Wounding Characteristics of “Shotshell” Ammunition: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Wounds caused by "shotshells" in three homicides are presented. Characteristics of shotshell ammunition based on test firings of .38 Special shotshells are detailed. Differences between shotshell wounds and shotgun wounds may include pattern spread, number of pellet defects, and defects caused by the shotshell wadding and plastic capsule.