The appearance of a rifle bullet entry wound changes predictably with the muzzle-to-target distance. Learn the range bands in order.
Contact shot
- Muzzle in contact with the skin.
- Circular entry wound.
- Burning and blackening inside the wound.
- Muzzle imprint may be present.
- Stellate wound may occur over the skull.
Close range shot
Entry wound with:
- Blackening
- Tattooing
- Burning
- Singeing
Intermediate range shot
- Tattooing present.
- Blackening absent or minimal.
- No burning.
Distant range shot
- Only entry wound and abrasion collar.
- No blackening.
- No tattooing.
- No burning.