RESUMEN
Objective To discuss the condition in which ricochet bullet wound is formed, study its ballistic characters and ability to damage in the body, and establish features for the diagnosis of ricochet bullet wound. Method We shot four Yorkshire pigs by selecting No.54 pistol (made in China) and No.56 semiautomatic rifle with No.51 pistol bullet and No.56 rifle bullet, using quern stone as ricocheting target, copied 12 cases of ricochet bullet wound models and observed the characters of entrance wound, wound cavity and cartridge point. Results The formation of ricochet bullet lies with the properties of the target, the shape and velocity of the bullet, angle of incidence and angle of ricochet; the angle of ricochet formed by sharp bullet with high velocity is smaller than the angle by the round bullet with low velocity under the same circumstance; the wound does not produce an evident temporary cavity; six features for the diagnosis were established according to experimented results. Conclusion The correct diagnosis of ricochet bullet wound is of practical value to judging direction and distance of shot, trajectory reconstruction, analysing purpose of shot and evaluation of injury degree.