 tons. Weighing the recovered bullets revealed an aver and just assumed thatthey would expand - and the distributor was as gull ibleas most purchasers in assuming they would expcr1d. Probably Mr. Hagen was the only 3 2853 age recovered bullet weight of 50.1 gr., for an average person !0hcr.oe the curiosity to lest � bullets. �aybe his paperwill impress morereaders to dothe sane.Only n manufacturers know that their bullets will be tested , testing themselvesand stopmarl the paper; but a clear statement of the paper's purpose REPORTING RESEARCH must be included as the last thing mentioned under the • Vague, ambiguous, pompous, and convoluted writing first section - that is mandatory, not optional. • The use of jargon • Unnecessary complexity, Unnecessary abstraction Martin L. Fackler, MD Resources fo r improving writing skill • Failing to provide a clear statement of the manuscript's purpose affront is a widespread human fa iling. When editors • Failing to provide, in the method section, a complete description of Abstract The headings provide the outline for the paper. evaluate your work, and provide suggestions for improv what has been done so that an interested reader could replicate The author must fill in this outline with the details: why PURPOSE: To describe how to present research ing it, they have done you a great favor. Those insecure the research using thedescription as arecipe the data were sought; exactly how the data were obtained, results for publication personalities who take offense at having their errors • Failing to provide a "conclusion" section what the data mean, etc. This requires skill in writing. • Unnecessary repetition METHOD: Guidance is provided on organizing pointed out will be doomed to remain fo rever ignorant. Judging from what I see in papers submitted fo r publica • Failing to keep things under the headings where they belong and writing a scientificpaper The membership of the IWBA includes many tion, most need to improve their writing skill. Fortunately, often things that belong under "results" get put under "method" who have the intelligence, will, and resources to produce many good books are available to assist in that improve and vice-versa; or items that belong in "discussion" get put in RESULTS: Following the guidance provided valuable additions to the wound ballistics literature. And ment. I recommend: the "introduction" or vice-versa will improve clarity of research re the Wound Ballistics Review needs good papers to share sults and assist in presenting data in with its readers. It is never easy, even fo r those highly • Simple & Direct: A Rhetoric fo r Writers, Revised Edi The use of a structured abstract helps avoid sev scientific journal format. experienced in scientific writing, to convert useful data tion by Ja cques Barzun. Harper & Row, New Yo rk, 1984 eral of these common faults. Fortunately, the advantages into a clear, concise, and readable paper. For those who CONCLUSION: Researchers who present their find of the structured abstract have impressed journal editors. • On Writing We ll: An lnformal Guide to Wr iting Nonfiction, ings clearly, concisely, and precisely have yet to have a paper published, it can be intimidating. Th ird Edition by William Zinsser, Harper & Row, New At present most scientific journals require a structured This purpose of this paper is to provide guidance, on put increase the chances of having their York, 1988 abstract to introduce all the research papers they publish. ting ideas and data into print, that should prove helpful to work published. Some have their own fo rmat fo r their structured abstract, the novice writer as well as serving as a guide fo r the ex • Wr iting with Precision by Jefferson D. Bates, Penguin adding headings such as "setting," preferring "objective" Books, New Yo rk, 2000 perienced writer to the preferences of the Wound Ballis As editor of the Wound Ballistics Review, and as or "background" in place of "purpose," or using ''study tics Review. • Th e New Oxfo rd Guide to Writing by Th omas Kane, Ox a reviewer for six other journals, I have evaluated much S. design" fo r "method." But all I have seen include the fo rd Un iversity Press, New Yo rk, 1988 vague, ambiguous, and jargon-riddled writing. headings of "results," and "conclusions." My own struggle to improve my writing, how Method • Th e Te chnique of Clear Writing, Second Edition by Robert I strongly prefer the structured abstract format ever, provides my most useful insight into presenting re The following cover the basics of preparing re Gunning, McGraw Hill, New York, 1968 (o ut of print -try used in this paper because it uses "purpose" as its first www. alibris.com, they can probably finda copy) search results in clear, concise and readable fo rm. In search for publication. heading. "Purpose" as a heading in the structured abstract 1981, I was assigned to set up and direct a Wound Ballis supplements the unwritten rule that a statement of pur Most research institutions, like the Letterman tics Research Program for theUS Department of Defense. Th e Structured Abstract pose is supposed to be included in the last part of the Anny Institute of Research, employ a full time technical Prior to that researchjob, I had been a practicing military The abstract used in this paper is called a struc opening section of the scientific paper. Requiring a state editor to assist the researchers in reporting their fm dings. surgeon, with little experience in writing for publication. tured abstract. It is a recent innovation that some readers ment of purpose right up front, fo llowing the "purpose" Authors not attached to a research institution should be Luckily, .the Letterman Army Institute of Research (on might not recognize. In the past, the abstract of a paper heading in a structured abstract is a wonderful idea. Re able to find a free lance technical editor, if they prefer, in the Presidio Army base in San Francisco), where the new has been looked upon by many as just a fe w sentences to quiring an author to provide a clear statement of purpose lieu of, or preferably in addition to, consulting the books Wound Ballistics Laboratory was to be located, had a introduce what your paper is about: a sort of advertise stimulates his thinking and leads to a better-organized listed above. superb technical editor. I will never fo rget receiving-back ment for what is to come. It was oftenju st wasted words. paper. Some readers might be surprised to find "failing to the first paper I had submitted for her review: the text and The word "abstract," however, means "a concise sum provide a purpose" listed above as a common flaw in margins were overwritten with red-pencil problem mary" - not a hint of what might be coming in the full Results submitted manuscripts. It surprised me also. Apparently An increased likelihood of having your research identifying markings. Having gotten good grades in col paper. The structured abstract lists several headings: I some think that the purpose is implicit from the rest of lege English, I thought I lmew how to write. I was wrong. prefer "purpose, method, results, and conclusion." These findings published is the main result sought in this paper. what they have presented. It might be to them, but it Journal editors and reviewers are more likely to accept a That was in 1982; by the time I left my research job, eight headings form a checklist or an outline. Each heading might not be clear to their readers. Additionally, I run into years later r tumed subf.issions ha far fe wer red mark paper whose results are simply, clearly, precisely, and � identifies a subject that must be described in any scientific that same flaw often in the queries I get from aspiring ? . ings. The ed rtor had spent many pat1ent hours helpmg me research paper. Full sentences are not required fo llowing concisely presented. authors: many have a rather vague idea of the purpose of to become a passable Wf\ter - a task at which I have been the headings of the structured abstract. In the body of the their research. Some tend to get so involved with details working hard ever since. 'The quest to increase one 's writ paper, an additional heading, "discussion" is ordinarily Discussion th�t their perspective suffers. Demanding a clear state ing proficiency can become a pleasing avocation of infi added between "results" and "conclusion." To begin the Several fa ults recur often in manuscripts submit ll)ent of purpose often helps them organize their thoughts. nite challenge and variety. body of the paper, one can just start writing (the "intro ted fo r publ ication. A decade of reviewing manuscripts 6!ears their heads, and helps their fa cts to fa ll in place The firstreaction to having ones errors corrected duction" heading being assumed), or, if desired, add "in for various journals, and attending seminars on peer re where they belong. is often to react defensively, sometimes with hostility. troduction" or "background" as a heading fo r the paper's view and editing, has shown me that the same common I also like the built-in check list aspect of the That ego-trap must be avoided ifever one is to learn. Tak beginning. The "purpose" heading from the structured flaws plague the editorial staffof all journals. Some of the structured abstract. It should guarantee that the author will ing any challenge to what you have written as a personal abstract is ordinarily not used as a heading in the body of most troublesome of these common defects are : include the essential elements in their correctorder. Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue Volume 5, Issue Sp ring 1001 20 1 1 21 ...... ,.... ----- WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Reporting Research .357 Magnum HP Tl·sting JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNA TJONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Jargon is pretentious, puffed-up, false profun ing a clear explanation. Yes, this is the antithesis of scien dity; often used to impress. Good writers write to ex tific communication. But let us not fo rget, there are advan TESTING OF .357 MAGNUM press, not to impress. It has been my unfortunate ex tages to avoiding clarity: if you are not understood, you perience to be exposed to the writing of a few persons cannot be challenged or questioned on what you have pre sented. Ambiguity is, indeed, the refuge of the ignorant who are jargon extremists. These writers have usually and the insecure. HOLLOW POINT BULLETS worked in a highly technical field, and have held se crecy-intensive jobs. It appears to me that they have I admit it is a bit of a stretch to apply the struc developed an abstract and vague prose, peppered with tured abstract to this article, which is not the presenta IN WATER jargon, and of almost code-like complexity, that is tion of research results. But used the structured ab nearly incomprehensible to anybody but their col I stract to illustrate its advantages. Ron Jones leagues. The sad thing is that when they to write in try As editor of the Wound Ballistics Review, I re another field theyca n't break the jargon habit. But they tronic scale, and their diameters were measured using ceive some excellent papers that need little or no edit Abstract apparently think they are expressing themselves a Lyman digital caliper. ing (such as the one on the Port Arthur Shooting Inci PURPOSE: clearly, and are prone to react with hostility when their To test the performance of current Using the same lots of ammunition, five bul dent in Tasmania, 1988. Vol 3, # 4, 35-48). I also re .357 Magnum JHP ammunition malady is pointed out and corrections suggested. Ap lets of each brand fired into the water were fired ceive some that require great patience and persever parently Gunning (book list above) is also familiar ance to wade through, and a fe w that are essentially METHOD: Firing vertically downward into a (horizontally) from a distance of ten feet through a with the "j argon junkie": he relates (p 73), "once a per unintelligible. water tank from which bullets were Pact Model 1 chronograph (with a distance of 2 fe et son gets the jargon habit it holds him fa st like a chronic This brief article is meant to help researchers to recovered between the chronograph's "sky screens"). The aver disease." age velocity measured using the chronograph was produce better papers. I must also admit to a bit o self RESULTS: The expansion of 9 of the 11 bullets Jargon continues to take its toll in undermining � interest: I hope it will decrease the amount of ttme I tested was relatively adequate and assumed to be the velocity of the ammunition fr om meaningful communication in the field ofwound bal need to spend acting as a technical editor fo r those who uniform the same lot fired into the water. listics. Old habits die hard, and even though the impre submit manuscripts to the Wound Ballistics Review. Using the velocities, recovered weights, and cision and fa lse meanings caused by the fo llowing ex- CONCLUSION: Expansion of .357 Magnum bullets expanded diameters of these bullets; the estimated t 2 . . amples have been pointed out · the1r use pers1sts. appears to have improved in the past penetration depth in standard ordinance gelatin shot at Conclusion decade Those who use language well know that when 4°C was calculated by Duncan MacPherson using his • High velocity - The British divide high fr om low veloci� an author's words are easy to read and yet communi Bullet Penetration Model. (See Figs. I 0-6 and I 0-7 in at I,I 00 ft/ sec (the speed of sound in air). In the US, van reference 3.) The methods used in this testing were ous authors use or ft/sec. Most often cate ideas simply, directly, precisely, and concisely, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000 In 1988, Fackler reported testing of fo ur !58 the same as those in reference 4. ay that author has kept the convenience of the reader in this jargon term is used without definition. The only � grain .357 Magnum soft point bullets, made by major to communicate a velocity precisely is to write the specific mind. He has spent a lot of time revising his words to bullet manufacturers, shooting them into 10% ordnance numerical velocity, or a numerical velocity range. achieve a high level of readability. In essence, this is a gelatin shot at a block temperature of 4° C. Only one of Results • High energy - Users of this popular jargon te do n t � . � fo rm of courtesy by the writer to his readers. The recovered bullet diameters and weights define it: I have never seen it used where a numencal diVI these bullets expanded adequately and consistently. He are listed in Table I. as are the average measured ve sion between "high" and "low" was given. As with veloc published photographs of the recovered bullets and References 1 ity, energy levels can only be described precisely, as re decried the poor bullet performance. locities of bullets from the same lot. . I. Fackler ML. Gunshot Wound Review. Ann Emerg Med quired in scientific communication, by listing the spec1fic The purpose of this paper is to test the expan The average velocity measured for each of the . 