Which element is indicative of an entrance hole in ballistic damage?

The presence of smooth, rounded edges is indicative of an entrance hole in ballistic damage. This characteristic typically results from the projectile penetrating the target material, such as a wall or a body, which indicates that the bullet entered with high velocity and cut through the material rather than tearing it. Smooth edges often indicate that the metal or other material was displaced uniformly as the projectile penetrated, leaving a more defined and rounded appearance at the entry point.

In contrast, rough, jagged edges would suggest potential exit holes or other types of damage, as they often result from fragmented or torn materials, rather than a clean entrance through the surface. Signs of burning may occur due to the heat generated upon projectile impact but do not definitively indicate an entrance wound, as they can be present in various types of damage. A dark color around the entry point could suggest the presence of gunshot residue or soot and may not exclusively indicate the nature of the hole itself. Smooth, rounded edges provide a clearer indication that the projectile has entered the material rather than exited it or caused damage in a different manner.