ABSTRACT
At the instant of discharge, the pellet aggregate exits the muzzle of the gun as a fast moving, effectively solid mass. The velocity of the shot aggregate is approximately 365 m/s. In addition to the pellets, the plastic piston or shot cards and the wad are also expelled. However, because these components are aerodynamically unstable, they fall away rapidly as the shot aggregate moves forward. The outline of shot cards, wadding, and the piston may be imprinted on the skin of the victim.