1996;28: 1 94-203. number of fo ot-pounds or jou les one means, or a numen sion adequacy and consistently of a large group of ex rounds was assumed to be the velocity fo r the bullets 2. Fackler ML. Wound Ballistics and Soft-Tissue Wound Treat- cal range. fr om the same lot fired into the water tank. The esti ment. Techniques in Orthopedics 1995; I 0:163-170. panding .357 Magnum bullets. • Debridement - This term has become widely used jargon mated penetration depths in standard gelatin are also among surgeons. The term originated in France several . NOTE - This paper should not be taken to discourage readers who listed in Table 1. Only one bullet from each of the centuries ago as a meaningful term for cuttmg bands of Method might have an idea for research that they think would be useful, but eleven loads was photographed, due to insignificant tissue to fr ee a wound from the tension brought on by tis have no experience in scientific writing. I will continue to offer as Eleven diffe rent brands of the .357 magnum differences in the physical appearances of the recov sue swelling. That operation is used often in combat sur much technical editorial support as needed to get valid idea in JHP bu llets were tested by firing five of each of them gery: but it is called a fa sciotomy. The meaning of "de a ered bu llets within each load. The bullets chosen fo r print. hope only that the paper will provide aid to inexperienced vertically into the water tank described in reference 2. bridement"; became confused during WW I when it began 1 the photographs were closest to the average expanded writers to get a good start for themselves. If they take heed of the The bullets were fired using a Smith Wesson to be used by English speaking medical personnel. Now, & diameter fo r that load, and are arranged by pre-fired information presented here it should make preparing a paper eas some surgeons use it to indicate an operation in which at Model 686 revolver with a 4inch barrel. The distance bullet weights. Photographed bullets are shown in the ier for both of us. least part of the wound is excised. Some use it to mean fr om water was 2 fe et, and the shots were fired di M. Fackler figures. that the entire wound has been excised, and some (mostly rectly downward (90° from horizontal). The ex British) use it in its original meaning. The term has �e- panded bullets were weighed using a pact BBK elec- come jargon of the most ambiguous typ�. As ofte? w�th jargon, it is widely used by those who wtsh to avOid gtv- Sp ring 2001 Sp ring 1001 22 Volume 5, Issue 1 Volume 5, Issue 1 23 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW .357 Magnum HP Testing JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION TABLE 1 LOADS TESTED EXPANDED DIAMETER (MM) WEIGHT GRAINS ESTIMATED GELATIN PENETRATION (INCHES) Hornady 125gr. JHP -XTP .40 107.9 11.2 14.72 LOAD# 9050 106.0 11.8 �· 15.55 107.9 11.0 LOT# 980304 �� 14.68 105.2 11.8 1389 V= 13.85 105.2 12.9 Remington 125gr. Saber BJHP 1 117.2 16.23 LOAD# GS357MA 121.1 10.9 '5.81 124.1 11.6 FIGURE LOAD (FRONTAL VIEW) FIGURE LOAD (SIDE VIEW) 2 LOT# J07AB8409 1- 1 ,2,3,4 2- 1 ,2,3,4 15.26 121.5 12.0 1258 V= 15.75 124.6 11.7 Remington 125gr. SJHP 13.37 74.1 13.79 77.8 10.0 LAOD# R357M1 13.85 70.5 9.2 3 LOT# LW09 0131 17 14.12 79.4 9.8 1362 V= 14.00 80.4 10.1 Speer 125gr. Gold Dot HP 1 123.9 13.0 13.88 116.6 14.1 LOAD# 23920 14.57 114.4 12.8 4 LOT# M28Z26 16.56 109.5 10.1 1410 V= 15.23 125.0 12.9 Federal . Hydra-Shok JHP 9.713 50.43 9.353 50.13 12.6 LOAD# PD357HS2 9.403 52.03 12.9 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE S FIGURE 6 5 LOT# 1244922049 10.523 50.43 10.6 LOAD S LOAD S LOAD 6 LOAD 6 1344 *"personal defense" V= 9.463 49.63 12.3 (FRONTAL VIEW) (SIDE VIEW) (FRONTAL VIEW) (SIDE VIEW) Winchester 145gr. Silvertip HP 1 . 118.4 11.3 15.01 82.5 8.7 LOAD# X357SHP 12.423 68.23 9.9 6 LOT# MF03 15.04 86.6 9.0 1173 V= 12.92 86.4 11.3 148.4 CCI Blazer 8.981 142.31 29.4 JHP 10.092 140.82 23.9 LOAD# 03542 13.37 158.1 16.6 LOT# F02E5 14.26 157.7 14.9 V= 991 Federal 158gr. Hydra-Shok JHP 20.5 10.36 118.1 21 .5 LOAD# P357HS1 9.94 100.63 19.9 8 LOT# 165474W103 10.41 100.03 18.4 FIGURE 7- LOAD 7,8,9,10 (FRONTAL VIEW) FIGURE 8-LOAD 7,8,9,10 (SIDE VIEW) V= 1199 9.15 99.13 22.6 1 . 1 15.8 I • I :I . JHPO -XTP 14.16 146.1 15 0 I • I• • t • 13.71 146.0 15.8 9 . ..' t: • 14.87 141.1 13.5 14.29 146.5 14.8 • 156.2 �-· :I I II • 14.22 156.4 16.1 · . • I . ' • 13.31 155.4 17.9 10 • ' 13.07 157.3 18.7 12.48 151.2 19.5 174.5 Winchester 180gr. Partition Gold JHP 16. 17.244 155.94 LOAD# S357P 17.04 173.2 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 11 LOT# ME91 17.394 1 55.94 LOAD 11 LOAD 11 V= 1081 17.154 156.14 (FRONTAL VIEW) (SIDE VIEW) (LEGEND) 1 NO EXPANSION 2 SLIGHT EXPANSI Spring 200/ Spring 200/ 24 Volume 5, Issue 1 Volume 5, Issue 1 25 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW .357 Magnum HP Testing PSEt:oo - Exit \\'ounds JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Discussion however, is the protrusion of all six leaves of the pro In 1988, when Fackler reported tests of four truding copper jacket. These leaves remain standing PSEUDO-EXIT WOUNDS FROM A BUL 158 grain .357 Magnum softpoint bullets, bul let test out almost at right angles to the long axis of the bu I let ing was done infrequently. With standardization of where their sharp edges will be likely to have a cut ting effect on the body tissues penetrated. Any bullet LET PATH CROSSING A SKIN CREASE l 0% ordnance gelatin, shot at a block temperature of 4° C against living muscle, and calibration of each whose expanded jacket has such a cutting mechanism Martin L. Fackler, MD is far more efficient than one that relies on the tissue block of gelatin with a BB shot at near 590 ft!sec Abstract that such bullet paths occur from time to time. As will (measurement of the BB's penetration depth at 8.5± crush mechanism of most expanded bullets that strike be shown in the cases presented here, there is a large tissue with a blunt surface of soft lead. One caution lcm verifies that the gelatin has been made correctly), PURPOSE: To clarify confusion caused by bul potential for misinterpretation when such paths do oc- regarding the penetration depths given fo r this bu llet: we now have methods fo r scientifically valid com let paths that cross skin creases in cur. parison of various bullets by various investigators. the estimated penetration depths given in Table 1 are the body causing holes that can be The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the Using the same standard and methods to reproduce less than that bullet will penetrate in the body or in confused with exitwounds mechanism by which pseudo-exit wounds frombul lets results is the essence of the scientificmethod. gelatin. The penetration model assumes a round circle crossing skin creases can occur so that future investiga Report of two cases with a diagram Using gelatin fo r bullet testing, however, is fo r the expanded bullet. As shown from the spread of METHOD: tors might think of this possibility when confronted of the bullet path in each case expensive in raw materials and manpower. The use of the bullet jacket leaves (and the spaces between the with confusing exit wounds. water to test bullets has the great advantage of con leaves) in Figure 9, however, the area impacted by the RESULTS: Considering the mechanism of the venience and being inexpensive. Results obtained expanded Winchester bullet is considerably less than pseudo-exit and placing the body Method from shots into water are close enough to those ob that assumed in the model. part in the position needed to repro CASE ONE tained from shots into gelatin fo r most practical pur duce the pseudo-exit should prevent A woman with a large butcher knife in her poses. And anybody with much experience testing Conclusions misinterpretation of these unusual hand charged the police. The police opened fire with bullets in gelatin can look at of expansion of a recov It appears that the overall performance of .357 bullet wounds their handguns. The woman was struck by ten bullets Magnum expanding bullets has improved since test ered bullet and give a reasonable estimate of the depth The pseudo-exit mechanism, once its and died as a result. A lawsuit was brought against the ing of this bullet reported in 1988.1 This is to be ex CONCLUSION: to which that bullet would penetrate in well prepared mechanism is explained, should clar police alleging they shot the woman while she was ly pected since bullet testing has increased considerably 10% ordnance gelatin shot at 4° C. Those inexperi ify and verify the body position ing fa ce down and was no longer a threat. The basis for since reliable and valid testing procedures were de enced in bullet testing in gelatin can consult the when the shot was fired this allegation was the path of one of the bullets in her MacPherson model3 for an estimate, as was done in veloped in the 1980s. Most manufacturers now recog body. It struck her in the upper left partof her back and nize that their bullets will be tested, and react by pro this study (recognizing that this model is intended This paper reports two cases of unusual bullet traveled upward and to the left. The "exit" wound re only fo r expanded bullets that stay in one piece). ducing better bullets. Sadly, however, some manufac paths, which resulted in misinterpretations of shooting ported on the autopsy report wound was at the top of Only two of the bullets tested, the Federal turers persist in selling substandard bullets. But most incidents. In each case the bullet path crossed a skin her shoulder but on the most lateral surface of the manufacturers, to the advantage of those whose I ives ,1 30-grain Hydra-Shok (bullet 5), and the Federal 158 crease, which .caused a IL"______...L.,_---:======-� grain Hydra-Shok (bullet 8) fe ll well below accept can depend on good bullet performance, have used pseudo-exit. In both cases, able standards of adequate and consistent expansion. the recently available reliable bullet testing tech plaintiffs lawyers misinter Readers should consult the editorial note, "Special niques to help them develop bullets that surpass bu llet preted the physical evidence Comment Regarding the Use of Hydra-Shok Ammu performance of the past. to support their allegations of nition, by Fackler (Wound Ballistics Review 1994; police misconduct. In both I [4]:38), in which he cautioned Law Enforcement cases, when the bullet paths about Hydra-Shok ammunition. The results of the References were interpreted according to testing reported here strongly support Fackler's mis I. Fackler, ML. Handgun Bullet Performance. Int Def Rev the objective physical evi givings about Hydra-Shok ammunition. 1988;21 (5):555-557. dence the allegations of po 2. Jones, RL. Water Testing .38 Special +P Hollow Points. Wound lice misconduct were dis The most impressive of the bullets tested was Ballistics Review I997;3(l):I3-167. proved the Winchester 180 grain "Partition Gold" (bullet 11 3. MacPherson, D. Bullet Penetration - Modeling the Dynami�:s . - see Figs. 9, 1 0). The Winchester bullet not only and Incapacitation Resulting fr om Wound Trauma 1994:252- I am unaware of any produced the largest expansion of those tested, but it 253. previous reports describing 4. Jones, RL. Testing .308 Automatic Hollow Point Bullets in Wa bullet paths crossing skin was consistent (the difference between its most and ter. Wound Ballistics Review, 1997;3(2):39-42. the least expanded bullet diameters was only 1.24 creases and producing FIGURE 1 - This photo, taken at the autopsy of case one, shows the oblong mm). The most impressive point about this bul let, pseudo-exits. Neither have I pseudo-exit wound at the most lateral partof the left shoulder. The long axis of seen the subject discussed in the wound is only about thirty degrees from being parallel to the skin crease that any textbooks, nor heard it develops at the top border of the deltoid muscle when the arm is lifted so that the presented orally. It is obvious arm is pointing almost straight up. Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 Sp ring 2001 26 Volume 5, Issue 1 27 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW PSEUDO- Exit Wounds PSEUDO- Exit \V ounds I JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION shoulder (Fig. 1 ). The bullet was found under the skin of her shoulder would have had to be pressed them entered the palm. Since the recovered revolver Discussion near the front edgeof the "exit" wound. against a hard surface; and the only surface had no damage to its grip area consistent with being That a bullet path crossing a skin crease can It is well known that if a bullet path, especially available was the one on which she had been struck by a bullet, they reasoned that the criminal could cause a pseudo-exit, yet remain in the body, is undeni one traveling within 30° of parallel to the surface of the standing. Trying the necessary position shows not have been gripping the handgun when shot. able. The mechanism, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, is skin, strikes a hard, nonyielding surface as it exits the it to be a highly-unusual one: it would have The diagram shown in Figure 3 illustrates the easy to understand. Once one thinks of the pseudo skin, it can ricochet off the surface and reenter the required her to balance on the point of her left bullet path in relation to the skin and the bones of the exit, verifying that it is a possibility is simple: one has body through the same hole it made as an exit. This shoulder. finger and hand. The pertinent facts supporting that only to place the anatomic partin question in the posi happens most frequently in the torso, when a person is illustration are: tion to cause the skin crease (or creases as in case two). lying on his back on such a hard surface as a sidewalk, The physical evidence, however, was entirely con It is a mystery to me why I have never read with the skin tightly pressed tightly against the surface sistent with her bending fo rward at the waist while • The bullet's entry hole in the top of the finger one word anywhere describing the pseudo-exit mecha by the weight of the body. The bullet is then often re having her left ann extended above her head at the was round. This shows that the bullet path was nism related to skin creases. Yes, bullet paths crossing covered fr om the body. The bullet, in such cases, will time the shot struck. Figure 2 depicts the bullet path predominantly perpendicular to the long axis skin creases are unusual. But so are ricochets back into have a flattened or scraped area caused by striking the crossing the skin crease on the top of the shoulder of the middle bone of the finger. the body from a hard surface at what would have been hard surface. which is fa nned when the ann is elevated high above an exit. Yet the ricochet mechanism always, seems to The plaintiffs theory of this case attempted to the head. Such a position is easily consistent with wit • The bullet fractured the knuckle joint, then pop into the mind of those tryingto figure out shooting apply the above scenario. It postulated that the area of ness accounts of the incident, which had her gyrating passed essentially parallel to the surface of the incidents, whereas the skin crease cause apparently the combined exit and reentry wound was flat against wildly, with both arms swinging in various positions, palm to end up in the wrist. This bullet path es rarely does. the surface on which the deceased had been standing including extended upward intermittently. tablishes that there was not much angulation of when the shooting began. If that were true, it would the knuckle joint - have shown her to be in a position nonthreatening to this is consistent the police When that shot was made. The physical evi CASE TWO with gripping a dence., however, revealed two major conflicts with the A criminal, known to have a revolver in his handgun (remem plaintiffs theory: left hand, was being chased on fo ot by two police offi bering that the fin cers. He slowed, turned clockwise somewhat, and ger in question is • The recoyered bullet had no scraped or flat pointed the handgun rearward at the pursuing officers. the ring finger). tened area. He did this by placing his left ann across the front of his torso, which placed his lefthand and gun along the • Note that the path right side of his torso, beneath his right annpit. • The body position required of the deceased of the bullet stays could not have been lying face down. The top The pursuing officers saw the barrel of the in the soft tissue of handgun pointing at them, and, quite logically, the finger and interpreted this as a deadly threat. Each of the of MECHANISM OF APPARENT EXIT FROM A SKIN CREASE comes across two ficers fired: the criminal was struck fo ur times and FIGURE 3 - This diagram shows the position of the fi nger at the time the bullet skin creases but passed through it. Note the bullet passea acrosslwo skin creases: the fi rst crease died as a result of the shots. does not exit and One of the shots struck the criminal in his was at the proximal interphalangeal joint; the second crease was just distal to the reenter through the left ring finger. The bullet traveled up the finger, metacarpal-phalangeal joint -where the skin of the finger meets that of the palm. two pseudo-exit through his left hand, and came to rest in his left wounds it makes in crossing the skin creases. wrist. This bullet entered the dorsal (top) surface To exit one and enter the other, the bullet of the finger, just distal to the joint nearest to the Conclusion -�-...... :Gl�----- would have to make a U-turnin the air. palm, making a round hole. It then produced a ·.. Perhaps the mechanism of the pseudo-exit be BULLET PATH hole in the skin of the finger on its palmar surface I • Since the bullet did not leave the finger, it ing caused by a bullet path crossing a skin crease is in �------�BULLET at the level of the joint nearest to the palm. It pro could not have struck the grip of the handgun. the category of things that are easy to overlook but are duced another hole a the junction of the base of SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE, FAT, MUSCLE, ETC. also very easy to understand once they are explained. the finger and the palm. The bullet then fractured We are always surprised when presented with such a the joint connecting the finger to the hand Results simple mechanism, and perhaps a bit embarrassed, that (knuckle), and proceeded through the soft-tissue we did not think of it ourselves. It is likely, however The Figures and figure legends illustrate and of the hand to come to rest in the leftwrist. that this surprise or embarrassment will embe9 the explain how bullet paths crossing skin creases caused The fi nger-hand shot was interpreted by mechanism in our minds so we will never overlook it FIGURE 2 -This diagram shows the mechanical principle of pseudo-exits in both of the described cases. the plaintiffs as showing that the criminal did not again. how a bullet path can cause a pseudo-exit by passing across a have a handgun in his left hand when shot. They skin crease. assumed that the bullet came out of the finger and Sp ring 200/ Volume 5, Issue 1 Spring 2001 28 Volume 5, Issue 1 29 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Personal Defense \Veapons WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Pcrsomll Defense \\'capo ns JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Although FN's P90 was originally presented as a POW, NATO M4 and M4Al carbines, in part because their PERSONAL DEFENSE WEAPONS - it fa iled to succeed as such and now is being marketed pistol caliber submachine guns did not achieve the de- as a submachine gun, along with the Five-Seven pistol. sired terminal effects. The M4 and M4A 1 carbines are CDS offers both pistols and submachine guns cham- essentially versions of the M16A2 with shorter (14Y2 ANSWER IN SEARCH OF A QUESTION? bered in .224 BOZ, although the cartridge's perform- inch) barrels and collapsible buttstocks. While the ance level is equal to other POW cartridges. All car- terminal ballistics of the M855 (SS 1 09) bullet are Charles M. Hayes tridges meet or exceed the CRISAT target defeat crite- equivalent to those of the M193, which fragments Personal defense weapons (POW) are a current standard NATO gelatin should have been specified. ria, according to manufacturer's literature. shortly after entering tissue at velocities above ap- small arms "hot button." The British Ministry of De As matters now stand, it would appear that the primary Historically, PDWs have not achieved a great proximately 760 m/s (2500 f/ s) 2 and causes a rela- fe nse recently became the first nation to formally so POW consideration is the ability of the round to pene degree of success on the battlefield, despite having tively large permanent wound cavity, anecdotal evi- licit for statements of interest from prospective con trate the specified armor target with little emphasis on been produced in prodigious numbers. The first POW dence is beginning to emerge that both the M855 and tractors to produce some 15,000 PDWs for the British its performance thereafter. This is a potentially fa tal to be designed as such from the outset, the American the M193 may suffer degraded wounding effects when military. If the decision is taken to actually purchase shortcoming, because what applies to armor penetra M-1 Carbine, was produced in larger quantities than fired from short barreled carbines. In the definitive PDWs, the British military will begin receiving its first tion, the component of terminal ballistics that engi any American small arm of World War II. Although account of the October ) 993 Battle of Mogadishu, deliveries of the weapons in 2003, with fo llow-on de neers understand, does not necessarily apply in a hu the carbine was not called a POW, the 1940 American Black Ha wk Down, it is noted that the Delta Force and liveries in 2004 and 2005. Although the US military man body. There has been a great deal of research in design criteria were in almost perfect congruence with Ranger soldiers would shoot Somali militiamen repeat- has yet to publish a solicitation, a POW requirement wound ballistics, coupled with the historical experience NATO's of the 1990s. In its fo lding stock configura- edly using their M4 carbines loaded with M855 exists. of numerous wars that prove the inefficiency of small tion, the Carbine comes very close to meeting the cur- (SS 1 09) cartridges with little immediate result. The Specifics of the POW concept are still evolv high velocity projectiles as wounding mechanisms. rent CRISAT POW size and weight criteria. Despite fo llowing quote relating to the actions of one of the ing, although NATO has a few distinct POW criteria. If the NATO criteria are accepted as the defini the fa ct that the Carbine was produced in huge num- Delta Force sergeants is typical. "When the Sammies Some manufacturers offer pistol caliber compact sub tion of a POW, several fa cts are obvious. Submachine bers and was used in its M-2 select fire version through were close enough, he could see when he hit them. machine guns, calling them PDWs. We submit that guns as a class of weapon are eliminated, as are pistols the Vietnam era, the Carbine was not a battlefield sue- Their shirts would lift up at the point of impact, as if NO pistol caliber weapon can be a true PDW, for rea of all types. With rare exception, no pistol caliber car cess. Although it was originally intended for use by someone had pinched and plucked up the fa bric. But sons that we shall presently see. The present concept tridge meets the CRISAT armor-piercing criterion. rear echelon soldiers or those whose duties required the with the green tip round it was like sticking somebody of the POW grew out of NATO's Collaborative Re Some form of optical sight is also virtually mandated, free use of their hands, and to replace pistols fo r many ·with an ice pick. The bullet made a small, clean hole, offi cers, the Carbine inevitably found its way into for- and unless it happened to hit the heart or spine, it was- search into Small Arms Technology (CRISAT), which as achieving a proper sight picture and alignment with 3 in the early 1990's defined threebasic classes of infan a short weapon such as a POW is not only slow, but ward areas due to its light weight and handiness. It did n't enough to stop a man in his tracks." Neither the not perform well in combat due to the ballistics of the M855 nor the older M 193 bullet fragment at velocities try weapons. These are the individual combat weapon also detracts from accuracy. It is doubtful that any 4 for troops whose mission is offensive combat, the sup POW with open sights as standard will achieve CRI cartridge it fired. The most definitive assessment of below about 760 m/s (2500 f/ s). This equates to ap- port weapon for providing effective fire out to 1,000 SAT's accuracy criteria. The POW will also have a the battlefield performance of the Carbine was con- proximately 200 meters using ammunition in rifles meters and the personal defense weapon. The US short barrel, probably under 254 mm (10 inches). tained in General S.L.A. Marshall's in-depth study of with 20 inch barrels. Testing of SS 109 bullets in the small arms master plan essentially mirrors CRISAT's. What is not eliminated is a weapon of submachine gun small arms in combat, Infantry Operations and Weap- reference cited at Footnote 3 produced wound results Thus far, the only active weapons programs that fa ll size firing a cartridge whose ballistics exceed those of ons Us age In Korea, Winter of 1950-51. The Carbine similar to those of the M 193 when the round is fired within these categories are the US Army's questionable pistol cartridges. Most true PDWs that have thus far was fo und deficient by most combat soldiers and Ma- from a 20 inch barrel. The engagements in Mogadishu Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) and appeared are in the submachine gun size regime, but all rines of the time due to its lack of "stopping power." were at ranges of less than 100 meters. The lack of Objective Crew Served Weapon (OCSW). fire cartridges of a new class. These essentially are In the words of one Marine officer, " ...the main reason M855 performance was possibly attributable to the CRISAT defines a POW as one which weighs assault rifle caliber bullets fired at reduced velocities of my men lost confidence in the carbine was because bullets being firing from M4 carbines with 14 Y2 inch less than 1.5 kg (3.3 lb.), can be stowed easily, can be 650 - 750 meters per second (m/s) as opposed to as they would put a bullet right in a Chink's chest at 25 barrels. 5 The velocities would have been insufficient carriedhands-free, can rapidly acquire and engage tar sault riflevelocities of 900 m/s and higher. At the time yards range, and he wouldn't stop. This happened to to cause bullet fragmentation at typical combat ranges, gets, and has a hit probability (PH) of 0.9 at 50 meters of this writing, three POW cartridges are available: the me. The bullet struck home; the man simply winced as the M855's muzzle velocity from a 14Y2 inch bar- and a PH of 0.5 at 100 meters. The POW must also be 4.6x30 mm offered by Heckler & Koch and Radway and kept on coming. There were about half a dozen of reled carbine is approximately equivalent to the bullet's able to defeat the CRISAT body armor target that rep Green, the 5.7x28 mm offered by FN Herstal and the my men ...who swore they had fired three or fo ur times, velocity at 150 yards when fired from a 20 inch bar- 1 reled rifle. At 50 yards from the muzzle, therefore. the licates Russian body armor - a 1.2 mm titanium plate .224 BOZ offered by Civil Defence Supply (CDS) hit the man every time, and still not stopped him." foregoing comments regarding the Carbine were and 24 layers of aramid fiber at 100 meters. The re (UK). SAAB Bofors Dynamics recently showed a The M855's velocity would have dropped to the point not uncommon among combat soldiers. With the de- where it very likely would be insufficient to cause bul- quirement left several criteria unstated, e.g. the length proposed POW firing a cartridge designated the 6.5 mise of the Carbine in the US Military service, the let breakup upon hitting the target. It should be of target engagement and the environmental condi CBJ, but SAAB Bofors officials now state that they tions. The most serious omission, however, is target have ceased development of the weapon and its am POW concept lay dormant until resurrected by NATO stressed that anecdotal data such as this cannot be con- sidered to be definitive. However, the fa ct that highly incapacitation criteria once the armor target is de munition. Of the three existing POW cartridges, only in the 1990s. ·tr fe ated. If nothing else, a specified penetration into FN's 5.7x28 mm has achieved NATO standardization. In the mid 1990s, US special operations began ained elite soldiers fo und their weapons less than sat- replacing their submachine guns with 5.56 mm caliber isfa ctory in combat should be cause for an examination Sp ring 2001 Volume Issue 30 5, 1 Sp ring 20°1 Volume 5, Issue 1 31 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Personal Defense \\'eapons Personal Defense \\ 'capons JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUNDBALLIS TICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION of the terminal ballistics of the M855 (SS 1 09) fired combat ranges of up to 100 meters, the ballistics of all 1,000 m/s (3280 f/ s) or higher. This is far greater than certainly will be similar to the other two POW rounds. fr om the M4 Carbine at various ranges. Recent testing POW cartridges are completely overshadowed by both even the muzzle velocities of any POW bullet under In testing, M 193 bullets fired at velocities similar to of short barreled 5. 56 mm NATO carbines in the 5.56x45 mm rounds. In terms of actual energy, the .30 discussion. Temporary stretch can also be a factor if those of the .224 BOZ have proven to perform in pre United States has confirmed that penetration of M855 Carbine cartridge, which fa iled to deliver satisfactory pulpy organs such as the liver are hit. However, ac cisely such a manner as the other POW cartridges un bullets in ten percent ordnance gelatin was greater than terminal ballistics in both World War II and Korea also cording to data from the manufacturers of both the der discussion. The actual permanent wound cavity for from a rifle because reduced velocities resulted in fail exceeds all POW cartridges at ranges typically encoun 4.6x30 mm and the 5.7x28 mm cartridges, neither POW bullets is thus restricted to the bullet diameter for ure of the bullet to fragment, producing deeper penetra tered on the battlefield. achieves sufficient penetration at 50 meters' range to most of its path, with a short section in the mid portion tion and a smaller permanent wound channel. 