The Ragsdale Gunshot Wound Study

The first weapon tested is the 44 caliber model 1860 colt army revolver. The test employed a 148 grain lead bullet driven by 30 grains of black powder at a speed of 615 feet per second. The revolver is readied for fire [gunshot] The weapon is discharged. The missile will pass from left to right. After distortion and creation of the temporary cavity, the block pulsates then returns to original size Constriction, because of the elastic properties of the gelatin, results in a permanent track of considerably smaller diameter than the temporary cavity. Note the wooden plug that seals the top of the bone. This is to prevent the escape of marrow under high pressure at impact.

The final weapon tested is the current issue rifle for the United States Armed Forces. The 5.56 millimeter M16 A 1. It exemplifies the trend in military armament towards smaller calibers firing bullets of higher velocity, in this case, 3200 feet per second. Not only do these weapons create more devastating wounds, but fighting men are able to carry considerably more ammunition since the cartridges are smaller. This is a 22 caliber missile. The M16 is readied and fired. A distal femur is the test target. [gunshot] Note the marrow ejection from the top of the bone and the block's distortion. The block is carried off the table, out of the field of view. This time the sign is totally removed from the stand by the blast.