What are factors that contribute to the wounding effect of a projectile?

The physical properties of a tissue through, which a missile passes (tissue elasticity, density, cohesiveness, internal architecture), the diameter, shape, mass and velocity of the projectile, whether it expands into a mushroom shape or breaks and fragments, its internal construction, the length of the wound path and …

Why are bullet exit holes are often larger than entry holes?

Of the two holes, exit holes often tend to be much larger than entrance wounds for three reasons: 1) The bullet is misshaped or ‘mushroomed’ from the initial bone strike, 2) The bullet may no longer be moving along a straight trajectory, 3) The projectile may be tumbling end-over-end.

Are exit wounds worse than entry wounds?

Gunshot wounds can produce two types of wounds, depending on the direction of travel of the projectile. These are entry wounds and exit wounds – entry wounds are generally smaller and more regular than exit wounds.

What is an abrasion ring?

An abrasion collar, also known as an abrasion ring or abrasion rim, is a narrow ring of stretched, abraded skin immediately surrounding projectile wounds, such as gunshot wounds. It is most commonly associated with entrance wounds and is a mechanical defect due to a projectile’s penetration through the skin.

Do bullets exit?

Background on Gunshot Wounds In a perforating wound, the bullet creates an exit wound as it escapes the body. An exit wound differs greatly from an entrance wound. An entrance wound is surrounded by a reddish-brown area of abraded skin, known as the abrasion ring, and small amounts of blood escape through.

What is bullet wipe?

A “bullet wipe” is a gray or black ring around an entrance bullet hole. The ring is formed by and contains bullet lubricant, byproducts of propellant, traces of bullet metal, and residue in the gun barrel from previous use.

What’s the difference between a shrapnel wound and a bullet wound?

On the other hand a shrapnel ball has been part of an explosion at or near ground level and so travelling with it would be quantities of earth and other detritus which would be propelled into the wound. I’ve always assumed therefore that a shrapnel would would be a far more ‘dirty’ wound than an bullet wound.

How powerful is a shrapnel helmet?

Remember the Shrapnel helmet was able to deal with 80\% of potential head wounds caused by Shrapnel balls, because if the gunner is doing his job it should be exploding about 50 feet above you. Fragment can very in size from a few millimeters to a few feet in length, and be up to white hot.

What is the difference between a rifle round and a shrapnel ball?

The other difference is that a rifle round travels (ideally) through the air till it connects to it’s target. On the other hand a shrapnel ball has been part of an explosion at or near ground level and so travelling with it would be quantities of earth and other detritus which would be propelled into the wound.