Chemical Analysis of Firearms, Ammunition, and Gunshot Residue

James Smyth Wallace

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2018
• eBook ISBN: 9781351649285
• Topic: Law
• Subtopic: Forensic Science
• Index: Law

Chemical Analysis of Firearms, Ammunition, and Gunshot Residue, Second Edition continues in the tradition of the popular first edition, filling the void in forensic texts on the subject. While most books on firearms focus solely on the physical aspects of firearms, this book addresses forensic issues relating to the chemical aspects of firearms and ammunition. It draws on the latest published literature including books, scientific papers, technical reports, manufacturer's literature, newspaper articles, and personal observations and research conducted by the author.

This edition is fully updated, introducing the history and development of firearms and ammunition including advances in the chemical analysis of them. Several changes in primer compositions and the particle classification system are addressed with new techniques added on evidence collection and testing methods. Coverage details chemical aspects of forensic firearms casework with particular emphasis on the detection of gunshot residues (GSR), firearm discharge residues (FDR), and cartridge discharge residues (CDR) on a suspect's skin and clothing surfaces. Two new chapters have been added. One deals with unusual firearms case while the other summarizes a controversial, high-profile Australian case involving inorganic and organic gunshot residue, highlighting the dangers of incorrect forensic evidence and the increased need for careful training of forensic scientists.

• Fully updated to reflect the latest techniques and tests for particle and chemical classification
• Provides a complete history of firearms and ammunition development as well as advances in the chemical analysis involved in forensic firearm casework
• Features a one-of-a-kind chapter on processing suspects, a crucial component in many firearms and explosives residue cases

The book will serves as a useful to forensic chemists, investigators, ballistics experts, among other professionals serving in a variety of forensic disciplines.

Index

Note: Page numbers followed by f and t refer to figures and tables respectively

2.4-Dinitrodiphenylamine, 68

2,4-Dinitrotoluene, 65f, 155t

2,6-Dinitrotoluene, 65f

2-Diazo-4,6-dinitrophenol, 56

2-Nitrodiphenylamine, 63f, 64, 219, 286

4-Nitrodiphenylamine, 63f, 286

35-NF primer composition, 44–45

.38 Special ammunition, 8, 217, 237

.308 Winchester, 8, 289

.357” Magnum ammunition, 8, 145, 217, 238, 275

A

ABC bullet, 74

Acetonitrile (ACN), 267–268, 279

Aconitine, bullets poisoned with, 88, 88f, 90

Adhesive lifts, 254, 256

Aerospace Corporation, 127, 162–163

Aircraft load special caliber, 87

Airsoft bullets, 91–92

Alcohol content determination with black powder, 13

Aluminum alloys, 77, 83, 87, 103

bullet jacket materials, 71

Aluminum bullets, 86

American Ballistic Company bullet, 74

Ammonium nitrate, 62

copper, 46

Ammunition

cross-sectional views, 9f

definition, 9

history, 23–27

Ammunition analysis, 199–220

interpretation, 216–220, 218t

miscellaneous ammunition components, 210–215, 211t–215t

primer types, 199

propellant analysis, 199–210

Ammunition components, 211t–215t

analysis of miscellaneous, 210–215, 211t–215t

Anthrax, bullets poisoned with, 88, 90

Anticorrosion measures, 71, 95

Antimony, 36, 298–299

accompanying elements, 166

ammunition analysis, 216, 219

ammunition containing mercury, 223–224

baton round, 196–197

black powder ammunition discharge residue, 1...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author
• Glossary
• Section I INTRODUCTION
• Section II HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
• Section III CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
• Section IV FIREARM DISCHARGE RESIDUE
• Section V EXPERIMENTAL
• Section VI SUSPECT PROCESSING PROCEDURES
• Conclusion
• Index