6 We Although we have used energy levels of POW reliably ensure damage to critical organs. Both of the path enlarged to a somewhat larger permanent mention the terminal ballistics of the current 5.56 mm cartridges as a measure of comparison, the actual 5.56x45 mm rifle bullets cause relatively large perma cavity whose diameter is approximately equal to the wound effective nent wound cavities at velocities of approximately 800 length of the bullet. Penetration data fo r POW car ness of bullets in m/s (2650 f/ s) and above due to bullet fragmentation tridges and both 5.56x45 mm rounds are contained in this class usually after penetration. This equates to approximately 200 Table 2. The overall lethality of POW cartridges is Table Comparative Ballistics of POW and Other Cartridges 1. depends not upon meters' distance when the bullet is fired from a stan- thus substantially less than standard military 5.56x45 Cartridge MV, m/s ME, J V50, E50, J V1 00, E100, J m/s m/s energy transfer or dard rifle whose barrel is approxi .30 Carbine 601 1292 568 1151 536 1023 temporary wound mately 508 mm in length. Both the 5.7x28 mm 715 515 620 389 535 288 M 193 and SS 109 bullets typically Table 4.6x30 mm 725 425 651 344 583 276 cavity, buy upon 2. fragment after having penetrated Comparative Penetration In Unprotected .224 BOZ 640 729 582 604 539 519 tissue destruction approximately 12 em of tissue, typi Ballistic Gelatin, Meters 5.56x45 mm, 883 1793 845 1645 807 1504 accomplished by 50 SS109/M855 the bullet as it cally causing permanent wound Cartridge Penetration (508 mm barrel) passes through the cavities some 13 em diameter and 5.7x28 mm 23 em 5.56x45 mm, 929 1749 874 1552 820 1372 medium. Tempo- 15 em length. 8 4.6x30 mm 28 em M193 According to manufac rary wound cavity .224 BOZ n/a (508 mm barrel) as a disabling turer's data, neither the 5. 7x28 mm 5.56x45 mm, SS109 34 em 5.56x45 mm, 777 1213 741 1104 706 1003 mechanism is pe nor the 4.6x30 mm bullets fragment 5.56x45mm, M193 36 em SS1 09/M855 culiar only to car or expand. The data regarding the Note: Both 5.56x45 mm rounds fragment after penetrating about 12 em at velocities (203 mm barrel) tridges of the 5.7x28 mm state that the bullet above -760 m/s, causing a large permanent wound cavity (See text) NOTE: Energy levels are included fo r comparison purposes only, as they are not "tup1bles" in tissue, but this is mis a part of the wounding/disabling mechanism. 7.6 2x5 1 mm class leading because the SS 190 bullet and has been well mm rounds. It should be noted that the terminal ballis established in the behaves in a fa shion that is typical for high-velocity, tics of the 5.56x45 mm round, although far better than NATO cartridge because it is the baseline against wound ballistics literature. The fo rmulation of tempo- non-deforming, pointed projectiles whose length to those of any POW cartridge, degrade as barrel length which we shall compare POW cartridges. diameter ratio is high. Such bullets typically yaw rary wound cavity involves issues that transcend the decreases. Once velocity of the 5.56 mm bullets of The ballistics of all of three current POW car- through 90 degrees after having penetrated a short dis scope of this article, but a list of references is provided either type fa lls below the threshold for fragmentation tridges are contained in Table 1, along with that of the tance and then turn to a base forward position. This at the end fo r those who might wish to pursue the sub- in tissue, approximately 800 m/s, their wound ballistics .30 Carbine cartridge and both versions of the 5. 56x45 turn typically occurs over a distance of no more than ject in greater detail. are essentially the same as the POW bullets under dis- mm. The energy levels (used herein only as a measure Tissue disruption is determined in part by bul- 1 0 to 15 centimeters and the bullet then continues base cussion. of comparison) of both the 5.7x28 mm and 4.6x30 mm let mass and striking velocity. These two factors estab- fo rward fo r the remainder of its path without yawing. We believe that cartridges in the class cur cartridges are on a par with those of military ball 9x 19 lish the limits on a given bullet's wounding potential. The turning phenomenon is caused by the bullet's de rently under discussion fo r use in POWs are marginal mm, although the military standard 9x19 mm will not stabilizing in tissue. Spin stabilizes a bullet in a "point A third fa ctor is bullet design. Bullet shape and con- fo r military use due to their wound ballistic patterns the CRISAT target penetration requirement, fo rward" attitude while it is in flight, but its natural meet struction determine how much of the wounding paten- and that weapons in any of these calibers are limited by while both the 5.7x28 mm and 4.6x30 mm cartridges tial is actually put to use.7 Thus, to reliably disable a stable state is base fo rward, hence the rotation to that their ammunition, even at close quarters battle (CQB) . The third POW cartridge, the .224 BOZ, is the position as the bullet penetrates tissue (spin rates that will human target, a bullet of the POW class must penetrate ranges. Ideally, a military small arms cartridge should actually exceeds the energy stabilize bullets in air do not stabilize them in tissue). only POW cartridge that deep enough to reach vital organs and cause as large a have a high probability of, first, incapacitating an en military 9 mm NATO ammunition, levels of standard permanent wound cavity as possible. Temporary Bullets do not "tumble" end over end. The perform emy soldier to the extent that he immediately ceases CRISAT target penetration re- ance of the 4.6x30 mm is similar, although the smaller while also meeting the wound cavity is no more than a stretching of elastic whatever activity in which he is engaged and, second, note that the .224 BOZ fires a quirement. We should tissues for a fe w milliseconds, and elastic tissue is set- bullet achieves slightly greater penetration in gelatin requiring his evacuation fo r medical care before he can 193 bullet in its ball version, but at veloci- before coming to rest in a base fo rward position. There standard M dom damaged severely by temporary stretching caused return to combat. Studies of wound ballistics have on. All three ties too low to cause bullet fragmentati by bullets of this size and velocity. Again, temporary are no direct penetration data available fo r the .224 time and again proven that cartridges of the 5.7x28 mm tracer and other cartridge varie- POW cartridges have cavity can be a factor with high velocity rifle bullets, BOZ. However, given that the .224 BOZ ballistics are and 4.6x30 mm class are ill suited fo r military use be ball version fo r each ties, but we will use the standard but not with bullets such as those fired by POWs, below the velocity threshold fo r M 193 bullet fragmen cause they do not meet these criteria. Only under ideal in this article. The reader will note that at meaningful unless they are traveling at velocities of approximately tation in tissue, its wound ballistics potential almost Spring 1001 Volume 5, Issue Spring 100J 32 Volume 5, Issue 1 1 33 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW Personal Defense \\'ca pons Personal l>cfcnsc \\ 'capons JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Again, although both cartridges meet the Our discussion thus far does not address am NATO cartridge fired from short-barreled compact NATO specification, neither is sufficiently le munition logistics, which the addition of a new car carbines are themselves marginal, they are ballistically thal for military use. Indeed, independent test tridge would assuredly complicate. There are already superior to any of the new PDW cartridges. For exam ing of the wounding potential of the 5.7x28 fo ur standard NATO small arms cartridges - 5.56x45 ple, the muzzle velocity of the SS 109 round from an mm round by the Royal Canadian Mounted mm, 7.62x5 1 mm, 12.7x99 mm and 9x19 mm. None M 16-derived compact carbine with a barrel length of Police (RCMP) Forensics Laboratory fired of the proposed PDW cartridges meets any established 203 mm is 777 rnls with 1213 Joules energy. At 50 from a P90 submachine gun at ranges of 3 FN NATO criteria, save the 5.7x28 mm SS190, and no meters, the velocity falls to 741 rnls with 1104 Joules meters and 25 meters fo und that the SS 190 nation has standardized weapons in that caliber in any of energy. At 100 meters, velocity is 706 rnls with 5.7x28 mm ball round, 11 .. .lacks sufficient pene significant numbers. Several NATO nations also util 1003 Joules of energy. Energy levels, again, are pro tration and has a limited wounding poten ize other small arms ammunition in addition to the four vided for comparison purposes only, as they do not tial.. ..1 1 10 The same reference went on to con standards. For example, all United States special op form part of the incapacitation formula. A direct com clude that, based on the ordnance gelatin erations forces continue to use .45 ACP pistols because parison of these figures may be found at Table 1. wound fissures resulting from the tests, that the they were dissatisfied with the 11 SS 190 bullet was, ...probab ly not as effective terminal ballistics of the 9x 19 mm as many hollow point handgun ammunitions, bullets. Several nations now use except in its ability to defeat soft body ar .338 Lapua Magnum anti-material mor.1111 We cannot comment on the overall FN HERSTAL 5.7x28mm P90® submachine gun rifles to bridge the gap between And Five-seveN® pistol ballistics of the .224 BOZ because test data 7.62x5 1 mm and 12.7x99 mm. were not available at the time of this writing, To further complicate matters, the conditions does the bullet from either cartridge achieve but given available ballistic data regarding its M 193 4.6x30 mm, .224 BOZ and 5.7x28 sufficient penetration to reach vital organs, and even bullet, we expect that this cartridge's terminal ballistics mm ammunition families all con then, the permanent wound cavity volume of both is will be only marginally improved at best over those tain several varieties of cartridge. inadequate. At a range of 50 meters, both the 4.6 mm just discussed. As mentioned previously, it has been While the logistics of adding any and 5.7 mm bullets achieve a depth of penetration of shown time and again in laboratory experiments and in of these new cartridges are not 28 em and 23 em, respectively in bare 20 % ordnance the real world of the battlefieldthat bullets in the PDW insurmountable, there is no guar gelatin. This is barely adequate, but acceptable. The class are not reliable producers of disabling wounds, antee that all NATO nations will temporary wound cavity of both is insignificant from a regardless of their ability to penetrate armor targets. adopt a PDW in any one of these wound ballistics standpoint. A 5.56x45 mm bullet, Unfortunately, we did not have CRISAT armor target chamberings. Conceivably, all either M193 or SS109, fired from a rifle at the same performance data fo r either the M193 or SS109 - =- POW cartridges could eventually distance will fragment a fter approxi- .------L--=------= --== wind up in NATO inventory un mately 12 em of penetration, creating der worst-case conditions of dif a permanent wound cavity of about 6 fe rent nations adopting diffe rent em diameter.9 POWs in various calibers. Although both POW bullets In conclusion, we do not will penetrate NATO's CRISAT ar believe that any PDW should be mor target at 50 meters, their residual adopted in a caliber whose termi velocity after having done so is so nal ballistic performance is less lacking that they achieve only than that of 5.56 mm NATO. approximately 15 em (5.9 inches) of Even that cartridge is marginal in penetration in 20 per cent ordnance its present SS 1 09/M855 configu gelatin, insufficient to assure a dis ration when fired at the velocities abling wound. At 100 meters, both inherent in short-barreled weap bullets again defeat the CRISA T tar 4.64x30mm 5.7x28mm 0.22BOZ 5.56x45mm ons because its velocity even at get, but the depth of penetration and M2 CORP M16C 5.56x45mm Carbine the muzzle is below the threshold for fragmentation in Given the foregoing, we cannot but conclude that a concomitant permanent wound cavity 5.56x45 mm cartridges, but ballistics of these the tissue. There are many 5.56 mm NATO compact car military or law enforcement organization that adopts is even less than at 50 meters. The SS 190 bullet pene rounds are such that either would prove ballistically far bines (carbines whose overall size place them in the weapons chambered for any of the newly proposed trates only about 7 em (2.7 inches) at this range after superior to any PDW cartridge at any range. submachine gun or smaller size regime) that generally PDW cartridges does so at the peril of the personnel having defeated the CRISA T target, although the meet NATO's PDW criteria. Examples of these are who will ultimately have to use them against hostile 4.6x30 mm achieves nearly 15 em of penetration. forces. Heckler & Koch's G36C and Military Manufacturing's Ml6SP. Even though the ballistics of the 5.56 mm Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 Spring 20°1 34 Volume 5, Issue 1 35 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW I J>rrsonal Defense \\'capons What's Wrong, and Why JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION EDITORIAL NOTE We are printing "Personal Defense Weapons - Answer in Search of a Question?" using a pseudonym for the author's WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WOUND name. We are doing this to protect him from recriminations from the periodical to which this article was originally submitted - only to be rejected. The article had been, in fact, invited by the editor of the periodical that then rejected it. The editor paid the author fo r the article as he rejected it. The editor admitted that his reason for rejecting the invited article was that it would be likely to up BALLISTICS LITERATURE, AND WHY set the producers of the Personal Defense Weapons - who advertise in the periodical in question. So much for honesty and in tegrity in publishing. M. L. Fackler, M.D. This article brings up a subject that needs explanation. It mentions testing bullets in • standard NATO gelatin." Unfortu Letterman Army Institute of Research Probably no scientific field contains more mis nately, although commonly used, "standard" does not accurately describe the 20% gelatin mix specified by NATO. I can find no Division of Military Trauma Research information than wound ballistics. In a 1980 Journal of evidence that their 20 % gelatin mix was ever "standardized" by comparing its characteristics to any "standard." On the other Presidio of San Francisco, California 94219 Trauma editorial entitled "The Idolatry of Velocity, or hand, 10% ordnance gelatin, shot at a block temperature of 4° C (after being calibrated with a BB shot at 590 f/s that must pene Lies, Damn Lies, and Ballistics," Lindsey identified trate 8.5 ± 1 em) was developed based on standardization tests comparing projectile penetration depths into it with those into liv Institute Report No. 239 ing muscle. many of the misconceptions and half-truths distorting July 1987 1 the literature • Despite his cogent revelations, the errors The 20% gelatin was used at a block temperature of 10° by the National Institute of Justice for their infamous Relative he attempted to rectify are still being repeated in the Incapacitation Index (RII). It has been used at 20° C by