I think this I'd the most probable general assessment your going to get here about a straight shot at ten feet. Unless ballistics can show a fragmenting round of some kind, and assuming FMJ solid point (designed to tumble at 223 caliber), this is very likely what would happen. So if the victim still has a face, and the bullet is in the skull (and therefore it can be confirmed as a solid point), it probably, was not a straight shot. There's just to much power in the round at a mere ten feet, which is virtually point-blank range for a rifle, not to have otherwise blown the face off while exiting the head.
Thanks. That fits my thoughts...and the evidence.
I’d still like to hear if anyone has any direction on what should have been found on the victim/shootee regarding gunfire residue if it WAS a straight shot.
Absence of such would indicate it is not.
C