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Possible Toolmarks
The marks produced on cartridge cases and shotshell cases during the cycle of fire may include:
Toolmark | Description | Image |
Firing pin impressions | Indentation of the primer of a centerfire cartridge case or the rim of a rimfire cartridge case when struck by the firing pin |
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Firing pin drag marks | Striated toolmarks produced when a projecting firing pin contacts a cartridge or shotshell during extraction and ejection | |
Breech face marks | Negative impression of the breech face of the firearm found on the head of the cartridge case and/or primer after firing | |
Primer shearing marks | Striated toolmarks caused by the rough margins of a firing pin hole (aperture) scraping the primer metal during unlocking of the breech of a firearm | |
Chamber marks | Individual microscopic marks placed on a cartridge case by the chamber wall as a result of chambering, expansion during firing or extraction | |
Extractor marks | Striated toolmarks produced on a cartridge or cartridge case from the operation of an extractor (usually found on or just ahead of the rim) | |
Ejector marks | Toolmarks produced on the head of a cartridge case, from contact with the ejector (generally at or near the rim) | |
Anvil marks | Microscopic marks impressed on the forward face of the rim of a rimfire cartridge case as it is forced or compressed against the breech end of the chamber by the firing pin | |
Ejection port marks | Striated marks produced by hard contact between the ejection port of a firearm and a rapidly moving ejected cartridge case | |
Magazine marks | Striated marks produced on the periphery of a cartridge as it moves from the lips of a magazine towards the chamber during feeding |
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