What kind of evidence is produced when a bullet passes through a target?

When a bullet passes through a target, the evidence that is produced is known as ballistic marking. This refers to the unique markings left on a bullet as it is fired and travels through a firearm's barrel. These markings are the result of the interaction between the bullet and the gun's rifling, which imparts specific grooves and lands on the bullet. They can serve as a critical piece of evidence in forensic ballistics, allowing analysts to potentially link a bullet to a specific firearm.

In contrast, projectile analysis focuses on examining the physical characteristics and behavior of the projectile itself, while impact residue pertains to traces that may be left at the scene upon impact. Gunshot residue specifically refers to the minute particles expelled when a firearm is discharged, which can often be found on the shooter or nearby surfaces, but it does not directly relate to the passage of the bullet through a target. Therefore, ballistic marking is the most applicable term for the evidence produced when a bullet penetrates a target.