One other factor is all the data has to be sample size. Over the last half century or so the really smaller calibers like 22, 25 and 32 have fallen out of favor as a carry option and so when we look at the real world instances are simply far fewer than with the 38 to 45 spectrum. The really larger calibers above 45 are also few in the real world data.I think if it was that simple, there would be no caliber wars. As far as I can tell, no one has been able to correlate real world data solidly with simple metrics like mass, diameter, amount of expansion, and energy unless the differences are extreme.
Put another way, there's probably good data to show that .25ACP isn't as lethal/effective as .357Mag, but there doesn't seem any good data showing that 9mm is better than .38Spl when it comes to stopping threats.
IMO, the decision between 9mm and .38Spl should be made based on aspects other than terminal ballistics. Things like: revolver or semi-auto, moon clips or speedloader, practice costs, etc.
I think if it was that simple, there would be no caliber wars.
JohnKSa said:As far as I can tell, no one has been able to correlate real world data solidly with simple metrics like mass, diameter, amount of expansion, and energy unless the differences are extreme.
Put another way, there's probably good data to show that .25ACP isn't as lethal/effective as .357Mag, but there doesn't seem any good data showing that 9mm is better than .38Spl when it comes to stopping threats.
IMO, the decision between 9mm and .38Spl should be made based on aspects other than terminal ballistics. Things like: revolver or semi-auto, moon clips or speedloader, practice costs, etc.
What? The .357 and .38 Special have exactly the same bore diameter. As a matter of fact, one of the most common bullet selections for the .357, the 158 gr., is also the one of the most common for the .38 Special.A more appropriate consideration would be 9mm vs .357 due to the bullets being the same diameter ...
What? The .357 and .38 Special have exactly the same bore diameter. As a matter of fact, one of the most common bullet selections for the .357, the 158 gr., is also the one of the most common for the .38 Special.
BTW, the 9mm has a .356" bore diameter.
My point being you can shoot a 9mm safely through a .357 all day without damaging the firearm. I’m not gonna say the same for a .38
9mm won't even get far enough in any of my many 357s to allow the cylinder to close. The 9mm has a tapered case that is way wider than the 357 straight walled case. They jess don't mate well folk.What? Do you even own a gun?
1. 9mm won't work in almost all .357 revolvers.
2. Since 9mm is shorter than .38 Special any damage that a .38 would cause would also be caused by the 9mm.
What? The .357 and .38 Special have exactly the same bore diameter. As a matter of fact, one of the most common bullet selections for the .357, the 158 gr., is also the one of the most common for the .38 Special.
BTW, the 9mm has a .356" bore diameter.
What? Do you even own a gun?
1. 9mm won't work in almost all .357 revolvers.
2. Since 9mm is shorter than .38 Special any damage that a .38 would cause would also be caused by the 9mm.
Incorrect with moon clips you can shoot 9mm out of most .357 revolvers safety.
My Taurus was set up for this from the conception, the others that it works on have a recessed cut in from the lip of the cylinder and the hammer has a spur to strike the primer like my old S&Ws.