All things being equal, the amount and degree of vital tissue disruption is what determines stopping power. You cannot get around the fact that an expanded .45 caliber 230 grain bullet traveling at ACP velocities does that to a far greater amount and degree than an expanded .355 caliber 125 grain bullet traveling at Parabellum (let alone Kurz) velocities. The total "volume" of tissue disruption (think three dimensionally, now, along the bullet's path, describing a conical to cylindrically shaped area of disruption) is significantly more massive. Put in the right place, as between the two, the .45 is going to put a determined man down faster. It's just physics/biology. It's just simply not only about shot placement.
On paper, you�re absolutely right, but in the real world; no difference.
Think about it. We talk about bullets in tenth�s to hundreths of an inch. Now take about .15 and put it on your chest and tell me how big that is in relation to your chest; no all that impressive now is it? And that .15 at best is the difference between an expanded .45 and an expanded 9mm. Now look at an anatomical view of a human torso and tell me when, if EVER .15 is going to turn a bad wound into a severe wound. JHP�s do increase the performance of all handgun bullets on human targests; that�s not in dispute. But to think that .15 difference actually means anything on a human torso�I�ve had too many years on the street treating wounds, and too many years in the bush hunting. Plain and simple, I don�t buy it at all. Use a handgun with a JHP that has reasonable performance and place that round into the vitals and you�ll NEVER tell the difference between a 9mm & a .45. I tend to think the FBI�s criteria is pretty damn good; perhaps makes for a bit more penetration than some of us need, but still pretty damn good. The FBI has so much confidence in their criteria that any caliber/load that passes their tests is good with them (I�m not saying they immediately certify it for FBI use, I�m saying they feel it�s adequate).
If I�m carrying a Browning Hi Power in 9mm with standard velocity JHP�s, I don�t feel ONE IOTA less armed than when I�m carrying my LW Commander in .45 ACP. I think us gun guys have a tendency to be a little too much into guns sometimes.
