Regularities of Traces Formation on the Reloaded Cases During the Discharge of a Firearm

Introduction. In connection with legalization of autonomous cartridges loading to the rifled firearm, the matter of forensic examination of reloaded cases is growing more urgent. Objectives. The research is aimed at studying the regularities of trace formation on the reloaded cases during the shot from the firearm in order to diagnose the technique of cartridges producing, these cases being the cartridges parts. Experimental part. Examining the traces formed in the course of a shot and reloading was carried out with hunter’s .300 win mag caliber cartridge cases ejected from .300 win mag caliber Sauer 202 carbine. Discussion of results. There are already some traces on the surface of reloaded cases formed by the reloading equipment. This is their specific feature. During the shot, the firearm traces are deposited on them. The form and isolation of traces of reloading equipment and parts of the firearm are similar because the mechanism of their formation is analogous. They are formed during the process of local physical action either as the pressure of a trace forming object or its sliding. The traces on the shoulder and liner flange of cases are the most informative ones. Differentiation of these traces, understanding of the regularities of their formation are necessary for ascertaining the fact of cases reloading. The traces of equipment prove the homemade technique of cartridges making, the examined reloaded cases being their parts.