others, at 4° C by some, and yet by others who failed to specify its tem Preface <2 7l perature. Projectile penetration comparison tests have shown that the temperature at which a gelatin block is shot is as critical to literature • , often embellished with unproven as Th is In stitute Report was published, in shortened the penetration of the projectile as is the percent of gelatin in the mix. For example, a given projectile will penetrate to about twice sumption and uninformed speculation. The body of the depth in 20% gelatin shot at a block temperature of 20° Cas it will in a similar block whose temperature is 4°. fo rm, as an invited review article, uwound Ballistics: literature generated at the wound ballistics laboratory A Review of Common Misconceptions, " in the Jo ur Unfortunately, it took the death of two FBI agents in the "Miami Shootour of 1986 to demonstrate the critical importance of the Letterman Army Institute of Research over the 14 of bullet penetration depth. The agents were using bullets that lacked sufficient penetrating capacity, which were selected using nal of the American Medical Association issue of 13 past six years8- strongly supports the points made by the Rll -- which ignored the critical parameter of bullet penetration depth. Of course, bullet penetration depth can only be meas May 1988 (Vol 259, No. 18, pp. 2730-2 736). It was Professor Lindsey. The author of this paper has chosen ured accurately in a tissue simulant that has been calibrated to reproduce the same bullet penetration observed in living tissue. then chosen as one of the articles to be translated into to correct errors, as they appeared, with letters to jour The FBI Wound Ballistics Workshop of 1987 clearly defined the importance of bullet penetration. Shortly thereafter, the FBI 15 22 Japanese and was published in the Jo urnal of the nal editors ' , a time-consuming endeavor of ques adopted 10% gelatin shot at a block temperature of 4° C (after being calibrated with a BB shot at 590 f/s which must penetrate 8.5 American Medical Association's Japanese language ± 1 em) for their bullet testing. tionable effectiveness. This critical review calls atten edition(2 59[6j: 11 9-126; 1988). tion to the problem, corrects the most widespread and An additional benefit of the standardized 10% gelatin is that it costs only half as much to make asdoes the 20% solution, which requires twice the weight of gelatin per block. damaging misinterpretations, and lays the groundwork Abstract fo r improved research, understanding and clinical The academic community, law enforcement, and other serious researchers use the 10% at 4° gelatin standard, and cali treatment. brate each block of the gelatin to make sure it does, in fact, correspond to some "standard" that is backed by comparison testing Attempts to explain wound ballistics (the study Between and the study of gunshot against living animal tissue. They use the 10% 4° C standard because it is the only one that is defensible under scientific scrutiny. of effects on the body produced by penetrating projec 1875 1900, tiles) have- succeeded in mystifying it. Fallacious re effects had reached a high level of sophistication, Apparently NATO has never gotten around to bringing its gelatin preparation recipe up to date: the 10% 4°C standard 1 search by those with little grasp of the fundamentals thanks mainly to Theodor Kocher, whose work was the was published a decade and a half ago. The NATO recipe of 1980 specifies that the 20% gelatin should be shot at temperature of . . 23 27 epttome o f dsoun sctentt tc meth o d . - However, wt'th 10± 2° C. The penetration expected in gelatin made according to the NATO recipe is about 75 % of the valid distance measured I has been perpetuated by editors, reviewers, and other 'fi in calibrated 10% gelatin at 4° C which meets the afo rementioned BB shot calibration standard. But since the NATO recipe lists investigators with no better grasp of the subject. This the advent of the high-speed movie camera in the pre no calibration standard of any sort, users have no way of proving their gelatin meets . any "standard." There are several errors report explains the projectile-tissue interaction and pre sent century, emphasis in wound ballistics shifted from made commonly in preparing ordnance gelatin: the most common is heating it too much. Without shooting a BB into each block to sents data showing the location of tissue disrupted by sound scientific method to spectacular cinematogra verify its validity, the user has no way of knowing if his gelatin was made correctly. Or even if the gelatin was prepared correctly, various projectiles. These tissue disruption data are phy--a triumph of high technology over common without a calibration tech nique how could the user detect a change in the gelatin's characteristics due to some modification in the sense. Unfortunately, a sideshow mentality seized upon preparation of the gelatin powder by his supplier? The NATO gelatin testing technique, therefore, fails to meet the criteria re presented in the form of wound profiles. The major quired fo r scientific validity and should be rejected. Martin L. Fackler, MD misconceptions perpetuated in the field are listed, ana the technology of the twentieth century. Flamboyance References lyzed, and their errors exposed using wound profiles attracted more attention than sound science. Wound 7 Fackler, "Wounding Patterns of Military Rifle Bullets," p. and other known data. The more serious consequences ballistics research was reduced to taking movies of 63 shots into everything imaginable, and the fo cus of un 1 Marshall, S.L.A., Infantry Op erations and Weapons Us age of these misconceptions are discussed. Failure in ad 8 Ibid, pp. 61-62 derstanding narrowed to exclude every variable except in Ko rea, Win ter of 1950-51, Johns Hopkins University Op hering to the basic precepts of scientific method is the 9 1bid. erations Research Office, 1951 (US Marine Corps Reprint, common denominator in all of the listed misconcep projectile velocity. The exaggeration inherent in these 1'nahlstrom, Dean B; Powley, Kramer; and Pope, Gordon, 1989), P.70 tion s. methods so distorted the concept of temporary cavita 2 "Wound Profile of the 5.7x28mrn Cartridge (SS1 90) Fackler, Martin, "Wounding Patterns of Military Rifle Bul FN Gunshot wounds are a fact of life in our soci tion that, to some, it came to represent the entirety of Fired fromthe P90 Submachine Gun," Wo und Ballistic . . . . 28 29 lets," In ternational Defense Review, 111989, P.62 FN th e proJect!'l e-tt ssue mteract10n. · R are I y d oes th e Review, Spring 2000, p.2 1 ety. The common assumption is that military conflicts, 3 Bowden, Mark, Black Hawk Down, Penguin Books, New II viewer find a measuring scale included in reproduc Ibid, p.25 wound ballistics research, and a steady stream of daily 30 York:t999, P.208 tions of these dramatic cinematographic frames. Un experience in our larger cities have provided the 4 Fackler, Martin, loc.cit. knowledge and skill to assure uniform excellence in doubtedly, many readers have seen the Swedish film of 5 Fackler, Martin, Letter to the Author, 13 June 2000 an anesthetized pig being shot through the abdomen treatment of these injuries. Sadly, this assumption is 6 Tillman, Barrett, "Ballistic Realities: Barrel Length Bul & with an M-16 rifle that "made the rounds" about fifteen let Penetration, Guns Magazine, February 2001, p. 57. wrong. Sp ring 2001 Spring 2001 36 Volume 5, Issue 1 Volume 5, Issue 1 37 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW What's \V rong, and Why JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION years ago. No scale or any other item was included to location of tissue disruption, projectile mass, velocity, sient displacement of tissue, a stretch, a localized decrease was predicted by Kocher, whose work had provide size orientation. How large was the pig? Most construction, and shape (before and after the shot), as "blunt trauma." It is not surprising that elastic tissues taught him the importance of projectile deformation;26' would assume the animal to be in the 100- to 150-kg well as projectile deformation and projectile fragmen such as bowel wall, lung, and muscle are relatively 27 new smaller-caliber bullets did not deform upon range. It was actually a mini-pig, weighing about one tation pattern when applicable. The scale on each pro resistant to being damaged by this stretch, while solid striking tissue as did previous large caliber soft lead tenth that much. The exaggeration of effects so intro file permits quick determination of tissue disruption organs such as liver are not.9 Most of the muscle sub bullets (Fig 1 ). duced is obvious. dimension at any point along the penetration path fo r jected to temporary cavity stretch survives; tissue sur comparison with other profiles, other experimental re vival has been verified in every case in which muscle �� sults, or with measurements from actual wounds in a 712-NATO The Wound Profile - Understanding was allowed to remain in situ and healing was fo llowed ... ltlt i"l (IU ntlt) clinical setting or at autopsy. Wound profile data wil' ....• I51 4Jf(t71i911) FWC The Projectile-Tissue Interaction to comp et10n.4 3-48 be used to rectifythe fa llacies listed below. I ' A projectile crushes the tissue it strikes during Misinterpretation of the mechanism by which penetration, and it may impel the surrounding tissue the M-16 rifle causes tissue disruption perpetuated the outward (centrifugally) away from the missile path. Major Misconceptions fo regoing misconceptions. The M-16 (Fig 2) was in Tissue crush is responsible for what is commonly 1.) Idolatry of Velocity: troduced in Vietnam, and many compared the in- l2 1 ' · 5 called the permanent cavity and tissue stretch is re A widespread dogma claims that wound crease d tissue ' d'Isruptton . It' pro d uced - 4 49 0 wit' h t h at caused by "high-velocity" projectiles must be treate' sponsible fo r the so-called temporary cavity. These are caused by previous military rifles. In the Vietnam era, rto J. The a111tary 7 6l HATO bullet yavs alter 16 ca o( penetretion-- but re•1n.5 undeloraed;. t».n-.1 tl.Hue by extensive excision of tissue around the missiJ, d1arupt1on occurs at the po1.nt of 90 degree bullet yav the sole wounding mechanisms. In addition, a sonic the major role played by bullet fragmentation in tissue (penetration depth cHca 28 ca) rather than at the po1nt ot h.iQ'hUt bullet veloclty (tissue sur lace) pressure wave is generated by projectiles traveling path3440, whereas those caused by "low-velocity" mis disruption was not recognized.8 It is now appreciated12- fa ster than the speed of sound. In air this wave trails sites need little or no treatment.41•42 Two half-truth: 14 and documented (Fig 3) that bullet fragmentation is the projectile like the wake of a ship. The sonic boom nurture this error. The fi rst of these, "Cavitation is l the predominant reason underlying the M-16's in experienced after passage of a supersonic airplane is an ballistic phenomenon associated with very high veloc· creased tissue disruption. Despite this recent evidence, 2.) Exaggeration of Temporary Cavity Size, Pres 7 example of a sonic pressure wave. This pressure wave ity missiles" , is easily disproved. The wound profile ir a generation of surgeons and weapon deve1opers28 has sure, and Effect: Fig I shows a very substantial temporary cavity pro· travels at the speed of sound in the medium through been confused and prejudiced by the assumption that In 1971, Amato et a! 53 wrote that the tempo which it passes, and sound travels fo ur times as fast duced by a "low-velocity" bullet. This bullet, fi rec "high velocity" and "temporary cavitation" were the rary cavity "can approximate 30 times the size of the through tissue as it does through air. Thus the sonic from the Vetterli rifleat 1357 ft/s (4 14 m/s), has ballis sole causes of tissue disruption . missile." They showed the temporary cavity caused by wave precedes the projectile in tissue. Contrary to tic characeristics typical of those used by military a 0.25-in. (6.4-mm) steel sphere shot at 3,000 ft/s (9 14 popular opinion3'30, this wave does not move or injure fo rces in the latter half of the nineteenth century. It is m/s) through the hind leg of an anesthetized dog. Al tissue. Harvey's exhaustive experiments during WW II the same bullet used by Theodor Kocher fo r most of though no scale was included on the high-speed roent 7 showed clearly the benignity of the sonic pressure his wound ballistics studies.23'2 It is obvious from this genograms, the reader can use dividers to determine wave3 1• The lithotripter, a recent invention that uses wound profile that temporary cavitation is not, as the sphere diameter and will find that the largest tem this sonic pressure wave to break up kidney stones, popularly believed, a modem phenomenon associated porary cavity shown is 11 sphere diameters--not 30 generates a wave five times the amplitude of the one exclusively with projectiles of "high velocity." diameters. Wound profile data obtained in our labora fr om a penetrating small arms projectile. Up to 2,000 tory gave comparable results; a 6-mm steel sphere at of these waves are used in a single treatment session, slightly over 1000 m/s produced a maximum tempo VETI'ERI.It::::z:.ID4 mm LAN '*'I I:J57 Va (414 ml•) rary cavity of only 12.5 sphere diameters (Fig 4). Other with no damage to soft tissue surrounding the w ,..,(11 4Q•) stone. 32•33 It would be difficult to imagine more con authors, citing no data, describe the temporary cavity • II • 5 11 vincing confirmation of Harvey's conclusions. as ... 30 times th e d'Iameter o f t h e proJecti'1 e... "3 , ...30 The wound produced by a particular penetrat times or more ..."(54 ), and 30 to 40 times the missile Fiq 2. - Ttle .arked tiasue disruption produced by the H-16 diameter36' 40--all sizable exaggerations. ing projectile is characterized by the amount and loca bullet occurs- aoat otten et. e. penetration depth ot 16 to 25 ca. The ainiaal diaruption produced in the tint pert of up to tion of tissue crush and stretch. In our laboratory, we ot the tiaeue peth eEJ)leina the contwion aurro�ing this To further confuse the issue, pressures veapon's ettecta measure the amount and location of crush (permanent 100 atmospheres are incorrectly attributed to tempo- . . 39 40 SS-57 h cavity) and stretch (temporary cavity) on the basis of rary cavttattOn by many au th ors. · · T ese autl 1ors shots fired into gelatin tissue simulant. Since we have It is indeed surprising that only Lindsey ques appear to have confused the sonic pressure wave with liq 1. -- The large lead Vet.terh ritle bul let. h t.yp1cal of •111t.ery bulhte circa 1850-1890. Bullet e tonation tioned the attribution of the marked increase in tissue e generated in tissues by temporary calibrated ·this simulant to reproduce the projectile upon ot.rlki� t.1aeue caw.ed. 111 large perunent dcavity A the pressur cavita aiteable teaporary cavity w..o abo produced. dupi te e disruption to a rather modest I 0% increase in velocity. characteristics (penetration depth, deformation, frag velocity les:!l than hlllllf that o� aodern aililary rifles tion. Temporary cavity tissue displacement can cause have noticed that the mentation, yaw) equivalent to those observed in living Surely, someone should pressures of only about 4 atrnospheres.31 A careful velocity in the history of animal tissue, measurements from these shots can be largest increase of projectile reading of Harvey's paper31 should correct this confu (a 50% increase--made possi used to predict approximate animal tissue disruption.8• The adjunct half-truth, "Cavitation requires ex small-anns development sion. 10 of the copper-jacketed bullet near These data are presented in the fo rm of Wound Pro tensive debridement of tissues ... "7, lacks valid scien ble by the invention tific support. Cavitation is nothing more than a tran- the end of the nineteenth century) was accompanied by files (Fig 1-8), which illustrate the amount, type, and . . 