- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Terminology
Home > Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles > Physical Features > Terminology
Common terms used to describe bullets:
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Nomenclature
Click for larger image| Common Terms | |
Term |
Definition |
| Bullet | Nonspherical projectile for use in a rifled gun barrel |
| Tip | Extreme forward end of a bullet |
| Meplat | Blunt tip of some bullets, specifically the diameter of that blunt tip |
| Ogive | Curved forward part of a bullet |
| Nose | Forward end of a bullet, including the tip, the ogive, and meplat (if present) |
| Cannelure | Circumferential groove in a bullet generally of a knurled or plain appearance for the purpose of lubrication or identification, or to assist in crimping a bullet in the mouth of a cartridge case |
| Bearing surface | Portion of the outer surface of a bullet that makes direct contact with the interior surface of a gun barrel |
| Base | Rear portion of a bullet |
| Heel | Configuration of the intersection of the bearing surface and base of a bullet |
