Re: Why 9mm?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilgamesh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Cavitation effects are at rifle velocities. Pistol calibers probably rely on wound channel size (bleeding) and momentum (mass x velocity). I remember seeing some FBI data about 6 years ago in a class. The numbers listed on your link seem high. I recall being impressed at how low first shot effectiveness was in general with any caliber. I remember 223 at 99% and 308 at 98%. 9mm was in the upper 70s to upper 80s --higher end with +P loads. 124 gr 9mm was particularly poor. 45acp was in the mid 80s to mid90s--higher end with +P loads. 357 caliber was lower, I can't remember the numbers, but I can remember the instructor speculating that it might be related to overpenetration in a human. Also frangible +p 9mm did well if barrier/penetration issue were not involved. This is all from memory mind you.
I use 45 acp.
</div></div>
There is no such thing as "overpenetration." Penetration is the single most important feature of any self defense round. The only reason to limit it is civil liability, not performance.</div></div>
I agree with you that penetration is most important. I think that the instructor meant that the bullet went through the body taking with it some of the energy (as an explanation as to why 357 was lower than 45 in terms of first shot stop). I didn't say that I believed that was true. In fact, I don't think bullets go through people very often and I don't think energy transfer is all that important.
There are all manner of this sort of data out there. Some supporting big slow others supporting fast small. Experts for this and that. I don't think anyone really knows, including me. I am just speculating.
I do belief that alot of first shot statistics are high. If you shoot someone I think that most people are first incapacitated by pain and psychological shock. A bullet at handgun velocities doesn't have enough mass or velocity to knock down a man. Even if vital structures are destroyed, well motivated or unaware (that they've been shot) individuals should be able to remain conscious for 10 or 20 seconds. Head shot is the only real immediate unconsciousness maker.
But Non-survivable wounds (not talking first shot drop) is all about penetration and wound channel. Both 45acp and 357 are excellent in the penetration department. 45 maybe a little bigger wound channel (more bleeding). Momentum mean something more than energy, because in my mind, it has more to do with more penetration and less deflection. More big deep holes per unit time means faster bleeding and decreased brain perfusion. Most people can make more on-target holes per unit time with 45 acp than with 357 magnum. Thus I use 45 and not 357.
So why not 9mm? I guess because it lacks mass, therefore may be deflected more and produces a smaller wound channel. But really the following picture (from the motivational picture thread) sums it up nicely: