In The Forensic Casebook , by N.E. Genge, the author has a discussion of tracing bulllets and casings found at a crime scene. He then goes on to discuss "Gun Shot Residue." One thing that bothered me was this:
And that's all he says on the subject. It doesn't seem clear what he means, so maybe someone here can bring some light on the subject. Do ammo companies actually include trace materials, or is he just refering to different powder compositions? Also, what's with the "batches" thing? Minor, accidental varations in production, or additions specifically for matching a bullet to a specific run of ammo?
Is this a case of poor wording or misunderstanding, or do ammo companies actually make traceable ammo?
Many manufacturers deliberately include metal additives in known proportions, so tracking individual batches of ammunition becomes a possibility.
And that's all he says on the subject. It doesn't seem clear what he means, so maybe someone here can bring some light on the subject. Do ammo companies actually include trace materials, or is he just refering to different powder compositions? Also, what's with the "batches" thing? Minor, accidental varations in production, or additions specifically for matching a bullet to a specific run of ammo?
Is this a case of poor wording or misunderstanding, or do ammo companies actually make traceable ammo?