51 52 a marke d ecrease d m soft ttssue' d'Isruptton. · ThIS' Spring 2001 Volume Issue 1 Sp ring 2001 38 5, Volume 5, Issue 1 39 , .... WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW \V hat's \V rong, and \\ hy JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUNDBALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUNDBALLISTICS ASSOCIATION Thus bullet yaw in tissue, an important consid A large slow projectile (Fig 7) will crush 0 It should be noted, however, that stretch fr om eration, has been confused with bullet yaw in flight, (permanent cavity) a large amount of tissue, whereas a ._,... s,Mn 'iW·Nar.(INI M} temporary cavity tissue displacement can disrupt blood small fa st missile with the same kinetic energy (Fig 4) W· 11.1p ('l..l flll) which is, in most cases, of negligible consequence. vessels or break bones at some distance fr om the pro wilJ stretch more tissue (temporary cavity) but crush jectile path40, just as they can be disrupted by blunt 4) Presumption of "Kinetic Energy Deposit" little. If the tissue crushed by a projectile includes the T IIIIPftiYC.-.y trauma. We can produce this in the laboratory by care to Be a Mechanism of Wounding: wall of the aorta, far more damaging consequences are ful choice of projectile and projectile trajectory in tis Serious misunderstanding has been generated likely to result than if this same projectile "deposits" sue48, but in practice this happens only very rarely. :: ":;;,?,�:'"""'.. by looking upon "kinetic energy transfer" from projec the same amount of energy beside this vessel...... , " .,. ' . '• "' ' ..". Data from the Vietnam conflict show that the great . ::.::;:;� tile to tissue as a mechanism of injury. In spite of data majority of torso and extremity wounds were attribut to the contrary '· 63, many assume that the amount of able to the damage due to the permanent cavity alone. 59 "kinetic energy deposit" in the body by a projectile is a -·- - �- II II Jl Jl measure of damage_l s. 36· 37• 40 Such opinions ignore the i 3) Assumption of Bullet "Tumbling" in Flight: direct interaction of projectile and tissue that is the ru,;J 4 -- 'Ib8 6-u eteel apheu causu 1t1 ••tau. The notion that a common cause of increased dUf\IPhon 1D lht hut 10 ea of penatnho.n 31nce U.. 1urtace of • •pbeu 5tnki.ng tiuue c.ana.ot. 1.0en••• by crux of wound ballistics. Wounds that result in a given J"'¥, eapon rr ea'r•tr aut corrupooh to projectile wounding is the bullet's striking at large yaw angles "nlocltrt. (angle between the bullet's long axis and line of flight), amount of "kinetic energy deposit" may differ widely. or even sideways due to "tumbling" in flighe7·40, is The nondefonning rifle bullet of the AK-74 (Fig 6) clearly fa llacious. Anyone who has ever shot a rifle causes a large temporary cavity which can cause Probably the most exaggerated account of and observed the holes made by the bullet recognizes marked disruption in some tissue (liver), but has far temporary cavity effect in the literature appears in that they are round, not oblong, as would be the case if less effect in others (muscle, lung, bowel wall).9 A High Velocity Missile Wounds by Owen-Smith.36 His they yawed or tumbled in flight. This misconception similar temporary cavity such as that produced by the Fig 2.20 on page 35 shows a lesion in a pig's colon seems attributable in large measure to misinterpretation M- 16 (Fig 2), stretching tissue that has been riddled by caused by a "standard bullet fired at 770 m/s (2500 of a report published, in 1967, by Hopkinson and Mar bullet fragments, causes a much larger pennanent cav ft/s)." Concerning this wound, he states "there are mi shall. These authors presented diagrams of the yaw ity by detaching tissue segments between the fragment croscopic changes of cell death extending 20 em from angles and patterns made by the bullet tip paths. Thus projectile fragmentation can tum the en the edge of the hole in the colon; this is why such an in flight.60 ergy used in temporary cavitation into a truly destruc area must be resected if it has been damaged by a rifle The angles on their drawings were exaggerated bullet." Perusal of the source document of this pic fo r clarity, showing 25 to 30 degrees rather than the 1 tive fo rce because it is fo cused on areas weakened by ture 58, however, reveals that a defonn ing soft-point to 3 degrees that actually occur fo r properly designed fr agment paths rather than being absorbed evenly by ·�·-·· r ..p..,., -· - c..ay hunting bullet was used fo r this shot. In describing the bu llets of small anns.61 In 1972, Amato and Rich re the tissue mass. The synergy between projectile frag --'-- p....,...,. c...., .. .. -- effect of this shot, the source document states, produced these diagrams and added one fo r "tum mentation and cavitation can greatly increase the dam I ..------· ·o -�c.::=::::::::::::��.=- · -· - ··U·"�'- ->i·Er ·;·.·; .· " ...haemorrhage extended macroscopically to a diame bling".62 In 1975 these diagrams reappeared in the age done by a given amount of kinetic energy. ;. I ter (my emphasis) of em." When the 8-cm hole di NATO Handbook-Emergency War Surgery40, where 20 !_.. I il " lo " 0> • io ... ameter is subtracted, a 6-cm distance (rather than the the text described them as resulting fr om aerodynamic " ., .. ! rtQ 7. -- 1be 17. 6-u le&d Jpbe re. atrilt1Dg al 510 !l/o 20 em reported by Owen-Smith) from the edge of the fo rces acting upon the spin-stabilized bullet during (166 a/o) duplicetoo tho ti.DoUc """"" of tho 6-.a stool c:o Jpbero (rig 1). 1bo :Larvo opho re poutratoo 30 ca deeper . hole on each side adds up to the "diameter of 20 em " flight. In Swan and Swan37 reproduced these .U l ...-- &Dd produce• a perMD.ent eerily o•er 60 tiaes t.be YOluu 1980, ...... (>V ... ) of t.bat produced trr tho -nor opbe re III ·•.. (IU•- reported by Scott in the source document. Furthennore, diagrams, but fo r the yawing bullet showed the impos photographs of bowel defects caused by bullets must sible situation of rotation around the bullet tip rather be viewed with caution. Folding back the bowel wall than its center of mass. They also added a unique opin Many body tissues (muscle, skin, bowel wall, around the edges of the hole can make tissue defects ion (unsupported) that "yaw" and "tumble" are special lung) are soft and flexible--the physical characteristics appear larger. If colon tissue at a distance of 20 em ballistic properties associated with missiles of "very of a good shock absorber. Drop a raw egg onto a ce fr om the bullet hole is killed, as asserted by Owen high velocities (c [sic] 3000 ft/s)." ment floor from a height of m; then drop a rubber Smith, what happens to the loops of small bowel and 2 ball of the same mass from the same height. The ki other organs that are within 20 em of the bullet hole? 0· 1 · 4 Data fr om ballistics studies 1 3 1 show quite clearly Are they killed too? If so, this would equate to destruc netic energy exchange in both dropped objects was the that: tion of most of the abdominal contents by every pene same at the moment of impact. Compare the difference • Bullets fired from a properly designed rifle trating "high-velocity" bullet. Clearly, this conclusion 0 Clll I 1t 10 II ;s'.;---='-. in effect; the egg breaks while the ball rebounds un yaw no more than a few degrees in flight, re is inconsistent with well established available fa cts. A F1g 6 . ... -'11\1 . 22 Long RUle bullll dOll DOt dlfor• upOD. damaged. Most living animal soft tissue has a consis gardless of velocity. olrikUIV son ttoouo. Signtlicanl J"V occuu anor a study done in our laboratory9, fo r example, showed penetration or circe 8 ca. &nil the bul let lhll up tency much closer to that of the rubber ball than to that t.ravaUDJ beae tonar4 tor tha laat t.U of 1h t11aue damage to a pig colon caused by a nondefonning mili • In their path through tissue, all nondefonning penetreuon. of the brittle egg shell. This simple experiment demon- tary bullet traveling at 91 1 m/s (2989 ftls) that was pointed bullets, and some round-nosed ones, strates the fa llacy in the common assumption that all yaw to degrees, ending their path traveling only slightly larger than the dimensions of the bullet 180 kinetic energy "deposited" in the body doesdamage . base fo rward (Figs and that had caused it. 3 5). Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, I ue 1 41 Sp rlng 2001 ss 40 Volume 5, Issue 1 , WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW What's Wrong, and Why JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION What's \V ron g, and \V hy JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION I The assumption that "kinetic energy deposit" is geons used the same criteria when judging the tissues." . 2 14 66, 12 6. Spheres Assumed to Be a Valid Model fo r All D uct-sea 1mg compound73 , c I ay · , soap , directly proportional to damage done to tissues also None of these experiments included control animals to 2 Proj ectiles: gelatin 8"30· 38, and water-soaked phone books or news fa ils to recognize the components of the projectile verify that tissue the surgeon had declared "nonviable" This misconception ignores the important vari papers 74 are commonly used tissue simulants. Informa tissue collision that use energy but do not cause tissue actually became necrotic if left in place. Interestingly, able of projectile shape. Comparing the wound profile tion from each has been presented in the literature with disruption. They are 1) sonic pressure wave, 2) heating all studies in which animals were kept alive fo r objec produced by a sphere (Fig 4) with that produced by a the implication that it yields valid predictive informa of the tissue, 3) heating of the projectile, 4) deforma tive observations of wound healing report less lasting military bullet (Fig 3) shows a basic difference in tis tion about wounding effects in living animals. Contrary tion of the projectile, and 5) motion imparted to the tissue damage than estimated from observation of the sue disruption morphology. The maximum disruption to the assumptions that these materials are equivalent tissue (gelatin bloc displacement for example). wound in the first fe w hours after it was inflicted.43-47' 6 · 6 produced by the sphere is always near the entrance to animal tissue, bullet deformation caused by impact The popular format for determination of "ki 7 8 In a study of over 4,000 wounded in II it was WW hole, since projectile velocity is highest there. A with them can vary widely. Recently, for example, we netic energy deposit" uses a chronograph to determine remarked, "It is surprising to see how much apparently ·" 69 pointed nondeforming bullet causes its maximum dis tested a 9-mrn soft point pistol bullet that showed no striking velocity and another to determine exit velocity. nonvital tissue recovered" . ruption not at the point of highest velocity, but where deformation at all when shot into fresh swine cadaver A 15-cm thick block of tissue simulant (gelatin or Anyone yet unconvinced of the fa llacy in using yaw increases the bullet's surface area striking the tis leg muscle or into our 10% gelatin (shot at 4 degrees soap) is the target most often used. This method has kinetic energy alone to measure wounding capacity sue (bullet shape becomes nonaerodynamic ), causing C), but expanded to a diameter of 15 mrn when shot one big fa ctor in its fa vor; it is simple and easy to do. might wish to consider the example of a modem . increased tissue disruption. Although spheres may be mto duct-sea ]'mg compoun d . 75 As fo r its validity, the interested reader is referred to broadhead hunting arrow. It is used to kill all species of useful in studying the effects of blunt fragments (like Nonelastic tissue simulants (duct-sealing compound, wound profiles shown in Figs 1-7. Comparing only the big game, yet its striking energy is only about 50 ft -lb those from explosive devices), conclusions drawn from clay, soap) can also mislead by their dramatic preserva first 15 em of the missile path with the entire missile (68 Joules)-- less than that of the .22 Short bullet. En these studies are not valid when applied to bullet tion of the maximum temporary cavity. Such demon path as shown on the profiles shows the severe limita ergy is used efficiently by the sharp blade of the wounds. strations give a fa lse impression that these cavities rep tion of the 15-cm block fo rmat. The assumption by broadhead arrow. Cutting tissue is fa r more efficient resent the potential fo r tissue destruction rather than weapons developers that only the first 15 em of the than crushing it, and crushing it is far more efficient 7) Animals of 10 to 20 kg Falsely Assumed to Be a the potential for tissue stretch. The latter may be ab penetrating projectile's path through tissue is of clinical than tearing it apart by stretch (as in temporary cavita 6 Valid Model fo r Human Wounds: sorbed by most living tissues with little or no lasting significance 4 may simplify their job, but fa ils to pro tion). Temporary cavitation is no more than the damage. vide sufficient information for valid prediction of the pushing aside of tissue. The distance the tissue is dis projectile's wounding potential. The length of bullet 5) Excision of the Wound as Not Only the Most placed depends, among other things, on its weight. As Consequences of these Misconceptions trajectories through the human torso can be up to fo ur Crucial but to Many the Sole Treatment fo r might be expected, a given projectile will cause a tem 1) Inappropriate Treatment of Gunshot Wounds: times as long as those in these small blocks. Even if Gunshot Wounds: porary cavity of smaller diameter in a larger limb be Sacrifice of viable tissue on the altar of high this method were scientifically valid, its use has been "Debridement of missile injuries is essential to cause of the increased weight of the mass being 2 velocity--treatment more disruptive than the malady--is further flawed by nearly all investigators who have prevent clostridium myositis ..."7 is the often repeated moved. This has been proved experimentally7 and the most obvious consequence of the postulate that as included the M-16 rifle bullet in those projectiles military dogma. In many papers, administration of sys points out the misleading information that might be sumes that manifest tissue damage must accompany tested. This method assumes that the projectile's mass temic antibiotics for the treatment of penetrating pro obtained through the use of these small animals. Bullet passage of a "high-velocity" missile. Surgical removal remains constant through both chronographs. The M- jectile wounds has been described as "only an ancillary size cannot be reduced without changing its character routinely loses one third of its mass in the form of of excess tissue, based solely on a tenuous history of 16 measure"40, "an issue of debate"41, or not mentioned at istics, so there is no choice but to increase the size of supposed projectile velocity, is practiced widely.3440 In fr agments which may remain in the target (see Fig 2). all. 7 However, this dogma apparently overlooks the the test animal to approximate the dimensions of adult The part of the bullet that passes through the second addition to the risk of permanent disability from exces historical fa ct that the most important cause of death humans if scientific validity is to be maintained. chronograph screens weighs only about two-thirds as from missile wounds on the battlefield in the preantibi sive removal of muscle, such surgery takes longer with much as the intact bullet that passed through the first an attendant increase in surgical and anesthetic compli otic era was streptococcal bacteremia. 