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Primer composition and memory effect of weapons--some trends from a systematic approach in casework
Sébastien Charles1, Bart Nys, Nadia Geusens
1Institut National de Criminalistique et Criminologie, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120 Bruxelles, Belgium. sebastien.charles@just.fgov.be
Gunshot residue analysis reveals lead, barium, and antimony primers are common. Researchers found a significant weapon "memory effect" impacting residue analysis, particularly for .22 and .32 calibers.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Ballistics
Background:
- Systematic analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) inorganic composition in casework since 2008.
- Database compilation of ammunition (primer, cartridge cases) composition to identify trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in primer composition in casework.
- To investigate the "memory effect" of firearms on GSR analysis results using test firings.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of inorganic composition of ammunition components (primers, cartridge cases).
- Database creation and trend analysis of primer prevalence.
- Test firings with recovered firearms and ammunition to assess the "memory effect".
Main Results:
- Primers containing lead, barium, and antimony (with or without tin) are prevalent (50-70%).
- Non-toxic primers show very low prevalence.
- A significant "memory effect" was observed for .22 and .32 caliber firearms, but not for .38 caliber.
Conclusions:
- Lead-barium-antimony based primers remain dominant in casework.
- The "memory effect" varies by firearm caliber, potentially influenced by primer composition, impacting GSR analysis reliability.
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