Just finished reading the FBI's "Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness" and it makes me wonder why most 45 ACP shooters preach the 230 grain JHP for defense.
Considering that the FBI study concludes:
1. Penetration and permanent wound cavity size are the only two factors that should be considered in caliber selection.
2. Knockdown power is a myth in that even at muzzle velocity the force of bullet impact is as if a 10 pound weight was dropped from under 2 inches.
3. Bullet fragmentation does not occur at handgun velocities.
If we assume that bullet construction and design are adequate for the velocity, both bullets expand as designed and both are capable of penetrating at least 12 inches, why wouldn't the light 45 ACP bullets, say 185 grain, be superior. It would seem that the lighter bullet, with is lower felt recoil, would be more desirable.
Considering that the FBI study concludes:
1. Penetration and permanent wound cavity size are the only two factors that should be considered in caliber selection.
2. Knockdown power is a myth in that even at muzzle velocity the force of bullet impact is as if a 10 pound weight was dropped from under 2 inches.
3. Bullet fragmentation does not occur at handgun velocities.
If we assume that bullet construction and design are adequate for the velocity, both bullets expand as designed and both are capable of penetrating at least 12 inches, why wouldn't the light 45 ACP bullets, say 185 grain, be superior. It would seem that the lighter bullet, with is lower felt recoil, would be more desirable.