Mr. Eisenberg. Could you show that to the Chairman for his examination?
The Chairman. These appear to be lead bullets.
Mr. Cunningham. They are, sir.
The Chairman. The others appeared to be jacketed.
Mr. Cunningham. They are not, sir. It is known as gilding metal. They are copper-coated lead bullets. Actually, it is an alloy—it is not pure copper. They have been flash coated, for sales appeal, more than anything else.
Mr. Eisenberg. Does that coating serve to prevent distortion to any measurable extent when the bullet has penetrated a body?
Mr. Cunningham. No, it would not, to any appreciable amount. It is such a thin coat, as you can see. Later on I will show you the ones that have been fired, and also the bullets removed from Officer Tippit's body. You can see the coating comes off—it flakes off—it is very thin.
Mr. Eisenberg. So that Exhibits 587 and 588 are substantially similar to the R-P cartridge you have just been discussing?
Mr. Cunningham. Yes. They are both loaded to the same specifications, even though there are two manufacturers. All commercially made ammunition in this country is loaded to a specific muzzle velocity.
Mr. Eisenberg. Mr. Chairman, may I have this R-P cartridge which Mr. Cunningham has been discussing admitted into evidence as Commission Exhibit 589?