Examination

When fired shotshell components are examined, laboratory policies must be followed, including

Coordination of examination sequencing across disciplines to preclude loss of trace evidence.

The preliminary steps for the examination of fired shotshell components are as follows:

Mark evidence according to laboratory procedures.

Note: Shot pellets, buckshot, and buffering materials by nature are impractical to mark directly. Their packaging should be marked and appropriate notations made in the related worksheet.
Photograph and document original condition of evidence.
Determine equipment necessary for examination.
- Laboratory-approved worksheet.
- Reference standards.
- Stereo microscope.
- Evidence marking items.
- Small hand tools, as required.
- Equipment for measuring dimensions of components, such as
  - calipers,
  - stereo microscope with micrometer and calipers,
  - stereo microscope with optical grid,
  - stereo microscope and machinist’s steel rule,
  - measuring projector,
  - comparison microscope with micrometer (air gap method).

Click here to read a sample forensic worksheet and report - Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles (Shotshell Projectiles)