CCW caliber debate...

[AZG23]

reading the 9mm for CCW thread, it appears this pic is in order...take a good look...and comment:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/azg23/ballisticchart7rk.jpg


Now for one...they all looks like they leave an almost identical temporary stretch cavity...discuss on..:D

[BRUZR]

All but that tiny pattern left by the 9mm...:D

[mingoglia]

I'm a fan of the .45 for concealed carry but you can't go wrong with the .40 or .357 sig either. I would have expected a bit more penetration with those two rounds and a bit more damage upon entry with the .45 so that chart is interesting. Regardless 12" of penetration is typically about perfect for self defense particularly with light clothing.

Mike

[strider]

Use a 115 grain +P+ at approx.1300 fps and you will have the same % of one shot stops as a .357 mag. There is a lot of "street" shooting data to validate this. Even a +P laod is quite effective.The only reason I would hesitate is during the winter when someone is wearing a heavy parka. The material will plug the hollow point and effectively turn it into hard ball. Then I want the biggest hard ball I can get(.45) and still control. 9mm's are only mouse guns when you use hard ball or a 147 gr. load( too much penetration). My old Dept. switched to the 115's and got much better results.

[mingoglia]

Use a 115 grain +P+ at approx.1300 fps and you will have the same % of one shot stops as a .357 mag. There is a lot of "street" shooting data to validate this. Even a +P laod is quite effective.The only reason I would hesitate is during the winter when someone is wearing a heavy parka. The material will plug the hollow point and effectively turn it into hard ball. Then I want the biggest hard ball I can get(.45) and still control. 9mm's are only mouse guns when you use hard ball or a 147 gr. load( too much penetration). My old Dept. switched to the 115's and got much better results.

I currently carry 165 grain +P Cor Bon's in my .45. They claim 1250 fps.

Mike

[AZG23]

lets all get past the One SHOT stop....it really doesnt exist...and no one is going to stop at one shot...at least I hope....


There are no MAGIC bullets or caliber out there....as stated in a previous thread handguns are pretty weak...more emphasis should be placed on training and shot placement..training, practice, training...practice, practice, practice...etc.

as for a plus P load...they are "normally" only a few hundred fps faster than standard....does that mean they arent good..? Well, actually they are ok if you can handle the added recoil generated by such loadings. I stoke my wifes G26 with 124 gr +p's as its a short barrel, and not too much more felt recoil than a standard 124 gr load.

Pick what cycles 100% in ou SD gun, and practice occasionally with it..(ammo rotations-shoot the good stuff and get more)

[strider]

I agree Brad. One shot stop refers to data collected in police shootings where the number of rounds(and type) were used to stop the assailant. Handguns are -as a rule- very under powered as fight stoppers. If I know I'm gonna be in a gun fight I'm bringing my AR (only because I don't have a Cruise missle or can't run). Truth is any good,well designed hollow point, at 1,000-1,300 fps and .38/9mm or up will do as well as can be expected from a handgun. Use what you can shoot effectively( accurate at speed) and go with it.