ABSTRACT
External ballistics is concerned principally with the flight of the bullet or shot charge after leaving the barrel. This will of course involve the missile trajectory, the arclike flight path which is the resultant of the effects of gravity and air resistance. In shot charges fired from smooth-bored guns, it will also be concerned with the changes in the spread of the shot charge with range. Missiles will also be affected by crosswinds which will push them off their original course. One other aspect of external ballistics must also be covered, as it is extremely important to the forensic scientist. This is the flight and the influences of the other materials which are discharged, almost as unintentional secondary missiles. Cartridge wadding and unburnt particles of propellant will produce significant effects at close range upon the victim of a shooting, as will the flash and high-pressure powder gases nearer to the muzzle.