70 Deaths fr om 8. Use of Tissue Simulants with Unproved Equiva cations, and is more likely to require blood replace set of screens. No provision is made for catching and streptococcal bacteremia have been essentially elimi lence to Living Animal Tissue: ment. weighing the projectile to correct fo r bullet fr agmenta nated from the battlefield by systemic antibiotics A Fundamental to the use of tissue simulants, in In the battlefield setting the surgeon cannot tion when it occurs. The fa ilure to correct for loss of precipitous decline in the incidence of clostridium my lieu of animals, in wound ballistics is the establishment know, with certainty, all the properties of the wound bullet mass can cause large errors in "energy deposit" ositis, fr om 5% of those wounded in World War I to of their equivalence to animal tissue. For validity the 8 ing projectile (shape, mass, construction type, striking data. 0.7% in World War II and 0.08% in the Korean con simulant must reproduce the physical effects of the velocity). In a maj ority of civilian cases information Surgeons sometimes excise tissue from ex flice1, correlates very closely with the increasing use projectile-tissue interaction on the projectile (deforma about the wounding weapon is not available.76 Fortu perimental missile wounds that is, in their judgment, of antibiotics on the battlefield, yet debridement tech tion, fr agmentation), and in the simulant the projectile nonviable and compare the weight of tissue excised nique remained essentially unchanged during that time nately, such information is not necessary for the proper must stop at the same penetration depth as it does in with the "kinetic energy deposited".65 A surgeon's period. Thus, it appears that benefits of systemic anti treatment of gunshot wounds. In fa ct, it is the author's living animal tissue. This requirement is frequently opinion that the patient will be better off if his medical judgment and his technique of tissue excision is very biotic usage have been incorrectly attributed to wound . . 2, 2 - , 1gnore d by woun d b a IStJcs mves t'1ga tors 8 30 38 us 11' . th care provider doesn't know anything about the wound subjective, as shown by Berlin et al66, who fo und in a debridement. compromising, if not eliminating, the applicability of ing weapon at all. The provider might then, without comparison that "One surgeon excised less tissue at data so obtained to better understand the wounding bias, use objective data from his physical examination low energy transfers and rather more at high energy process. transfers than the other surgeon, although both sur- Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 Sp ring 2001 42 Volume 5, Issue 1 43 p ,I WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW What's \V rong, and \V hy JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION and roentgenographic studies to make more valid had to be replaced by one with a fa ster rifling twist extensive body of misinformation has been Misinterpretation of war trauma experience has An 2 treatment decisions. (causing the bullet to spin more rapidly) . Not only was promulgated 8• N, based on the assumption that the misled many writers. Such experience is anecdotal. When a penetrating projectile does cause sig this change costly but it has produced a unique "error temporary cavity produced by a handgun bullet is the Rarely if ever is the weapon, type of bullet, distance nificant tissue disruption, that disruption is usually waiting to happen" situation. The new bullet is loaded sole fa ctor determining its "incapacitation" effect on from muzzle to target, and absence of intermediate tar very obvious. For example, in an uncomplicated ex in the same cartridge as the previous one. Thus it can the human target. These studies were done to aid law gets known with certainty on the battlefield as it is in tremity wound caused by the M-16 rifle (Fig 2), if the be fired from the older M-16 rifles with the slower enforcement agencies in their choice of weapons. The the wound ballistics laboratory. Memory mixes all bullet yaws significantly and fragments, this will be twist barrels. When this is done, the bullet is inade investigators superimposed temporary cavity meas types of war wounds together, assumptions on treat evident in the fo rm of a large exit hole. If no signifi quately stabilized, resulting in extremely poor accuracy urements, derived from shots into gelatin blocs, on a ment efficacy are made despite lack of fo llow-up in cant yaw occurs, the exit will closely resemble the en and yaw angles of up to 70 degrees in flight77, possibly computer man" diagram of the human body. They fo rmation, and statements from higher headquarters trance hole, and little or no functional disturbance will endangering the lives of soldiers who depend on it fo r judged relative damage by the anatomic regions "in concerning treatment rendered in the field ofaction are be evident because of minimal tissu� disruption. If, on protection on the field of battle. When fired from the cluded" in the cavity. A "Relative Incapacitation In frequently based on inaccurate data and incorrect as the other hand, the bullet breaks up very early in its new fa ster-twist barrel, it produces a wound profile dex" fo r each bullet was then calculated from these sumptions. In sum, a lot of error is reported as fa ct. path through the tissue, it is possible that the entrance similar to that of the older M -16 bullet, but when fired data. The superimposition of the temporary cavity on a Physicians writing in the field of wound ballistics need and exit holes could be small despite marked tissue from the old barrel it causes marked tissue disruption at region to determine the anatomic structures it encom to acquire sufficient expertjse in weapon technology so disruption within the limb (such a pattern is typical of a a shallower penetration depth (Fackler, M.L., unpub passes reveals a serious misunderstanding of wounding that they are not completely dependent on ballistics soft point bullet (Fig 7); occasionally this pattern may lished data, 1984) much like a soft point bullet (Fig mechanisms. By definition, no tissue is included "in" engineers or other "experts" for information. Ballistics also be produced by the M-16 bullet. The situation 8).78 the temporary cavity: tissue is pushed aside by it. Us engineers writing in the field must acquire sufficient should pose no diagnostic problem; marked functional Light bullets of high velocity lose velocity rap ing the permanent cavity in this fa shion would make expertise about the living animal so that they at least disturbance with swelling will be obvious on physical idly in flight--a basic physical phenomenon. 11 Perhaps sense, but the permanent cavity is totally ignored in the know the pertinent questions to ask. Unless the examination, and the bullet fragmentation with soft the aforementioned weapon problems could have been calculation of the Relative Incapacitation Index. Not "knowledge gap" between the physical and biological tissue disruption will be obvious on biplanar x-rays. As avoided if weapons designers had been less influenced surprisingly, this Relative Incapacitation Index has sciences is bridged at least partially by those who work 0 in the therapy of any other form of trauma, objective by the mystique of "high velocity" and more influ been criticized17' 79' 8 , but reliance on its supposed va in this field, an enormous potential for inaccuracy is data should guide treatment decisions. enced by basic physics of projectiles in flight. They lidity continues to endanger the lives of those who likely to continue. The corollary postulate, "low-velocity projec might have realized that the older M-16 bullet was too must depend on the reliable performance of their Recognizing the projectile-tissue interaction as tiles cause insignificant damage," can also lead to dis light to be effective at longer ranges and used a heavier weapon. These Relative Incapacitation Index studies a simple mechanical collision and comprehending how aster. The author was consulted recently about a case bullet in the first place. It is difficult to be optimistic were supported by the US Government (Dept. Of Jus tissue is disrupted (crush and stretch) in this collision, in which gas gangrene had developed in a leg wound for the future when these weapons developers still use tice) , causing many to assume their validity, and com coupled with wound profiles illustrating how much caused by a .38 Special pistol (a "low-velocity" projec the scientifically discredited "kinetic energy deposit" pounding the detrimental effects of the misinformation. crush and stretch occurs at any depth of projectile tile). Surgical exploration of the wound had been de method to estimate wounding effects. penetration, should give the reader sufficient back layed until 40 hours after the injury, and .the first anti Discussion ground to recognize any perpetuation of past errors or biotic had been administered fo ur hours after the Violation of simple, fundamental scientific creation of new ones in the fu ture. It is not surprising that treatment operation. It was the author's opinion � method appears to be the common thread that runs that attempts to teach wound ballistics using fo rmulae be considered .ZZ4 (6.68 mm)SP had been inappropriate, but could not 1.111- 3150 lis (960 m/s) through the misconceptions dealt with in this review. or tables of velocity and kinetic energy have been �nort Cavily IIA·60gr (l.Z !Pll) negligent, since the literature contains many Flnal\lot • Z3.6 gr (16Z gm) counterproductive. These methods have diverted atten 53% tragmontallon The author has fo und verifiable validity in only a small recommendations such as "... the majority of low percentage of the material in print. The field of wound tion from the actual tissue disruption and made the sub velocity gunshot wounds of the extremities may be ballistics is part physics and part biological science. ject appear unnecessarily complicated. safely treated without recourse to the operating Considering the large proportion of "exact" science in An intelligent surgeon, knowing nothing about 41 room" , and "Debridement is unnecessary for wounds wound ballistics, we should expect to produce a litera gunshot wounds except that they are contaminated, caused by bullets whose muzzle energy is less than 400 ture with more validity and reproducibility than other would most likely treat them quite appropriately. He 42 fo ot pounds" . If antibiotic coverage had been started medical or "inexact" fields. Quite the opposite appears would base his treatment decisions on objective data soon after the wound occurred, and if the bias obtained to have taken place. Failure to consider all the van from the physical examination and x-ray studies, as he fr om the literature had not misled the surgeon to delay abies in the missile-tissue interaction, fa ilure to use a would in treating any other fo rm of trauma. The sur exploration of the wound, this lethal infection ,-- ··-- geon who has read and accepted what is written in the surgical Octn • 10 ••.-- 80, . control animal, fa ilure to calibrate tissue simulants, avoided. .,, wound ballistics literature could become a menace, most certainlywould have been fig e. -- -n:.e bollov-point construction ot tbia . 22 caliber fa ilure to require data to support assumptions, etc.- bullet cauaes it to break up durin; th.e Urat 10 ca ot Uaaue pene tration. The thoue weakening by aul t.iple doing more harm with his treatment than was done by bullet tce.penta intencta with teaporary ca1'1tf stretch these were the basic errors responsible fo r the miscon 2) Misguided WeaponTesting and Development: to cause increased per•nent tiaaue dhrupt.ion . ceptions listed in the foregoing pages. The reader will the bullet. It is encouraging to note from the author's A heavier bullet of lower initial velocity was probably agree that none of them involve a high degree own experience as a combat surgeon and contacts with recently adopted, by US military forces, to overcome of complexity. others that most treatment of penetrating injuries ren deficiencies in the M -16 rifle's long-range perform dered on the field of battle was governed more by the ance. To stabilize this longer bullet the rifle's barrel Sp ring 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1 Volume Issue Spring 2001 44 S, 1 45 P" WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW \V hat's Wrong, and \V hy \\'hat's \\'rong, and \\ 'hy JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION common sense and good training of the surgeon than Trauma, Norwalk, Conn, Appleton, Century, Crofts Inc., diffe rent initial velocity. Acta Chir Scand 1982;suppl 508:123- DC, Office of the Surgeon General, Dept of the Army, 1962, 1987, chap 2, pp 25-41. by what is written in the wound ballistics literature. 127. chap 3. 15. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Ann Surg 1984;50:5 15. 39. Litwin MS: Trauma: Management of the acutely injured pa 62. Amato JJ, Rich NM: Temporary cavity effects in blood vessel 16. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Ann Emerg Med tient, in Sabiston C Jr (ed): Davis- Christoher Textbook of injury by high velocity missiles. J Cardiovasc Surg Acknowledgements 1985; 14:936-938. Surgery, ed 12. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co, 1981, chap 19, 1 972; 13:147-155. 17. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Discussion of "A study of .22 The author wishes to acknowledge the advice 40. Whelan TJ Jr: Missile-caused wounds, in Emergency War 63. Wang ZG, Feng JX, Liu YQ: Pathomorphological observa caliber rimfire exploding bullets: Effects in ordnance gelatin." Surgery--NATO Handbook, I st US Revision. Washington, tions of gunshot wounds. Acta Chir Scand 1982;suppl and assistance of John D. O'Benar, PhD, and Charles J Forensic Sci 1986;3 1 :801-802. DC, Government Printing Office, 1975, chap 2. 508: 185-195. E. Wade, PhD, of the Military Trauma Research Divi 18. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Orthopedics 1986;9: 1336. 41. Marcus MA, Blair WF, Shuck JM, Orner GE: Low-velocity 64. Kokinakis W, Neades D, Piddington M, Roecker E: A gelatin sion, and John P. Hannon, PhD, Scientific Advisor of 19. Fackler ML, Bellamy RF: Letter to the editor. J Trauma gunshot wounds to extremities. J Trauma 1980;20: I 06 1-1064. energy methodology for estimating vulnerability of personnel the Letterman Army Institute of Research, in arranging 1986;26: 1157-1 158. 