Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
10:52
Conducting Elevated Temperature Normal and Combined Pressure-Shear Plate Impact Experiments Via a Breech-end Sabot Heater System
Published on: August 7, 2018
8.9K
SRM 2460/2461 Standard Bullets and Casings Project.
J Song1, E Whitenton1, D Kelley1
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology developed standard bullets and casings to improve firearms examination and ballistics analysis. These standards enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of bullet signature measurements for forensic applications.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Metrology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Firearms examination relies on unique ballistic signatures.
- Existing methods for comparing bullet profiles lack standardization.
- The National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) requires reliable data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2460/2461 for bullets and casings.
- To establish a standardized method for measuring bullet profile signatures.
- To enhance the accuracy and traceability of ballistics comparisons.
Main Methods:
- Digitizing master bullet signatures from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sources.
- Manufacturing 40 SRM bullets using numerically controlled diamond turning.
- Establishing a profile signature measurement system and quantifying differences using cross-correlation functions.
Main Results:
- High reproducibility was achieved in both the SRM bullet production process and the measurement system.
- The developed SRM bullets serve as both virtual and physical standards.
- Prototype SRM casings were also successfully developed.
Conclusions:
- The SRM 2460/2461 project provides crucial support for firearms examiners and NIBIN.
- A proposed traceability scheme links nationwide bullet signature measurements to NIST, ATF, and FBI.
- The developed standards will improve the reliability and consistency of ballistics identification.
