Studies of the trace element content of bullet lead and jacket material

The technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis, involving neutron fluxes of 10¹⁴ n·cm⁻²·sec⁻¹ and high resolution Ge(Li) gamma-detectors, has been applied to the analysis of bullet lead and jacket material. Radiochemical separation of the majority of the radioantimony from the irradiated bullet material was performed, with the objective of facilitating measurement of other elements present. Eight elements were measured in bullet lead and four in jacket material. Concentration variations between the varieties of ammunition studied indicate that more extensive studies, directed to possible ammunition characterisation, would be worthwhile.