Topic: Forensic examination of injuries and wounds
Question:Draw and label a shot gun catridge. Descibe the features of entry and exit wounds.
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Key features of a shotgun cartridge and the characteristics of entry and exit wounds in text:
Shotgun Cartridge:
– Casing – Usually made of plastic or paper that holds the shell together.
– Primer – Located at the bottom rear of the cartridge. When struck by the firing pin it ignites the gunpowder.
– Gunpowder – Also called propellant. Burns rapidly to produce gases that propel the shot.
– Wad – Separates the shot from the powder and seals gases behind the shot.
– Shot – Typically small lead pellets. Number and size of pellets varies based on shot type.
– Crimp – Folded metal at the top that holds the shot and wad inside the cartridge.
Entry Wound:
– Size depends on range, but wider than exit wound.
– Dense central area of powder residues surrounding bullet hole.
– Abrasion collar or ragged edges from separation of skin.
– May be bloody with soot deposition around wound.
Exit Wound:
– Typically smaller and rounder than entry wound.
– Irregular wound margins with tissue blown outward.
– No powder residues since gases escaped through entrance wound.
– More blood loss and damage to surrounding tissue.
– May have crater-like appearance on skin surface.
