Trace Bullets Record For Free

The NIST Ballistics Toolmark Research Database (NBTRD) is an open-access research database of bullet and cartridge case toolmark data. The development of the database is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice.

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.

The M856 tracer cartridge (63.7-grain bullet) is used in the M16A2/3/4, M4-series, and M249 weapons (among other 5.56mm NATO weapons). This round is designed to trace out to 875 yards and has an orange tip color, and is trajectory matched to the M855 (62-grain, green tip) ball cartridge.

Sometimes, even bullet casings have serial numbers on them, and this has been a useful tool for tracking down criminals. There are many pros and cons to requiring serial numbers on ammunition, and both sides are worth exploring. Currently, there are no strict laws in America requiring ammunition to have serial numbers.

Fragmentation rounds and shotgun style rounds such as Glasser's cannot be traced back to a specific firearm. What do you mean by ?traced"?

A found bullet in decent shape can often be tied to a make and perhaps model of gun, since different manufacturers use different twists and numbers of lands and grooves. The only way a bullet can be traced to your particular gun is if the police are able to fire a test bullet from your gun, and then compare the two.

?We certainly can identify . 22-caliber bullets,? said Jay Mason, Supervisor of the Firearms and Toolmark Unit of the Northern Virginia Forensic Laboratory. That puts this one to rest.