If you are looking to see how the different calibers perform, you need to look at the BULLETS.
Because it is the bullet that determines how well the velocity will be used, and energy is a straight calculation of mass and velocity.
Look at the ballistic coefficient of the bullets. This is a calculated value showing essentially, how well the bullet slips through the air. Higher numbers mean less loss of velocity due to air friction.
This takes care of the calibers (bore sizes).
Now, which ones have highest velocity is a matter of the CARTRIDGE, and the gun it is fired in.
A .380, 9mm Luger, .38 Super, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and all other ".35s" are the same caliber. but each case delivers a different velocity maximum possible, and the gun used modifies that even further.
If you are looking for longer range use, go to the smaller calibers. If you want close knock-down, go for the larger calibers. In close self-defense, go the mid range with .380. 9mm, 40 or .45acp...
This makes me curious what you consider "smaller calibers", and why you think all the rounds in a smaller caliber will give you better performance than the ones in larger calibers.?
Some handguns in small calibers (bore sizes) excel at long distances. Others kind of suck. Same thing for larger calibers.
Hornady manuals give velocity, energy and drop figures for their bullets. Its a good place to look, might be the answers you are lookin for , might not. If not, comeback with specific questions and we'll try to answer them.