- 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
Introduction
Home > Small Arms Ammunition > Introduction
This module primarily covers the development and manufacture of small arms ammunition. Both old and new technologies are reviewed. In addition, the basic principles of handloading and reloading ammunition are addressed, referencing the tools and dies which can leave class and individual toolmarks on the surfaces of cartridges.
Small arms ammunition manufacturing technologies are important to the firearm examiner because this is an area where class characteristics are produced. This should not be confused with the class and individual characteristics that may be produced by the operation of a firearm.
Before discussing how ammunition is made, we will review some basic nomenclature used in ammunition and its manufacturing operations.
