Colorado POST Practice Exam

What does a bullet typically create when it exits a target?

1. Small entry hole and larger exit hole

2. Only one round hole

3. Large entry hole and small exit hole

4. Multiple small entry holes

The correct answer is: Small entry hole and larger exit hole

When a bullet exits a target, it typically creates a small entry hole and a larger exit hole due to a combination of factors such as the bullet's design, speed, and the material of the target. As the bullet enters the target, it compresses the tissue or material and creates a smaller channel. However, upon exiting, the bullet may cause more significant damage and create a larger hole due to the expansion and tumbling effect that often occurs during penetration. This behavior is especially notable in softer materials like flesh, where the exit wound can be considerably larger than the entry wound, reflecting the energy and force exerted by the bullet as it passes through. The other options do not align with the typical behavior observed in ballistic wound dynamics. For instance, the idea of only one round hole implies that the bullet has not created different effects upon entering and exiting, which doesn't accurately represent how bullets interact with targets. Similarly, suggesting a large entry hole and a small exit hole or multiple small entry holes does not capture the general outcome observed in ballistic contexts, especially in living tissue or similar materials.