All the advanced bullet technology arguments made for the smaller caliber semi-auto rounds also enhance the 45 ACP's performance. Penetration testing with bullets like the Federal 230 HST fired at +P velocities show same penetration as the commonly cited smaller caliber SD cartridges.
Testing of the 45+p HST meets FBI/LE standards. But as an example, testing of the latest FBI/LE 9mm load, bests that 45+p HST in every category: bare, heavy clothing, steel, wallboard, safety glass, and iwba heavy clothing.
So, a center mass hit w/ this 45, has no advantage over the 9. But the 9 is easier to get faster paced hits, better against barriers, etc.
This is why hammer fired 45s, and the heavier recoiling chamberings are going away, while striker fired 9s are the trend in the LE community. The latest FBI/LE 9, even bests the 357sig.