42. Morgan MM, Spencer AD, Hershey FB: Debridement of civil- to military rifle systems. Acta Chir Scand 1979;Suppl 489:35- 20. Fackler ML, Lindsey D: Letter to the editor. J Trauma the data and expressing the thoughts contained in this ian gunshot wounds of softtissue. J Trauma 1961;I :354-360. 55. 1986;26: 1158-1 159. 43. HarveyEN: Studies on wound ballistics, in AndrusCE, Bronk 65. Janzon B, Seeman T: Muscle devitalization in high energy paper. He also wishes to express appreciation to Paul J. 21. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Int Def Rev (in press March DW, Carden GA Jr, et al (eds): Advances in Military Medi missile wounds, and its dependence on energy transfer. J Dougherty, Senior Medical Student at the Uniformed 1987) cine. Boston, Little, Brown, I 948, chap 18. Trauma 1985;25:138-144. Services University of the Health Sciences Medical 22. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Orthopedics (in press) 44. Dziemian AJ, Mendelson JA, Lindsey D: Comparison of the 66. Berlin R, Janzon B, Rybeck B, Sandegard J, Seeman T: Local 23. Kocher T: Ueber die Sprengwirkung der Modemen Kleinge wounding characteristics of some commonly encountered bul effects of assault rifle bullets in live tissues. Part II. Acta Chir School, fo r his contribution of valuable literature refer " wehr-geschosse. Correspondenz-Blatt fu er Schweitzer Aerzte lets. J Trauma 1961;1:341-353. Scand 1977;suppl 477;5-49. ences previously unknown to the author. 1875;5:3-7, 29-33, 69-74. 45. Mendelson JA, Glover JL: Sphere and shell fragment wounds 67. Wang ZG, Qian CW, Zhan DC, Shi TZ, Tang CG: Pathologi 24. Kocher T: Neue Beitraege zur Kenntnis der Wirkungsweise of soft tissues: Experimental study. J Trauma 1967;7:889-944. cal changes of gunshot wounds at various intervals after der Modemen Klein-gewehr-geschosse. Correspondenz-B iatt 46. Hopkinson DAW, Watts JC: Studies in experimental missile wounding. Acta Chir Scand 1982; Suppl 508: 197-210. fuer Schweitzer Aerzte 1879;9:65-71, 104-109, 133-1 37. injuries of skeleal muscle. Proc R Soc Med 1963;56:461 -468. 68. Ziervogel JF: A study of muscle damage caused by the 7.62 References 25. Kocher T: Ueber Schusswunden. Experimentalle Unter 47. Fackler ML, Breteau JPL, Courbil LJ, Taxit R, Glas J, Fievet NATO rifle. ActaChir Scand 1979;5uppl 489: 13 I -135. suchunaen ueber die Wirkungsweise der Modemen Klein JP: Open wound drainage versus wound excision on the mod 69. Ferguson LK, Brown RB, Nicholson JT, Stedman HE: Obser I. Lindsey D: The idolatry of velocity, or lies, damn lies, and gewehr-geschosse. Leipzig, Verlag von FCW Vogel, 1880. em battlefield. Letterman Army Institute of Research, Presidio vations on the treatment of battle wounds aboard a hospital ballistics. J Trauma I 980;20: I 068- 1069. 26. Kocher T: Die Veresserung der Geschosse von Standpunkte of San Francisco, CA (in press) ship. US Nav Med Bulletin 1943;41 :299-305. 2. Swan KG, Swan RC, Levine MG, Rocko JM: The US M-I6 der Humanitaet. IIth International Medical Congress, Rome. 48. Breteau JPL, Fackler ML, Taxit R, Courbil LJ: Trajet lesion 70. Ireland MW, Callender GR, Coupal JF: The Medical Depart rifle versus the Russian AK-47 rifle. Am Surg I983;49:472- 29 March-5 April, 1894; I Parte Generale 320-325. net Wound Profile" et vasomotricite cutanee. in Travaux Sci ment of the US Army in World War I. Washington, DC, US 479. 27. Kocher T: Zur Lehre von den Schusswunden durch Kleinka entifiaues des Chercheurs du S S A durant l'Annee 1986. Di- GovernmentPrinting Office, 1929, vol 12. 3. Ordog GJ, Wassererger J, Balasubramanium S: Ann Emerg liber-geschosse. Cassel, Th.G. Fisher & Co, 1895. rection Centrale de Service de Sante des Armees, Paris, Re 71. Hardaway RM III: Vietnam wound analysis. J Trauma Med 1984;13:I I 13-1 122. 28. Bruchey WJ Jt:Ammunition for law enforcement: Part I, publique Francaise Ministre de Ia Defense, 1987. 1 978; 1 8:635-643. 4. Russotti GM, Sim FH: Missile wounds of the extremities: A Methodology fo r evaluating relative stopping power and re 49. Dimond FC Jr, Rich NM: M-16 rifle wounds in Vietnam. J 72. Janzon G: High energy missile trauma. Department of Surgery current concepts review. Orthopedics I 985;8: 1 106-1 1 16. sults. Ballistics Research Laboratory Technical Report TR- Trauma 1967;7:619-625. II, University of Goteborg, Sweden, 1983. 5. Barach E, Tomlanovich M, Nowak R: Ballistics: A patho 02 1 99, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md, 1979. 50. Dudley HAF, Knight RJ, McNeur JC, Rosengarten DS: Civil 73. Grennell DA: Favorite loads fo r fav orite guns. Gun World physiologic examination of the wounding mechanisms of fire 29. Bruchey WJ Jr, Frank DE: Police Handgun Ammunition Inca ian battle casualties in South Vietnam. Br J Surg 1968;55:332- 1987;27:46-49,62. arms, Part I. J Trauma 1986;26:225-235. Part II. J Trauma pacitation effects, National Institute of Justice Rep I 00-83. 340. 74. Matunas EA: Rating handgun power, in Warner K (ed): Gun 1986;26:374-383. Washington, DC, US Govt Printing Office, 1984, Vol I: 51. LaGarde LA: Characteristic lesions caused by projectiles, in Digest. Northbrook, Ill, DBI Books Inc, 1984. 6. Newman D, Yardley M: New generation small arms ammuni Evaluation. Gunshot Injuries. 2nd revised edition. New York, William 75. Fackler ML: Tissue simulants: Use and misuse. Int Def Rev tion. Int Def Rev 1986;19:921-925. 30. Ragsdale BD: Gunshot wounds: A historical perspective. Mil it Wood and Co, 1916, chap 2. (in press). 7. Swan KG: Misile injuries: Wound ballistics and principles of Med 1984; 149:301-315. 52. Borden WC: Military surgery. Proc Milit Surg 1900;9:3-68. 76. Dugas R, D'Ambrosia R: Civilian gunshot wounds. Orthope management. Milit Med 1987; 152:29-34. 31. Harvey EN, Korr IM, Oster G, McMillen JH: Secondary dam 53. Amato JJ, Rich NM, Billy LJ, Gruber RP, Lawson NS: High dics 1985;8:1121-1 125. 8. Fackler ML, Surinchak JS, Malinowski JA, Bowen RE:Bul let age in wounding due to pressure changes accompanying the velocity arterial injury: A study of the mechanism of injury. J 77. Humphreville M: US Customs Service Armament R&D Cen fragmentation: A major cause of tissue disruption. J Trauma passage of high velocity missiles. Surgery 1946;2 1 :218-239. Trauma 1971 ;II :412-416. ter, Glynco, GA. personal communication, 1984. 1984:24:35-39. 32. Kahnosi RJ, Lingemen JE, Coury TA, Steele RA, Mosbaugh 54. Belkin M: Wound ballistics. Prog Sur 1978; 16: 7-24. 78. Albreht MA: Data presented at the 5th International Wound 9. Fackler ML, Surinchak JS, Malinowski JA, Bowen RE: PG: Combined percutaneous and extracorporeal shoe wave 55. Rich NM, Spencer F: Experimental arterial trauma, in Vascu Ballistics Symposium, Goteborg, Sweden, 1985, Trauma (in Wounding potential of the Russian AK-74 assault rifle. J lithotripsy fo r staghom calculi: An alternative to anatrophic lar Trauma. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co, 1978, chap 3. press). Trauma 1984:24:263-266. nephrolithotomy. J Urol 1986; 135:679-68 1. 56. Herget CM: Wound ballistics, in Bowers WB: Surgery of 79. Stolinski DC: Stopping power--a physician's report, in Bell 10. Fackler ML, Maiinowski JA: The wound profile: A visual 33. Kuwahara M, Kambe K, Kurosu S, Orikasa S, Takayama K: Trauma. Philadelphia, JB Lippincott Co, 1956, chap 25. EG (ed): Guns and Ammo Annual, Los Angeles, Peterson Pub method fo r quantifying gunshot wound components. J Trauma Extracorporeal stone disintegration using chemical shock 57. Pavletic MM: Gunshot wounds in veterinary medicine: Projec Co, 1986. 1985;25:522-529. waves. J Urol 1986; 135:814-8 17. tile ballistics -- Part II. Compendium on Continuing Education 80. Fackler ML: Letter to the editor. Int Def Rev (in press March II. Fackler ML, Bellamy RF, Malinowski JA: Wounding mecha 34. Gill W, Long WB III: Shock Trauma Manual. Baltimore, Wil fo r the Practicing Veterinarian 1986;8: 125-134. 1987). nism of projectiles striking at over 1.5 km/sec. J Trauma liams & Wilkins, 1978, p 35. 58. Scott R: Proiectile Trauma an Enquiry into Bullet Wounds. 1986;26:350-354. 35. Rybec B: Missile wounding and hemodynamic effects of en Trauma Unit, Chern Defence Establishment, Parton Down, 12. Fackler ML: Ballistic injury. Ann Emerg Med 1986;15:1451- ergy absorption. Acta Chir Scand 1974;suppl 450:532. England, 1974, p 29. 1455. 36. Owen-Smith MS: High Velocity Missile Wounds. London, 59. Bellamy RF: Department o Military Medicine, Uniformed 13. Fackler ML: Wound ballistics, in Trunkey DD, Lewis FR Edward Arnold, 1981, pp 21-32. Services University of the Health Sciences Medical School, (eds.): Current Therapy of Trauma - 2, Toronto, BC Decker 37. Swan KG, Swan RC: Gunshot Wounds: Pathophysiology and Bethesda, Md, personal communication, 1986. Inc, 1986, pp 94-101 . Management. Littleton, Mass, PSG Publishing Co. 1980, pp 7- 60. Hopkinson DA W, Marshall TK: Firearm injuries. Br J Surg 14. Fackler ML: Physics of penetrating trauma, in McSwain NE 15. 1967;54:344-352. Jr, Kerstein MD (eds.): Evaluation and Management of 38. Orlowski T, Piecuch T, Domaniecki J, Badowski A: Mecha 61. French RW, Callender GR: Ballistic characteristics of wound nisms of development of shot wounds caused by missiles of ing agents, in Beyer JC (ed): Wound Ballistics. Washington, Sp ring 2001 Sp ring 20o1 46 Volume 5, Issue 1 Volume 5, Issue 1 47 WOUND BALLISTIC REVIEW !VI embership Appli cation IWBA STATEMENT OF PURPOSE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOUND BALLISTICS ASSOCIATION anyone The widespread misinformation and lack of understanding concerning ballistic injury are well known to who understands the subject and keeps up with its literature. The undesirable consequences of these deficiencies range fr om substandard gunshot wound treatment to lessened law enforcement effectiveness. The effects of penetrating projectiles on the body is of vital concern to trauma surgeons, weapon designers and users, and those involved with the fo rensic aspects of ballistic trauma. Yet, we know of no other organization that deals with the subject exclusively and in depth. Papers containing ballistic inj ury data appear in widely scattered sources, since many groups include For more information about the organizatio projectile effects peripherally in their interests. In each source, however, wound ballistics papers comprise a very small percentage of n, the total, and most of these papers contain numerous errors. Wound ballistics expertise is sparse, and human inertia being what it is, .----'== once in print, errors are likely to go uncorrected. Even when discredjted by letters to the editor, these substandard papers remain in the please sign on to our web site at literature to mislead the unwary. What needs to be done? First, the valid literature needs to be identified. This will give the interested reader the scientific background material on which to build a solid understanding of the subject. Next, an ongoing periodic critical review of the wound ballistics literature needs to be initiated. Finally, an easily accessible source of wound ballistics expertise needs to be established. www Ballistics Association has been fo unded to fill these needs. The IWBA publishes a journal, the . iwb Wound a. c-om The International Wo und Ballistics Review, which contains original articles and reviews of other publications. By fo cusing its expertise upon the literature relating to wound ballistics, the IWBA hopes to stimulate an increased awareness among editors, writers, and readers and to help minimize future inaccuracies. Additionally, the International Wound Ballistics Association is prepared to offer expertise to assist any publication concerned with avoiding error and maintaining technical accuracy. We ask that our members continue to promote awareness The IWBA encourages skepticism. We are convinced that only by encouraging active questioning, reevaluation and of verification of views, data and cherished beliefs, etc. in the open literature can wound ballistics assume its full potential as a science. the IWBA and our.publication by using this referral fo rm IWBA MEMBERSHIP POLICY Membership Classes The IWBA has only a single class of membership ("member"); but an individual or an organization can be a "subscriber" to receive the IWBA Journal without membership status. MEMBERSHIP REFERRAL I BACK ISSUE ORDER Dues Dues are $40 fo r the period covering four issues of the IWBA Journal (published semi-annually starting in 1995) for both o I qualifyfor and have enclosed ./CHECK membership the required a I have enclosed a check or money members and subscribers. Mailing cost surcharges of $8. for Canadian and Mexican addresses and $18. for other fo re ign documentation. (See the IWBA Membership Policy) order including shipping charges* for . ONE addresses for the fo ur issues are required with the dues. Prepayment in US funds, drawn from a US bank is required Other the journals selected below options exist for fo reign payments, contact the IWBA office for details. o I want to be a subscriber only. Qualification for Membership $20 1/1 - Vol - $20 Vol 3/1 I) Persons in the fo llowing categories can become IWBA members by submitting the appropriate documentation, indicating the PREPAYMENT BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN US DOLLARS REQUIRED - $10 Vol 1/2t - $10 Vol 3/2 category and paying the dues. USA addresses Canada/Mexico addressed Other foreign addresses a) Prior IWBA members ./CHECK - $10 Vo1 1/3t - $10 Vol 3/3 · b) Full-time law enforcement officers (copy of ID badge, business card) 40. 48. o $58. _·· ONE o $ o $ - $10 Vol 1/4 -· $10 Vol 3/4 (checks will not be deposited until membership is approved) c) Members in good standing of any of the fo llowing organizations: (certificate/member listing) - $10 Vol 2/1 - $10 Vol 4/1 Association of FirearmsToolmark Examiners - $10 Vol 2/2 - $10 Vol 4/2 American Academy of Forensic Sciences - $10 Vol 2/3 - $10 Vo1 4/3 American College of Emergency Physicians NAME: ______Mr., Miss., Mrs., Ms - $10 Vol 2/4 $10 Vol 4/4 - American College of Surgeons MAILING $10 Vol 5/1 - Societe Franr;aise Ballistique Lesionelle ____ ADDRESS: ______t reprint Persons who have contributed to the body of knowledge in wound ballistics (either by adding to the scholarship or by • SHIPPING Canada/Mexico - add $2 p issue 2) Other foreign addresses - add $4 50 p/issue disseminating that body of knowledge) may apply fo r membership by submitting to the IWBA a letter of application along with evidence supporting their qualifications. Acceptance by the IWBA Membership Committee and payment of the dues will confer $ BACK ORDERS membership. - PHONE: ( ) 3) 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 fo r wishing membership and including $ SHIPPING two letters attesting to their integrity and good character from IWBA members or persons who would qualify for IWBA Referred By: membership in section 1 above. Acceptance by the IWBA Membership Committee and payment of the dues will confer Member or Subscriber Name membership. MAIL TO: $ MEMBERSHIP/SUBSCRIPTION Application as a Subscriber IWBA An individual or an organization can become a subscriber by paying the dues and requesting the IWBA Journal without PO BOX 701 EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245-0701 USA membership status. � (31 0) 640-6065 $ TOTAL ENCLOSED Sp ring 48 2001 Volume 5, Issue 1