Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:12
Extraction of Organochlorine Pesticides from Plastic Pellets and Plastic Type Analysis
Published on: July 1, 2017
.177 caliber pellet classification system and identification key.
1Department of Political Science and Law Enforcement, Minnesota State University Mankato,109 Morris Hall, Mankato, MN 56001, USA. james.bailey@mnsu.edu
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|October 20, 2007
Summary
A new classification system for .177 caliber air gun pellets aids forensic investigations. This system uses pellet characteristics to help identify or eliminate brands found at crime scenes.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Ballistics
- Material Analysis
Background:
- Forensic investigations involving air gun incidents require methods for identifying projectile evidence.
- Current methods for identifying .177 caliber air gun pellets are limited, especially when dealing with diverse international brands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive classification system and identification key for .177 caliber air gun pellets.
- To aid forensic examiners in the identification or elimination of pellet brands recovered from crime scenes.
Main Methods:
- Examined and compared 68 pellet types from 15 different manufacturers.
- Developed a classification system based on five characteristic criteria: head shape, skirt type, length, weight, and other observable markings.
- Created an identification key for .177 caliber air gun pellets.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a five-class characteristic criterion for classifying .177 caliber air gun pellets.
- The classification system allows for the elimination of various pellet brands, even if complete brand identification is not possible.
- Pellet producers were identified from China, Czech Republic, England, Korea, Spain, and the United States.
Conclusions:
- The developed classification system and identification key are valuable tools for forensic ballistics.
- This system can significantly assist in narrowing down pellet origins in criminal investigations.
- Further research could expand this system to include other pellet calibers and types.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Methods of Classification and Identification
Bacterial identification relies on a diverse array of techniques to classify and understand microorganisms, each tailored to uncover specific characteristics. Traditional morphological approaches, while still valuable, are limited for closely related or structurally simple organisms. Modern methods integrate biochemical, serological, genetic, and advanced molecular tools to achieve greater accuracy.Morphological and Biochemical TechniquesMorphological characteristics, such as cell shape and...
01:26Classification of Systems-I
Linearity is a system property characterized by a direct input-output relationship, combining homogeneity and additivity.
Homogeneity dictates that if an input x(t) is multiplied by a constant c, the output y(t) is multiplied by the same constant. Mathematically, this is expressed as:
Homogeneity dictates that if an input x(t) is multiplied by a constant c, the output y(t) is multiplied by the same constant. Mathematically, this is expressed as:
01:31Classification of Systems-II
Continuous-time systems have continuous input and output signals, with time measured continuously. These systems are generally defined by differential or algebraic equations. For instance, in an RC circuit, the relationship between input and output voltage is expressed through a differential equation derived from Ohm's law and the capacitor relation,
01:24Microbial Classification System
Classification is the process of organizing organisms into hierarchically inclusive groups based on their phenotypic similarities or evolutionary relationships. A species comprises one or more strains, and closely related species are grouped into genera. Genera are further classified into families, families into orders, orders into classes, and so forth, up to the domain level, which is the broadest taxonomic rank derived from a combination of phenotypic and genotypic data.The nomenclature of...
01:09¹H NMR: Pople Notation
The Pople nomenclature system classifies spin systems based on the difference between their chemical shifts. Coupled spins are denoted by capital letters with subscripts indicating the number of equivalent nuclei. When the coupled nuclei have well-separated chemical shifts, they are assigned letters that are far apart in the alphabet, such as A and X. When the difference in chemical shifts is small, coupled nuclei are named using adjacent letters of the alphabet (AB, MN, or XY).
A proton...
A proton...
01:16Brick Classifications
Bricks, a fundamental component of construction, are categorized based on their application and structural characteristics into several types. These include facing bricks, building bricks, hollow bricks, paving bricks, and firebricks. Facing bricks, also referred to as face bricks, are primarily used for both structural support and visual appeal, making their appearance a crucial aspect. In contrast, building bricks are typically used in concealed sections of a structure, such as behind the...