Kinetic energy does not wound. Temporary cavity does not wound. The much discussed ?shock? of the bullet impact is a fable and knock down power is a myth. The critical element is penetration. The bullet must pass through the large, blood bearing organs and be of sufficient diameter to promote rapid bleeding. Penetration less than 12 inches is too little, and, too little penetration will get you killed. Given desirable and reliable penetrations, the only way to increase bullet effectiveness is to increase the severity of the wound by increasing the size of the hole made by the bulletin. Any bullet which will not penetrate through vital organs from less than optimal angles is not acceptable. Of those that will penetrate the edge is always with the bigger bullet.
(US Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation, ?Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness,? FBI Academy Firearms Training Unit. (For Law Enforcement Dissemination Only.
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Two examples. One is the 9mm mentioned (I believe), the other is what I have loaded. At times I also carry a small Taurus 9mm, loaded with Corbon 115 Grain, +P.
From the FBI ballistics lab:
9mm, 115 Grain Federal JHP +P+
Test Gun: SIG 226
Velocity 1237 fps
Bare Gelatin Penetration: 11.25?
Bare Gelatin Expansion: .53?
Clothed Gelatin Penetration: 10.60?
Clothed Gelatin Expansion: .62?
.40, 165 Grain Federal Tactical HydraShok JHP
Barrel Length: 4?
Velocity 1007 fps
Bare Gelatin Penetration: 13.85?
Bare Gelatin Expansion: .62?
Clothed Gelatin Penetration: 15.15?
Clothed Gelatin Expansion: .64?
