ID bullets with metal compounds

In summary, the conversation was about the feasibility of putting a unique metal composition in each bullet produced. The idea was questioned due to its practicality in the real world, as well as the cost and efficiency of producing and tracking individual bullets. It was compared to DNA testing, but ultimately deemed impossible to do on a commercial basis.
  • #1
Pengwuino
Gold Member
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Ok i got into an argument about the feasibility of this idea. For every bullet ever made from now on, put a metal composition inside of it that is unique to every single bullet produced.

0.09864 moles/g MgS
0.00787 moles/g Ca2S
0.01535 moles/g Cu4Zn3
0.06772 moles/g Ti5Cd2

Bullet cases sold at Wal-Mart in Charleston, West Virginia to Richard Hammonds on 9/12/06.

Was the example "ID". Is this at all possible? Also what was included in the argument is how this would stand up in the real world after being actually fired from a barrel and after hitting a target. Also, for anyoen who has an answer... what are your credentials if you don't mind.
 
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  • #2
Good idea, but don't try to patent it- the trace elements that get mixed in
by chance are already being used to do this.

Bullet makers keep archives of their melts for law enforcement to do this
very thing.
 
  • #3
Antiphon said:
Good idea, but don't try to patent it- the trace elements that get mixed in
by chance are already being used to do this.

Bullet makers keep archives of their melts for law enforcement to do this
very thing.
Caveat - they would do that by batch. To do it by bullet would be very inefficient, I would think.
 
  • #4
A melt is an industrial term for a molten batch. (At least it is in the glass business.)
Maybe it's called a "pour" in the metals world.
 
  • #5
But coudl you create a separate combonation for every single bullet you make (every bullet... billion+, not just every model) in mass productino?
 
  • #6
You could but it would be expensive and unnecessary.
 
  • #7
How expensive and how unnecessary on say, a $.05 bullet. WOuld it have any real use in the real world to help stop crime/prosecute people easier?
 
  • #8
It won't make it any easier than it already is.

If you tell me that 1000 boxes of ammo were sold with the same lead
and 5 of those boxes were sold in my neighborhood, and I have a receipt for
one of those 5 boxes and they pluck one of those bullets out of a terrorists's
head, you can bet your bottom dollar it came out of my gun. You don't need
to track each bullet to figure that out.
 
  • #9
Antiphon said:
It won't make it any easier than it already is.

If you tell me that 1000 boxes of ammo were sold with the same lead
and 5 of those boxes were sold in my neighborhood, and I have a receipt for
one of those 5 boxes and they pluck one of those bullets out of a terrorists's
head, you can bet your bottom dollar it came out of my gun. You don't need
to track each bullet to figure that out.

Besides, it would be a manufacturing nightmare to even produce unique bullets, let alone try to catalogue the metallurgical composition of each individual bullet.
 
  • #10
brewnog said:
Besides, it would be a manufacturing nightmare to even produce unique bullets, let alone try to catalogue the metallurgical composition of each individual bullet.

Well this guy i know seems to think it would be easy and wouldn't cost much at all and think its akin to DNA testing.
 
  • #11
Pengwuino said:
Well this guy i know seems to think it would be easy and wouldn't cost much at all and think its akin to DNA testing.


Testing would be easy, since you'd only have to do it when there's been a murder. Actually making each bullet from a different alloy would be impossible to do on a commercial basis.
 
  • #12
Yes but unfortunatly we don't know anything that manufactors like the human body does in its uniqueness (sp?)
 

1. What are ID bullets with metal compounds?

ID bullets with metal compounds are bullets that contain trace amounts of metal compounds, such as lead, copper, or zinc. These compounds are added to the bullet during production and can be used to identify the specific type of bullet used in a crime.

2. How do ID bullets with metal compounds work?

The metal compounds in ID bullets react with chemicals, such as acid or reagents, to create a unique color or pattern. This allows forensic scientists to match the bullet found at a crime scene to a specific type of bullet fired from a particular firearm.

3. Are ID bullets with metal compounds accurate?

Yes, ID bullets with metal compounds are highly accurate. The reaction between the metal compounds and the chemicals used for testing is specific and consistent, allowing for reliable identification of the bullet and firearm used in a crime.

4. Can ID bullets with metal compounds be used for all types of bullets?

No, ID bullets with metal compounds are only effective for certain types of bullets that contain trace amounts of specific metal compounds. Additionally, the condition of the bullet, such as fragmentation or damage, can affect the accuracy of the identification.

5. How are ID bullets with metal compounds used in forensic investigations?

Forensic scientists use ID bullets with metal compounds to match bullets found at a crime scene to a specific firearm. This can provide valuable evidence in criminal investigations and help identify suspects or connect different crime scenes.

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