What role do bone fragments play in wound ballistics?

[dorchester]

On a few occasions I have read that bone fragments can act as secondary projectiles and as serious wounding agents of their own. Is this a significant, if unpredictable factor? Additionally, particularly in a pistol caliber, would a higher velocity (say 1300 fps+) round have a greater or lesser tendency to produce such bone fragments?

[Hmac]

Bone fragments are light enough, and surrounding tissue dense enough, that any energy imparted to them from a bullet will dissipate quickly, thereby minimizing their potential as projectiles. Displacement of a given bone hit by a bullet might disrupt something nearby, such as a rib puncturing a lung or femur tearing the femoral artery, but most of the damage done by a bullet is going to be due to the expanding and collapsing wound cavity most of the time.

[Gutshot John]

On a few occasions I have read that bone fragments can act as secondary projectiles and as serious wounding agents of their own. Is this a significant, if unpredictable factor? Additionally, particularly in a pistol caliber, would a higher velocity (say 1300 fps+) round have a greater or lesser tendency to produce such bone fragments?

It can be a very significant factor but is probably not taken into account by ammo manufacturers.

I would guess that lower velocity tends to produce more fragments but they don't go far.

First hand I saw a gangbanger shot in face with a .45, his buddy standing next to him had multiple teeth and bone fragments embedded in his.

[Pumpkinheaver]

I know in a hunting situation I try to stay away from shots that hit major bones. IE the shoulder of a deer. Bone fragments can travel quite far away from the main wound. Don't know how this translates to a human target but It has got to add to the "stopping power" of a given round if you get bone fragments traveling through the human body.

[Gutshot John]

I know in a hunting situation I try to stay away from shots that hit major bones. IE the shoulder of a deer.

Where do you mean? Preferred shot placement is just behind the shoulder...right into the ribcage. Probably lots of bone fragments.

[ST911]

On a few occasions I have read that bone fragments can act as secondary projectiles and as serious wounding agents of their own. Is this a significant, if unpredictable factor? Additionally, particularly in a pistol caliber, would a higher velocity (say 1300 fps+) round have a greater or lesser tendency to produce such bone fragments?

Bone fragments can become secondary projectiles, impaling themselves in tissues or lacerating them. That's a useful tool, but not a primary consideration. I'll defer to others on what makes them work well or poorly in that regard.

[Hmac]

Bone fragments can become secondary projectiles, impaling themselves in tissues or lacerating.

I've had my hands in the wounds of a substantial number of gunshot victims...extremities, abdomen, chest. I disagree with this statement, no offense meant.

[Gutshot John]

I've had my hands in the wounds of a substantial number of gunshot victims...extremities, abdomen, chest. I disagree with this statement, no offense meant.

As have I and I don't think it's something you can categorically state. It simply depends. Bone fragments can indeed produce secondary wounds.

No offense meant.

[Hmac]

Nothing is 100% in medicine, I agree. But in general, the concept of "bone missiles" is kind of silly. In my experience as a surgeon, that is.

[Gutshot John]

Nothing is 100% in medicine, I agree. But in general, the concept of "bone missiles" is kind of silly. In my experience as a surgeon, that is.

Bone missiles? That's a new one, I don't think that's what was claimed.

Are bone fragments a more significant MOI than the bullet itself? No.

Can bone fragments cause secondary wounds? Yes.

I don't claim to be a surgeon and maybe I totally misread Fackler but I doubt it.

If you have a journal I can refer to I'd be happy to look it over.