9mm - V - The rest

[Jag]

How does much have people found 9mm rounds to differ, in regard to stopping power, to the other calibers?

Is there any great difference? Does it take two 9mm round to do the job of one single round of another kind (assuming accuracy is not an issue)? What are the pros and cons of using different type of rounds?

And finally have there been any studies or statistics in regards to shootings involving the different calibers?

Cheers.

[Niteshift]

I guess it depends on whose studies you believe.....Marshall/Sanow, FBI etc.

I personally go with the Marshall/Sanow studies. Since the results of the Strausburg tests were so close to their, I put a fair amount of stock in that test too.

The up shoot of the tests was that 9mm, .40, .45 etc. with the right ammo are all pretty darn close. Each caliber seems to have its optimum bullet weight (115 gr. for the 9mm).

Personally, I've carried several different caliber throughout my career. I've never felt under-protected with any of them. Up until a couple of months ago, I carried the 9mm for a number of reasons. Really, the only reason I switched from it was to carry the same gun as my partner. I loaded it with Cor-bon 115 gr. JHP's. 2 of the shootings I've been involved in were with 9mm's and the rounds did what they should have done in both cases.

A lot of people get really wrapped around the axle about this caliber and that caliber. I say load whatever you carry with the best ammo you can get and concern yourself with shot placement.

[DesertRat]

I'll have to second that motion. We recently had an off duty officer get in a shootout with a little .25 cal he was carrying in his pocket v. a robbery suspect with a 9mm. Good guy 1, bad guy dead. Shot placement is the thing.

[Argyle]

While I have never been involved in a shooting, my opinion is that the caliber doesn't matter, it's where you put the shot or shots. Make the shot count and practice, practice, practice.

[KenM]

Shot placement is all that matters. Doesn't matter if it's a 9mm or a 50AE, you hit them in the right spot and they stop. That said I've gotta also say I don't like a 9mm. I'm a big fan of the 45 and like the idea of all that flying lead.

[Badgeman]

I am a .45 man.... I heard an interview with a coroner who did thousands of autopsies and he was a big fan of .45. It has mucho knock down power... I don't want to get shot with anything...but to stop a drug crazed idiot you need all the help you can.

[D. Ridley]

There is an old saying:

"A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44." I would say hitting the target is more important than calibre. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by D. Ridley (edited 04-10-2000).]

[This message has been edited by D. Ridley (edited 04-10-2000).]

[Sgt-E]

My dept. issues 9mm, but we have the option of using our own 40 or 45. While everyone points out shot placement in the right spot with any caliber will have the desired results, reality shows, that will not always happen for any number of reasons. I carry a 45, because I believe it's the better round for the work I'm in.

[radar]

I also carry a 45 now but I thank the man upstairs for the 357 which took out the tire of the chevy trying to run over me, not sure the 45 or 9 would have.