Guidelines for the Documentation of 

the Examination of Ammunition and 

Ammunition Components Page 1 of 4 Adopted 12/04/13 

Guidelines for the Documentation of the Examination of 

Ammunition and Ammunition Components

1.0 Objective 

The purpose of this document is to set forth guidelines to examiners conducting 

forensic examinations of ammunition and ammunition components. 

2.0 Introduction 

2.1 The examination of any cartridge, cartridge case, shotshell or projectile will 

be documented. This documentation may include the condition and physical 

characteristics of the cartridge, cartridge case, shotshell or projectile as 

received and will include information related to tests conducted with the 

item. 

2.2 Generally accepted forms of documentation include, but are not limited to, 

worksheets, laboratory notes, sketches, photographs, video, and reference 

material. 

3.0 Safety Considerations 

3.1 It is the responsibility of the user of this guideline to establish appropriate 

health and safety practices and determine the applicability of regulatory 

limitations prior to use. 

3.2 Ammunition evidence in the laboratory environment is not dangerous if 

handled correctly. 

4.0 Documentation of Physical Characteristics 

4.1 Documentation of an unfired cartridge/shotshell should include the following 

(when applicable): 

4.1.1 Caliber/Gauge 

4.1.2 Brand 

4.1.3 Headstamp 

4.1.4 Case/Body material (i.e. metal type, plastic, paper) 

4.1.5 Primer material 

4.1.6 Shell Length 

4.1.7 Bullet/Projectile type and composition 

4.1.8 Action marks, type and relative position, single/multiple 

4.1.9 Evidence of any attempt to fire (partial firing pin impression) 

4.1.10 Trace evidence 

4.2 Documentation of a fired cartridge case/shotshell should include the 

following (when applicable): 
Guidelines for the Documentation of 

the Examination of Ammunition and 

Ammunition Components Page 2 of 4 Adopted 12/04/13 

4.2.1 Caliber/Gauge 

4.2.2 Brand 

4.2.3 Headstamp 

4.2.4 Case/Body material (i.e. metal type, plastic, paper) 

4.2.5 Primer material 

4.2.6 Shell Length 

4.2.7 Firing Pin Impression, Breech Face Mark, Extractor Mark, Ejector 

Mark type and relative position 

4.2.8 Additional toolmarks 

4.2.9 Trace evidence 

4.2.10 Condition, suitability for comparison 

4.3 Documentation of a fired projectile should include the following (when 

applicable): 

4.3.1 Type 

4.3.2 Weight 

4.3.3 Diameter 

4.3.4 Caliber/Size/Gauge 

4.3.5 General Rifling Characteristics 

4.3.6 Trace evidence 

4.3.7 Condition, suitability for comparison 

5.0 Documentation of Examination 

5.1 Documentation of the examination of ammunition may include the following: 

5.1.1 Possible firearm type 

5.1.2 Results of comparison 

5.2 Documentation of the examination of a cartridge case/shotshell may include 

the following: 

5.2.1 Possible firearm type 

5.2.2 Results of comparison 

5.2.3 National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) entry and 

result 

5.3 Documentation of the examination of a projectile may include the following: 

5.3.1 Possible firearm type 

5.3.2 Results of comparison 

5.3.3 NIBIN entry and result 
Guidelines for the Documentation of 

the Examination of Ammunition and 

Ammunition Components Page 3 of 4 Adopted 12/04/13 

Appendix 1 – References

1. Standardization of Comparison Documentation. AFTE Journal. 2006 Jan;38 

(1):72-73. 

2. Haag L, Garrett M. Bullet Length to Diameter Ratios and Caliber 

Determination of Bullets in Surviving Gunshot Victims. AFTE Journal 2007 

Jan;39(1):31-43. 

3. Crumley R. Bullet Core Weights. AFTE Journal. 1998 Jan;30(1):125. 

4. Haag M, DaVia K, Foster J, Ross C. The Reconstructive Aspects of Bullet 

Jacket and Core Weights. AFTE Journal 2002 Apr;34(2):161-164.
Guidelines for the Documentation of 

the Examination of Ammunition and 

Ammunition Components Page 4 of 4 Adopted 12/04/13 

Appendix 2 – Document History 

Date Section Changes 

04/15/2013 Draft Approved 

07/30/2013 Posted for Review 

12/04/2013 Adopted