Thread: Handgun Stopping Power

Whilst this article isn't really applicable to us here in NZ I found it an interesting take on a fairly old debate

https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alte...stopping-power

Originally Posted by 308

Whilst this article isn't really applicable to us here in NZ I found it an interesting take on a fairly old debate

https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alte...stopping-power

Interesting. The .32 ACP is a pistol found often neglected in sock drawers and rarely fired. On the occasions that they were fired in anger, the calibre seemed to exceed it's ballistic paper value on many occasions. Penetration and the nature of bullet deviation within cavities appeared to enhance it's stopping power no end.

They even blow cars up in the movies

Originally Posted by northdude

They even blow cars up in the movies

007 Bond had his rounds hand loaded with an extra grain of powder, so that doesn't count.

Originally Posted by 308

Whilst this article isn't really applicable to us here in NZ I found it an interesting take on a fairly old debate

https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alte...stopping-power

Interesting read, though as you say not really relevant to NZ.

Less variation in accuracy between the higher and lower powered rounds than I would have expected, I guess there are more factors involved there than just lighter recoil being easier to keep on target.

I remember the articles when I used to read the US mags. 357mag with 125gr hollow points was the best killer, 45acp was the best man stopper.
One was going quick enough with expanding bullets to feck you up and from my personal experience with a 357 l/a I could say that would be the case, and the other had a big enough diameter to let daylight in, and blood/air out.
Cant remember the 9mm stats. More police orientated though so more their primary weapons discussed.
If I hadn't read about the stats only coming from be used on crims etc., I would've suggested that some of the results were skewed for the smaller calibres as accidental or less violent situations, the victim would be less excited/adrenalized so wouldn't stop or keep going.

go the mighty .12ga
very good article and relevant in his conclusions...where you hit is more important than what you hit with..same for deer and other game.