Ammunition Expert Debunks Conspiracy Theories About Lack of Exit Wound in Charlie Kirk Shooting
"We really didn't know the projectile that was being used. And now it's been confirmed and identified as a Remington Corlock, very, very, very common soft point round that's been around for decades. And anybody who's used one can tell you that jacket separation fragmentation is something that can absolutely happen when these projectiles strike bone."
About this episode
The podcast features a discussion between host Charlie Kirk, attorney and novelist Kurt Schlickter, and Justin Nazerof, CEO of Phoenix Ammunition, focusing on debunking conspiracy theories surrounding ballistics evidence in a shooting case marking its 10-month anniversary. Nazerof, who has gained significant online attention for his ballistics expertise, addresses widespread misconceptions about the lack of an exit wound in the case, explaining that the Remington Corlock soft point ammunition now confirmed in court proceedings is designed to fragment upon striking bone, making the absence of an exit wound entirely expected. The conversation emphasizes the contrast between months of speculation in a fact vacuum versus actual court evidence now emerging. Schlickter, praised by Kirk for being both an attorney and prolific novelist, commends Nazerof's role as an expert witness who provides clear, fact-based explanations rather than speculation. The discussion explores why people remain committed to conspiracy theories even when confronted with evidence, with Schlickter attributing it to human nature's resistance to admitting error and the embarrassment of being misled by podcast personalities he characterizes as "clowns." The hosts note that 16 of 17 Remington 306 caliber rounds use soft tips designed to mushroom rather than exit, directly contradicting theories about "exploding microphones" and "electrocution" that circulated online. The episode represents a shift from speculation to evidence-based analysis as preliminary hearing details become public.
Key takeaways
- Justin Nazerof confirmed the projectile used was a common Remington Corlock soft point round known to fragment when striking bone, explaining the lack of exit wound.
- The 10-month anniversary of the incident coincides with preliminary hearing evidence finally contradicting widespread conspiracy theories about exploding microphones and electrocution.
- Nazerof has become prominent online for systematically debunking ballistics misconceptions with expert testimony-level explanations accessible to general audiences.
- Kurt Schlickter praised Nazerof's calm, fact-based approach as exemplary expert witness material, contrasting it with emotional speculation from podcast personalities.
- Sixteen of seventeen Remington 306 caliber rounds use soft tips designed to mushroom and remain in targets, making exit wound absence entirely expected.
- The hosts attribute continued belief in debunked theories to human reluctance to admit being misled and the embarrassment of trusting unreliable sources.
- The episode marks a transition from months of fact-vacuum speculation to evidence-based analysis as court proceedings reveal actual ballistics data.