WARNING the following contains GRAPHIC descriptions of bullet trauma on wild game.
I like hydra shocks, but SOME 1911's need the feed ramp polished to feed them reliably.
I've used hyrda shocks (im 380 and 45) as a finishing gun on antelope/deer/elk for years. Results are devastsing and if you are squeaminsh don't read on.
The 380 cartridge is pretty destructive but doesn't penetrate well when it hits heavy bone, this will stop penetration at a few inches and ruin a lot of muscle tissue (meat). However, if NOT encountering heavy bone penetration seems to be 6-8 inches and the bullet will expand to the size of a penny (but WILL seperate and fragment , not retaining its mass). All animals killed/finished with a .380 were pronghorn antelope.
The 230 grain 45 hydra shock is a bone breaker. and those times where I've shot an animal in the head the 45 fractures the skull into large pieces (you can tell when you pick the animal up to move it) and it will literally bulge/knock the eyes out of their sockets, the 45 shell DOES not appear to expand on head shots and exits cleanly. On a body shot the round opens nicely and penetrates completely THROUGH the body on a broadside shot, expanding to 55 caliber or more.
I've also shot silver tips in my 45, but not at game.
In 9mm I got a deal on 115 gr PMC/Eldorado star-fire ammo a few years ago and have used that in the field on a deer, as well as a 115 grain silver tip. The silver tip did FAR more damage (on the surface creating more bloodshot meat) but the jacket seperated immediately (something i don't like), while going through a rib, then perforated a lung, nicked the heart and stopped in the sternum. penetration was around 7 inches. The starfire penetrated deeper and was about 40 cal in diameter when I found the slug, which had gone through a rib, the liver and one lung to lodge underneath the scapula(which was broken by the force of the bullet) Penetration was like 9-12 inches. I've seen FMJ used on antelope, and even with a head shot most times it required a double-tap to get the job done. Any body shot will go right through and animal the size of an antelope, and might go all the way through a deer broadside.
I've never shot an animal in the head with a 9mm, but i have with a 357. Used a 125 grain remmington jhp. the animal dropped as if pole-axed and the bullet was going so fast it did not expand or break the skull like the 45, but instead of "falling over" It SLAMMED into the ground. Not sure of the physics involved .. but I'd say the 357 killed the fastest.
Note that NONE of these pistols was intended as a main arm,rather a coup de grace weapon and ranges fired were generally within 10 feet IF the rifle used to shoot them as not instantly lethal. Game animals have been known to get up and try to run away when you walk up on them, so i usually walk up with a loaded pistol. I don't believe in making the animal suffer and I'd much rather make a humane 1 shot kill. However, over the years I've had to finish off a few of mine, and a number shot by another hunter.
Hope this illustrates that all ceneterfire handgun rounds are potentially lethal. Many hunters I know carry just a small .22 for the purpose described.
Hope the information is helpful... and educational.
Stay safe,
Dr.Rob