The characterisation and provenance of ammunition components

Abstract

The objective was to create a comprehensive data set of analytical results relating to the physical construction and chemical composition of ammunition components; to be used to determine the provenance of ammunition. The study focusses on 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition due to its ubiquitous nature in crime and conflict zones around the world. Ammunition identification and classification currently relies heavily on the information provided on cartridge case headstamps and packaging. In the absence of this information, there is no definitive method to ascertain the potential origin of ammunition. The aim of this study was to examine the physical and chemical composition of ammunition components from different origins in an attempt to establish if the construction and elemental composition of these components could be used to differentiate between sources of ammunition. Initially, various physical and chemical techniques were employed to analyse samples of ammunition from known sources. Currently, there are 24 known countries and 42 known manufacturers who produced 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition (Ness and William, 2011). This study aimed to analyse a representative sample of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition to determine if differentiation between the manufacturers is feasible. A further temporal study was explored to establish if differences in the materials and manufacturing techniques occurred in a single manufacturing plant over a period of time. A detailed analysis of ammunition components generated information pertaining to differences particular to each manufacturer’s ammunition. It is reported that there are sufficient distinguishing features between the 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition analysed, and can be said with a degree of certainty that a particular round of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition could have originated from a particular manufacturer. This research was conducted with the ambition of creating a publication to be used by professionals and academics in relation to identification of ammunition origin. Working with Cranfield University to contribute to work conducted by national and international organisations it is presented as a database set; to be used as a reference where standard forensic techniques currently provide no information of the provenance ammunition origin. Promising results provide avenues for further research to be continued temporally or even into other calibres – ultimately comprising of a resource that is invaluable to many.