Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
When it's all said and done, I think I'll trust the FBI tests, and their focus on (a) penetration, and (b) expansion. Which I think is the correct focus.
Now look at the results: the difference between the "big 3" or "big 4" is so tiny as to negligible. I mean, with the right bullet choice, you get equal penetration with 9x19 as you do the others, but only give up what? approx. .69 average expansion as compared to what? ...approx. .72 with the average .45 acp, or something ridiculously-small like that - correct? We're talking 3/100ths of inch difference... Less than 1/3rd of 1/10th of 1". Just doesn't matter.
Make mine a nine. I'll gladly take the nearly instant follow-ups and higher capacity. And much cheaper ammo (meaning more practice). It would be very different if it was shown that the 9x19 penetrated less or had a statistically-significant reduced diameter at the key point in time of measurement, which is after expansion.
I mean, heck, a 9x19 bullet is only .09 - 9/100ths of an inch less to begin with - before expansion (.36 vs. 45), less than 1/10th of an inch. But even if you think that that is significant, it's even less AFTER expansion - as I say, if I recall correctly, averages more like .03 or so when comparing expanded 9x19s with expanded .45s - only 1/3rd of the starting difference (.03 vs. .09), which was arguably negligible to start with. And if I recall correctly, the typical 147 9mm penetrates even more than the typical 155 .40 or 230 .45.
I may be mis-remembering a bit.... but seems like in end, they're all so close as to be identical as a practical matter in the two measures that the FBI thinks counts - penetration and expansion.... depending on ammo/bullet of course, which is why you should pick the bullet that looks the best for you from their tests if you're keen on maximizing every conceivable gunfight advantage.
Now look at the results: the difference between the "big 3" or "big 4" is so tiny as to negligible. I mean, with the right bullet choice, you get equal penetration with 9x19 as you do the others, but only give up what? approx. .69 average expansion as compared to what? ...approx. .72 with the average .45 acp, or something ridiculously-small like that - correct? We're talking 3/100ths of inch difference... Less than 1/3rd of 1/10th of 1". Just doesn't matter.
Make mine a nine. I'll gladly take the nearly instant follow-ups and higher capacity. And much cheaper ammo (meaning more practice). It would be very different if it was shown that the 9x19 penetrated less or had a statistically-significant reduced diameter at the key point in time of measurement, which is after expansion.
I mean, heck, a 9x19 bullet is only .09 - 9/100ths of an inch less to begin with - before expansion (.36 vs. 45), less than 1/10th of an inch. But even if you think that that is significant, it's even less AFTER expansion - as I say, if I recall correctly, averages more like .03 or so when comparing expanded 9x19s with expanded .45s - only 1/3rd of the starting difference (.03 vs. .09), which was arguably negligible to start with. And if I recall correctly, the typical 147 9mm penetrates even more than the typical 155 .40 or 230 .45.
I may be mis-remembering a bit.... but seems like in end, they're all so close as to be identical as a practical matter in the two measures that the FBI thinks counts - penetration and expansion.... depending on ammo/bullet of course, which is why you should pick the bullet that looks the best for you from their tests if you're keen on maximizing every conceivable gunfight advantage.
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