Study of Bullet Marks on Metal from a .357 Magnum Revolver at Difference Distances and Angles

Abstract

A study of bullet marks on metal from a .357 magnum revolver at different
distances and angles was conducted to examine the bullet marks produced on a four
door pick-up truck from a .357 magnum revolver discharged at different angles and
distances. The revolver was discharged from four distances - point blank, 1, 5, and 10m -
and six angles - 90 ํ, 75 ํ, 60 ํ, 45 ํ, 30 ํ and 10 ํ. Shots fired from a 90 ํ angle produced
circular holes of equivatent size to the bullet. Shots fired at 75 ํ, 60 ํ, 45 ํ and 30 ํ angles
resulted in oval holes with widths larger than the bullet’s size. In the case of an angle of
10 ํ, metal plate dents and scuff marks appeared which could be explained by the bullet’s
mass weight combined with the kinetic energy. Thus, rather than penetrate the target, the
bullet ricocheted. The average width of the gunshot entrance holes tended to increased
when firing angle decreased. This research demonstrated that trajectory, bullet size, and
angle of discharge affect the gunshot’s characteristics. Distances also had small effects on
bullet marks.