What are class characteristics of bullets typically analyzed by forensic experts?

Class characteristics of bullets are features that can help forensic experts categorize and compare bullets from crime scenes to determine their origin. The correct answer emphasizes two fundamental aspects: caliber and the number of lands and grooves.

Caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet, which is crucial in classifying it. Different firearms use bullets of specific calibers, creating a starting point for comparisons in ballistic analysis. The number of lands and grooves is another key characteristic, as rifled barrels imprint distinct patterns on bullets as they are fired. These patterns can vary between different firearms, making them useful for identification purposes.

While the weight of a bullet or its manufacturing details can also be relevant, they do not provide the same level of specificity in matching bullets to firearms as caliber and the number of lands and grooves do. Similarly, the type of material and color are not reliable characteristics for forensic analysis, as they can vary widely even among bullets made from the same caliber and specifications. Thus, in forensic ballistics, the combination of caliber and rifling characteristics (lands and grooves) is critical for classifying and potentially identifying the firearm used in a crime.