Bullets or bullet fragments can be classified as which of the following?

Bullets or bullet fragments are classified as projectiles or components from a cartridge because they are specifically designed and manufactured to be fired from a firearm. When a firearm is discharged, the bullet travels down the barrel and is propelled towards a target, making it a key component of the firing process.

In forensic science, understanding that bullets and their fragments are projectiles helps investigators link ballistic evidence to the crime scene, determining factors such as the type of weapon used and the trajectory of the shots fired. This classification enables law enforcement to analyze evidence effectively, contributing to investigations and establishing connections between various pieces of evidence found at crime scenes.

Other classifications, such as defective parts, raw materials, or recycled metals, do not accurately capture the functional role of bullets in the context of criminal investigations and analysis. Defective parts imply a lack of usability, while raw materials and recycled metals pertain to the stages before becoming functional ammunition. Therefore, the classification as projectiles or components from a cartridge is the most appropriate and direct characterization of bullets and bullet fragments.