Biggfoot44
Ultimate Member
- Aug 2, 2009
- 33,469
Neutron activation is a very reliable way to see if the composition of a projectile is related to unspent ones recovered in the weapon or in the possession of the perp.
Although, in Baltimore, the thugs have defeated that by having every stinking round in a 30 round magazine scavenged from a different box (sometimes even different caliber) of ammunition. I guess modern problems require modern solutions.
I looked up the process to make sure . Neutron Analysis is extra precise technology to measure elemental compositions . But alas , it isn't probative .
Bullets are made in huge production lots . Hundreds of K at a time . And within the tons of a particular alloy mix , any slight variations in the mixing of lead , tin , and antimony will be randomly distributed . ( Cast bullets ? The vast majority of commercial cast bullets are made with the same 92/ 6/ 2 alloy , from a handfull of foundries . Also very popular with home casters .)
So at most . you could say that the bullet recovered from deceased Thug A was consistent with the bullets back at the crib of thug B .... And those of ten thousand other ammo owners in the state .