Impact of a Sniper Shot on the Human Head: Gore and Science Behind the Bullet Entry and Exit

The impact of a sniper shot on the human head is a subject that breaches the realms of both scientific biology and gruesome reality. Depending on several factors, the outcome can vary significantly. Whether the bullet will splatter or pass through smoothly is determined by the force, velocity, and the type of ammunition used.

Factors Influencing the Outcome

The force and velocity of the projectile, as well as the specific characteristics of the ammunition used, are the primary determining factors in how a shot from a sniper rifle will impact the human skull. Unlike popular belief, a bullet will not go through the human head smoothly. Instead, it can result in catastrophic injuries, leaving behind a trail of splattered brain matter and bone shards.

Case Studies and Descriptions

One vivid example involves a suicide bomber who was hit with a 50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle. The aftermath was unsettling, with the subject's body splayed backward, a flap of skin attached to his neck, and a burst of blood where his body impacted the ground. Most strikingly, the head seemed to have been vaporized, leaving no trace of brain or skull in the photograph.

Witnesses and professionals in the field have described such incidents with stark detail. A police officer recounted several suicides, likening the glistening mass of brain and blood on the wall to cottage cheese mixed with ketchup. Similarly, a female officer who observed a suicide described the same gruesome scene.

Another firsthand account comes from a conversation with an army veteran who served as a sniper. He described a scenario where a bullet hit a target in the head and exploded, detailing a implosion rather than a pass-through.

Typical Outcomes

Generally, a bullet entering the human head will cause significant damage. The bullet will likely break off a large section of the skull as it passes through. The resulting pressure spike creates a forceful upheaval of matter, often resulting in the 'splatter' of brain tissue and bone fragments. The expanding bullet can also leave a crater on the opposite side of the skull, representing an area of maximum destruction and minimal chance of survival.

It's crucial to understand that snipers do not typically aim for the head; they target the center mass of the body, which is a larger and more forgivable area. However, if a sniper were to hit the head, the outcome would be far more severe. Modern sniper rifles use large-caliber ammunition, such as .308, 300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Mag, all of which are designed to cause maximum damage upon impact. These rounds, known as full metal jackets (FMJs), have a soft lead core that expands upon contact, significantly increasing the destructive force.

The bullet, after passing through the skull and brain, will no longer maintain its spear-shaped point. Instead, it acts as a blunt force, creating a large hole in the opposite side of the skull. This effect is likened to hitting sheet rock with a hammer rather than a nail. The downside is that it leaves a deeply destructive hollow rather than a clean entry wound.

Many of these details are based on assumptions considering a level-to-the-head shot from the side. If any of these assumptions are incorrect, corrections are welcome.

Additional Information and Corrections

After reviewing the information provided, it was pointed out that FMJ rounds do not deform significantly on impact and maintain their shape. The substantial damage is caused by the shockwave sent through the brain. This correction is important to ensure the accuracy of the information presented.

The prevailing view among snipers and marksmen is that the chest is a more forgiving target compared to the head, which is smaller and presents a greater risk of missing the intended target. This principle holds true not only in sniper engagements but for marksmen and infantry as well.