Stopping Power? .45,.40,or .357 cal

[stealthmode]

Originally Posted by agalindo

The difference between the calibers would not be noticeable to a BG. 300 foot pounds and 400 foot pounds would not make a difference. I've seen 120lb deer hit with a .308 and they don't drop instantly the jump up then run for a short distance even if hit through the lungs or heart. A .308 has much more energy, +- 2137 foot pounds at 100yds, than any of the pistol calibers your posting about.
Check this site out, go to terminal ballistics. Dr. Gary Roberts A.K.A. DocGKR does a lot of posting there, he's one of the countries leading authorities on the subject of terminal ballistics.

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Will do... Thanks for the info!

[stealthmode]

Originally Posted by Elgis

More one shot stops recorded with 45 acp than any other round. It's probably got to do with the bullet size.

Interesting.. What's your source?
I agree w/ size of bullet however it probably also has a lot to do with the fact that most law enforcement agencies carry 45acp now a days..

[stealthmode]

Originally Posted by robinsre

The following information pertains to "transferred energy" exerted by a round.

1) .45 ACP 230 grain bullet traveling at 270 m/s = 561 Joules of energy
2) 9mm Parabellum 123 grain bullet traveling at 350 m/s = 494 Joules of energy
3) .357 Magnum 130 grain bullet traveling at 430 m/s = 771 Joules of energy
4) .357 sig 124 grain bullet traveling at 405m/s = 659 joules of energy
5) .40 S&W 135 grain bullet traveling at 370 m/s = 586 joules of energy


So in terms of energy transferred at top velocity on "average loads"

Your best performers are

.357 magnum
.357 Sig
.40 S&W
.45 ACP
9mm parabellum

Now at these velocities and this amount of energy this has little to nothing to do with stopping power, wound channel, or tissue damage. Just thought maybe this would be the information you were looking for.

Dude.. Interesting and Great freakin info man!!
This exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
I'm curious though, Where did you obtain this info??

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by stealthmode

Why so touchy on this subject??
I guess I'll just do more research...
Good definition though..
Btw where do you buy your Ranger SXT's from?
I want to try those in my XD45.

I dont think he meant any harm, its just that this subject of caliber and stopping power and what kills someone dead the quickest has been beat to death on just about every gun forum known to modern man. If you do a search, you will find more info than you can soak in during the length of a day.

[stealthmode]

Originally Posted by ForTehNguyen

penetration is the best characteristic of any bullet, you have to reach vital organs if you want to do real damage. You can kill someone easily with a .22 rimfire if you wanted.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf

Dude this is some great information for sure man. Thanks!

For everyone else that chimed in on this thread, this should definitely be looked at for the subject at hand. Totally legit and very informative.
Source is unarguable...

[Elgis]

Marshall and Sanow did a survey of ALL police, FBI, Border Patrol, Etc., reported shootings. They published the survey in 1996 and it's been updated, talked about and argued ever since.

[stealthmode]

Originally Posted by Elgis

Marshall and Sanow did a survey of ALL police, FBI, Border Patrol, Etc., reported shootings. They published the survey in 1996 and it's been updated, talked about and argued ever since.

If this survey has good info on the subject where can I find it?
Can I google it?

Disregard I found it! Thanks!

[agalindo]

The Marshall and Sanow data is flawed and considered by ballistics experts as a joke. Data was altered or manufactured to meet there requirements, some of the agencies noted in the report have publicly said the data they gave to Marshall and Sanow was altered, some agencies quoted in the report say they never gave them any data.

Check out the FirearmsTactical.com - Home for articles about all the inconsistencies in the Marshal and Sanow data.

[stealthmode]

Ok guys here ya go...

After some careful research on my behalf with the help of all of you, this is what I came up with.
Note: This was based on credible and a legit source.

1. The common misconceptions of Stopping and Knockdown Power are exactly that misconceptions. The true definition in Law Enforcement terms is known as Incapacitation of the subject and/or Bad guy.

2. In order to Incapacitate any given subject/Bad guy we all know that shot placement or accuracy is key but besides that, Bullet selection is Key.

3. Penetration: Keep in mind that the most critical factor remains penetration. While 18 inches is preferable a handgun bullet MUST
reliably penetrate 12 inches of soft body tissue at a minimum regardless of whether the bullet expands or not.
If the bullet does not reliably penetrate to these depths, it is not an effective bullet for Law Enforcement use.

4. Wound Cavity: Given adequate penetration, a larger diameter bullet will have an edge in wounding effectiveness. Basically in short the bigger the permanent wound the better the chances of Incapacitating the Bad guy.

5. In conclusion, Kinetic energy (Stopping Power) does not wound, Temporary Cavity does not wound, Penetration Does.

6. The only way to increase bullet effectiveness is to increase the severity of the wound by increasing the size of the hole made by the bullet.
Of those that will Penetrate the EDGE is Always with the bigger bullet!

Note: Hollow points do create a bigger wound channel but must penetrate first! So select wisely..

Thanks for all the help guys!!

[agalindo]

Give that man an A+ .