Concealed Carry Ballistics: Challenging the Stopping Power Conventional Wisdom

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docohm

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Interesting article....
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2...nging-the-stopping-power-conventional-wisdom/

One of the conclusions...
3. Look at the performance of 9mm vs. both barrel lengths of .357 Mag…what?! Practically identical penetration and expansion, despite the .357 Mag’s 60-180 ft-lbs more energy at the muzzle! Now, we are talking averages across a wide variety of bullet designs and powder types/charges.
 

dennishoddy

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This one comment told me that the fan boy of 9mm is a wimp and probably a sissy.
".45 ACP…along similar lines as the 9mm vs. .40 S&W discussion, .45 ACP in small handguns has rarely been as brutal as .40 S&W."
.40 S&W recoil brutal? Seriously? Maybe for a 12 year old.
I've got some handguns that can be described as brutal, the .40 is not one of them.
 

Defcon Shooter

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This one comment told me that the fan boy of 9mm is a wimp and probably a sissy.
".45 ACP…along similar lines as the 9mm vs. .40 S&W discussion, .45 ACP in small handguns has rarely been as brutal as .40 S&W."
.40 S&W recoil brutal? Seriously? Maybe for a 12 year old.
I've got some handguns that can be described as brutal, the .40 is not one of them.
I carry 45 acp in smaller guns. Things like my KAHR in 40 are too snappy for me. Aimed fire is way slower than with 45 acp in the same platform. Part of the reason 40 SW is becoming a failed cartridge.
 

Glocktogo

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This one comment told me that the fan boy of 9mm is a wimp and probably a sissy.
".45 ACP…along similar lines as the 9mm vs. .40 S&W discussion, .45 ACP in small handguns has rarely been as brutal as .40 S&W."
.40 S&W recoil brutal? Seriously? Maybe for a 12 year old.
I've got some handguns that can be described as brutal, the .40 is not one of them.

TBH, it depends on the gun. I had a Beretta 96 and the recoil on it was very unpleasant. Like it was unlocking too soon or the recoil spring wasn't stout enough, coupled with the alloy frame and low slide weight? With 165gr defense loads it was downright unpleasant compared to even my alloy framed 1911 .45 ACP or a Glock 19 shooting +P+ loads. OTOH, I had an all steel Star Firestar .40 compact and it was a complete pussycat with the same loads.

Still, I prefer 9mm and .45 ACP so much over .40 that I don't even own one anymore.
 

OKCHunter

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I’ve got M&Ps in 9, 40, and 45. I do notice a little more “snap” with the 40 but it has never been an issue for me. I do like that both 9 and 40 brass can be found laying all around at most ranges which makes for some low cost reloading.
 

O4L

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After trying most of the popular calibers in guns of mine I decided to consolidate and just go with 9mm for the same reasons many people make it their caliber of choice.
 

bigred1

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After trying most of the popular calibers in guns of mine I decided to consolidate and just go with 9mm for the same reasons many people make it their caliber of choice.
What, no 1911 in 45ACP ? That's a cryin shame. I have one 40 left. It's an XDM compact. Nice firearm that I can't seem to bring myself to trade off. Other than that one its 9s and 45s for me.
 

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