Generally Accepted Information for pistols used for self-defense:
Small calibers, such as the .22 cal, lack “Stopping Power”
Smallest to largest: .22 cal, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 cal, and .45 ACP. The 9mm is the minimal effective bullet size for self-defense
Larger bullet diameters (.40cal, .45ACP) are more effective than medium bullet diameters (.380ACP, 9mm) at creating stopping power
BUT being able to hit your target trumps all. Therefore if you can only handle a .380ACP you should stick with a .380ACP
Regardless of what cartridges you use you still need to practice at a range
Work Cited:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080401185830AAhuke0
http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartridge_(firearms)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrostatic_shock
http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Hydrostatic_shock/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stopping_power
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081115032817AAa3Rwp
http://www.best9mm.com/
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ammo-can/7530-best-self-defense-9mm-round-weight.html
http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/ammunition-reports/90603-9mm-ammunition-differences.html
http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/ammunition-reports/90603-9mm-ammunition-differences.html
http://www.ar15armory.com/forums/Rethinking-9mm-Bullet-W-t3663.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061107095652AAT5piD
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070714172754AAvtq7N
http://www.internetarmory.com/handgunammo.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollow-point_bullet
http://www.northwestfirearms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=de4eba0f4f663a0c121023c1b9db2d23&p=139494#post139494
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Components and Naming (12/11/09)
Part 2: Stopping Power, Energy Transfer, Hydrostatic Shock (12/11/09)
Part 3: Weight and Fill (12/15/09)
Part 4: Generally Accepted Information (12/15/09)
