Cartridge, Cartridge Case, and Shotshell Examinations - Week 1 of 2 is lecture and theory.
Cartridge Case and Shotshell Examinations/Comparisons - Week 2 of 2 - Scope Work Week is a practical application of Week 1 of 2

This course focuses on hands-on comparison microscopy of fired cartridge cases and fired shotshells. Students examine both known matches and known non-matches to strengthen their comparison skills.  They examine rimfire cartridge cases from various calibers fired in firearms with different mechanisms. They also examine fired shotshells from multiple gauges, fired in a range of shotgun models, including single-shot, pump-action, semi-automatic, side-by-side, and over-under.  They also examine fired cartridge cases with manufacturers' and manufacturing marks.

Students further study cartridge cases from different calibers that had been fired in firearms for which they were not designed. A special exercise involves the examination of fired cartridge cases from ten consecutively manufactured Taurus G2C pistols, caliber .40 S&W.  The students also compare cartridge cases from different manufacturers within the same caliber, as well as cartridge cases fired in different firearms of the same caliber and make, and in cartridge cases fired in firearms calibers they were not designed for.

Additionally, students compare cartridge cases from different manufacturers within the same caliber, as well as cartridge cases fired in different firearms of the same caliber and make, and in firearms calibers they were not designed for.

• Each student is expected to be present, on time, and to participate in each assignment. 
• Class will run from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
• Exams:  No written exam will be given.
• Practical: There will be a practical exercise given containing the following:
  • Cartridge cases fired from consecutively manufactured firearms.
  • Matching pairs of cartridge cases of the same caliber fired in different firearm types.
  • Shotshells are fired in various shotgun types.
  • Cartridge cases from different calibers capable of being fired in the same firearm (.38 Special in .357 Magnum).

**The completion times for each assigned “comparison” will be given during class