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Cartridge case markings

Definition

Impressions left on a fired cartridge case by the breech face, firing pin, extractor, and ejector of the firearm. Like rifling marks on bullets, these are compared microscopically to identify a specific weapon.

Related terms

Comparison microscope
Two compound microscope bodies connected by an optical bridge that presents one half of each body's image in a single split eyepiece...
IBIS
Integrated Ballistics Identification System: an image-based database platform used by multiple countries to store and compare fired cartridge cases and bullets from...
Rifling
The helical groove pattern cut into a firearm barrel that imparts spin to the bullet, stabilising it in flight. Rifling lands and...
Striation marks
Fine parallel scratches on a fired bullet's surface produced by microscopic irregularities in the barrel's rifling. The pattern is individual to that...
Wound track
The path of tissue disruption left by a projectile passing through a body. Consists of a permanent cavity (crushed tissue) and a...

Explained in

  • Ballistics Evidence in Wildlife PoachingImpressions left on a fired cartridge case by the breech face, firing pin, extractor, and ejector of the firearm. Like rifling marks on bullets, these are comp...

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