The Effects of Water-Soaking on Firing Distance Estimations

Abstract

Abstract The effects of water-soaking on firing distance estimations, employing quantitative determinations of gunpowder and metals around the bullet's entrance hole, were studied. The main finding was that, since the precision of the quantitative determination is poor, the existing statistical spread cancels out a potential effect of the target soaking. None the less, the prevailing factor is the firing distance, where increments of about 25 cm are clearly distinguishable, in both dry and water-soaked targets.