Which information can wadding or pistons reveal about a shotgun shell?

Wadding and pistons in a shotgun shell can provide critical insights into the make of the shotgun shell and the gauge of the gun. The wadding serves a specific purpose in shotgun ammunition, as it is designed to separate the shot from the gunpowder and help with the sealing of gases during firing. Different manufacturers produce wadding with distinct characteristics, which can be linked back to specific brands or types of shells.

Moreover, the gauge of a shotgun is a standardized measurement of the bore diameter, and certain types of wadding can indicate the gauge of the shell used. When forensic analysts recover wadding from a crime scene, they can compare its physical properties with known samples to ascertain the type of shotgun shell, linking it back to the weapon used in the incident.

In analyzing this option, it aligns with established forensic practices, where the composition and features of ammunition components, such as wadding, play an integral role in identifying shell type and associated specifications. Understanding these elements can significantly advance an investigation by narrowing down the types of weapons utilized and possibly the identity of the shooter.