Why doesn't the .45 look more powerful than the 9mm on paper?

[Kevin108]

In reality with modern high performance ammo either 9mm or .45 is a good choice for SD. Just don't expect a "one-shot stop" from either.

Real-world results speak well for either depending on bullet weight and design - upwards of 85% for Fed JHP if I remember correctly. The info was from "Street Stoppers" by Marshall & Sanow. I'd borrowed from a buddy at work so I don't have it in front of me right now.

 

[Silvanus]

I wonder when/if this argument will ever stop. A thousand years ago it was probably the same.

Knight 1: "The Greataxe is my favourite weapon. Good for beheading people"
Knight2: "The Longsword is more versatile. You can chop, stab and cut!"
Knight1: "But an axe is less likely to break in the heat of battle and makes bigger wounds"
Knight3: "You are all retards, mace and shield is the real deal! It's slower to swing but talk about dealing a heavy blow!()"

 

[jad0110]

It's the old "would it suck less to be standing in a crosswalk and hit by a Honda Civic travelling 55mph or a Ford F250 cruising at 40mph?".They both deliver a bunch of suck,just go about it a little differently.

That's got to be the best conclusion made in this thread! And speaking of sucking, this debate is still coming up? Even after the VT massacre?

I thought after that tragedy the entire 9mm vs 45 debate would be silenced. Guess not.

As for knockdown power, the Mythbusters had an interesting episode on this. Not only do handgun rounds lack actual "knockdown" power, neither does the 50 BMG.

Placement and Penetration are key, in addition to the reliability of your chosen platform of course. If you can shoot 9mm and 45 equally well, then you may well be a tad better served by 45. That is unless you figure ammo / practice cost into the equation. And IMO, if you shoot 9 better than 45 (ie, 3" groups vs 4"), you may be better served by the 9mm.

Oh well, I guess the debate is endless.

I'm still waiting for the two lines to form so I can begin my test.

Redneck,

I have yet to see any lines forming, what's the deal ? Maybe we can combine the 9mm vs 45ACP debate with the Auto vs Revolver debate to see if we could get a line of volunteers started?

Think: 38 Special revolver vs 45ACP Hi-cap auto.

 

[Kevin108]

I wonder when/if this argument will ever stop.

You need to change the frequency on your phaser setting and get a trimidium crystal from Brownells if you want a better array.