Final answer:
In forensic investigations, the category of muzzle range with the muzzle not more than 5 inches from the skin is considered contact or near-contact range, crucial in reconstructing shooting incidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The category of muzzle range when the muzzle is generally said to be not more than 5 inches from the skin is typically referred to as contact or near-contact range. In forensic investigations, especially those involving gun-related crimes, determining the distance of the muzzle from the skin at the time of discharge can play a crucial role in reconstructing the events of a shooting incident. Contact wounds are characterized by burns and a stellate laceration resulting from the muzzle's pressure against the skin, while near-contact wounds present with soot deposition and a muzzle imprint, but not necessarily the stellate laceration.