ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses stages of ballistics including internal, external, and terminal as well as wounding capacity. It illustrates aspects of projectile injury investigation that need to be considered in combination with standard forensic practices and procedures to ensure reliable conclusions are reached for medicolegal and diagnostic purposes. A forensic examination is described including gunshot wound examination, establishing projectile trajectories, range and direction determination, imaging procedures, collection and containment of projectile evidence, and gunpowder analysis. Gunshot wound injuries to animals can be accidental or intentional and can involve complex crime scenes and investigations. A general knowledge of firearms and ammunition is required to determine the extent of damage caused by gunshot wounds. Ammunition is a combination of a primer, a propellant, and a projectile developed to accomplish specific parameters of distance, target penetration, and wounding capacity.
