When I find the data, I will paste a spreadsheet derived from "Stopping Power and Street Stoppers" that provide (if you believe them) data regarding ammunition testing in geletin and actual "one shot stop" percentages for a wide range of ammunition. Please don't discount 9mm too quickly.Robbo85 wrote:i recently took the concealed hand gun class, i passed with flying colors, i like guns and consider my self fairly knowlegable of them but i am looking for a compact pistol to carry. I currently own a handfull of .45's, but Im leaning towards a compact .40 but i just don't know. I do know that i do not want to carry a 9mm, because i think the stopping power just isn't there. I am open to suggestions.
In the meantime start with this site:
http://webplaza.pt.lu/smat/database/New ... /Power.htm
What I have found is that the best 9mm ammunition is in the same stopping power class as the best 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 45 ACP and 357 Rem. Magnum ammunition. The latter ammunition may be slightly better, but by ~7-8 percentage points (91 to 98% one shot stop range for all of the above calibers best performing ammunition).
Terminal ballistics can be deceiving because of bullet design. For example, a 40 S&W 180 gr. FMJ and 360 Ft. Lbs of muzzle energy, will penetrate ~25 in. of geletin, but it, like most FMJ bullets are notoriously poor in stopping power, ~70% one shot stops. Compare this round to one of the best performing 9mm, a Federal 115 gr. 9BPLE (+P+) and 432 Ft.-lbs of muzzle energy will penegrate just 12 in. of geletin and produces 91% one shot stops.
I will attempt to paste a spreadsheet "shortly"will terminal ballistic info. . When you get the chance, browse the web and see what conclusions you come to.
BTW, I primarily carry a 9mm Kahr MK-9 as a pocket pistol, but also carry a Glock 22 in 40 and 357 Sig as well.
Hope this helps