Course Description
"Bullet Identification - Week 1 or 2" is a lecture-based instructional week.
"Bullet Identification - Scope Work Week - Week 2 of 2" is a practical application of Week 1 of 2
This course was designed to focus almost entirely on bullet comparison. Students were given known samples to compare, which progressively got harder to include damaged bullets. Students were then given examples of known-to-unknowns designed to simulate casework. The course ended with a final unknown practical. Additionally, students were given exercises where they had to determine shotgun gauge and the size of shot.
Course Expectations
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:
- Exercises are provided to determine the shotgun gauge and the size of the shot.
- Known-to-known samples are provided in progressive difficulty, including damaged bullets.
- Unknown bullets and known bullets are given to simulate casework.
- Each student is given an unknown problem as a final test of their comparison ability.
Course Logistics
October 5, 2026 - October 9, 2026
Riley Workforce Development Center
1524 MS-19
Meridian, MS 39307
40
$1,000.00
Local Contact
Ron Smith and Associates, Inc.
Lucas Hatcher, Director of Operations
601-626-1100
lhatcher@ronsmithandassociates.com
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:
- Properly conduct comparisons from start to finish.
- Properly evaluate and document class characteristics
- Evaluate for subclass in casework.
- Document all items of evidence as well as the evaluation and comparison process.
- Correctly perform microscopic evaluations for individual characteristics
Course Schedule
| Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Instructor Introduction and Class Expectations | PE 2.4 Comparison of test fired bullets *test fire PE 24, 26 & 2 | PE B2.6 Comparison of Polygonal rifled bullets (Instructor provided) PE B2.7 Comparison of damaged & pristine *test fire PE 3 | PE B2.10 Comparison of Rifle bullets *test fire PE 10 and 11 | Mock Casework (Comparison of Knowns to unknowns) *Instructor provided |
| 1 Hour | PE B2.2 Beretta Barrel Break in Study (Instructor provided) | ||||
| 1 Hour | |||||
| 1 Hour | |||||
| 1 Hour | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1 Hour | PE B2.3 Comparison of JHP, Lead, Polymer Coated and FMJ Bullets *test fire PE 7 and 21 | PE 2.5 Comparison of 22 LR bullets *test fire PE 2, 6, 8, 22 & 23 | Shotgun Lecture and Examination of Shotshell components PE B2.8 pellet determination wad determination (Instructor provided) PE B2.9 Comparison of wads to bullets from a rifled barrel *test fire PE 16 | PE B2.11 Mock casework (comparison of knowns to unknowns) *Instructor provided | Mock Casework (Comparison of Knowns to unknowns) Note: Each Students will be given different test sets and can work multiple as time allows |
| 1 Hour | |||||
| 1 Hour | Course Closeout | ||||
| 1 Hour |
Helpful Lodging Information
Although we cannot endorse any particular hotel property, we have confirmed that the following lodging options are within a reasonable commuting distance to the training site.
Drury Inn & Suites Meridian
112 US-11
Meridian MS 39301