Marks Found on Fired Bullets and Cartridge Cases

Question 1

Impressed Action Marks (impressions)

This is the indentation created when the gun’s striker hits the primer cup of the cartridge loaded in the chamber

Answer 1

Firing pin impressions

Question 2

Impressed Action Marks (impressions)

Generally located at the base portion of the shell caused by impact of the breech face to the cartridge.

Answer 2

Breech marks

Question 3

Impressed Action Marks (impressions)

This mark is sometimes created when cartridge or cartridge case is ejected from the action of a firearm

Answer 3

Ejector mark

Question 4

Striated Action Marks (Striations)

These are marks mostly found around the body of the fired shell caused by the irregulariteis in the walls of the chamber

Answer 4

Chamber marks

Question 5

Striated Action Marks (Striations)

Sometimes called secondary firing pin marks, these are marks found in the primer near the firing pin mark

Answer 5

Shearing marks

Question 6

Striated Action Marks (Striations)

These are marks are produced when the firing pin strikes the primer cup and remains imbedded in the primer during the recoil

Answer 6

Firing pin drag marks

Question 7

Striated Action Marks (Striations)

These are marks found at the extracting groove of the spent shell caused by its withdrawal from the chamber

Answer 7

Extractor marks

Question 8

Striated Action Marks (Striations)

Found on shells fired from auto-loading firearms appear as striated action marks

Answer 8

Ejector mark

Question 9

Marks produced at the brass case when cartridge turns around while being fed into the firing chamber

Answer 9

Pivotal Marks

Question 10

Magazine lip marks

Answer 10

Marks placed at the brass case when the cartridge is loaded in the magazine or when the loaded cartridge is pushed upward to be fed into the chamber