which Mr. Selvage reloads is designed for controlled expansion.

which Mr. Selvage reloads is designed for controlled expansion. “Every load which is used for hunting is designed to transfer as much energy to the target as possible.”

Would the exit hole be large or small? Mr. Fletcher asked.

“It would be larger than the entrance wound. How much would depend on the expansion and deformation of the bullet. . . depending on what it struck.”

“There is a first time for everything?” Mr. Luke asked on cross-examination.

“Yes,” Mr. Mason replied.

“Could the powder have adhered during the reload process?” Mr. Luke asked.

The fit of a bullet in a barrel is very tight, Mr. Mason said. “Any powder on the outside, I think would come off . . . I’m not aware of any studies.”

Mr. Mason also said that, hypothetically, if a bullet struck a twig and fragmented, the controlled expansion typical of an intact bullet would not apply to a fragment.

On redirect, Mr. Fletcher asked about the shape of an entrance wound caused by a fragment.

“It would depend on the shape of the fragment ... If the fragment was the base of the bullet, it could carry powder.”

Mr. Fletcher introduced into evidence a fully-loaded cartridge, a bullet, as well as an identical round cut in half. Testimony established that it was a Sierra Spitzer 180 grain fiatbased copper-jacketed bullet. The cartridge was loaded with 43 grains of4890 powder and fitted with a CCI 209 primer.

According to figures in the Speer Reloading Manual, the same round has a muzzle velocity of 2,430 feet per second, and at 200 yards the velocity of the round is 2,095 fps. Its kinetic energy at 200 yards is 1,752 foot/pounds. (A foot/pound is an expression of energy: the force required to raise a one pound weight one foot is one foot/pound of energy.)

Mr. Selvage took the stand briefly to establish that the items of evidence did indeed belong to him. “It is your testimony that this is what you fired at the deer on the Miller property?” Mr. Luke asked Mr. Selvage.