9mm Stopping Power vs 40/45 - 1992: 9mm Received a BAD RAP

[Steve H.]

Ballistics - 9mm Stopping Power vs 40 & 45 calibers
http://www.best9mm.com/9mmballistics.html

[Steve H.]

1992: Why 9mm received a bad rap

Book Review

Handgun Stopping Power: The Definitive Study

Marshall EP and Sanow EJ. Boulder, Paladin Press, 1992

Rather than being the "Definitive Study" of handgun stopping power as the title self-proclaims, this confusing text provides the reader a schizophrenic mixture of material. The majority of this book is replete with contradictions, mistakes, and unsubstantiated speculation. There are so many gross errors and inconsistencies in the text that it is impossible to mention them all in this short review.

The Dallas County Institute of Forensic Sciences recommends cartridges which offer reasonable penetration and reliable expansion without fragmentation, such as the 9mm 147gr JHP, .40 S&W 180gr JHP, and .45 ACP 230gr JHP.

<blockquote>Conclusion
 </blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> It is unfortunate that the authors did not take the time to adequately research and document their material and that the book’s editors did not demand correction of the confusing mistakes in evidence throughout the book. As a result, this text has far too many errors, inconsistencies, and a blatant disregard for scientific truth to be recommended as a wound ballistics reference book. The reader is asked to believe, on faith alone, a field "data base" derived from unpublished "secret sources." No clear thinking person should fall prey to this nonsense, but some individuals with no background in science or those too indolent or busy to do their own thinking could be misled. This book is a bad joke, a joke which may get law enforcement officers killed.

Handgun Stopping Power / Book Review
http://www.firearmstactical.com/afte.htm
 

[Steve H.]

• OFFICER.COM / Private Forum for LEO's
•     Erik     Forum Member  Join DateJun 2002LocationRocky Mountains, USAPosts505        <blockquote> Holes pocked to sufficient depths that bore through or smash something important is what matters, not kinetic energy.  Factor in barrier penetration concerns, and that is why most have moved away from cartridges using 115 grain 9mm bullets.  (And the lighter bullet weight offerings in .40S&W and .45acp, for that matter.)  I've been issued the following, all with reputations as reliable performers:
   
   Winchester 147 gr bonded JHP (RA9B/Q4364)
   Federal HST 147 gr JHP (P9HST2)
   Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P JHP
   </blockquote>

From Doc Roberts:
 
 The following loads all demonstrate outstanding terminal performance and can be considered acceptable for duty/self-defense use:
 
 9 mm:
 Barnes XPB 115 gr JHP (copper bullet)
 Federal Tactical 124 gr JHP (LE9T1)
 Federal HST 124 gr +P JHP (P9HST3)
 Remington Golden Saber 124 gr +P JHP bonded (GSB9MMD)
 Speer Gold Dot 124 gr JHP
 Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P JHP
 Winchester Partition Gold 124 gr JHP (RA91P)
 Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP)
 Winchester Ranger Bonded 124 gr +P JHP (RA9BA)
 Winchester Ranger-T 127 gr +P+ JHP (RA9TA)
 Federal Tactical 135 gr +P JHP (LE9T5)
 Federal HST 147 gr JHP (P9HST2)
 Remington Golden Saber 147 gr JHP (GS9MMC)
 Speer Gold Dot 147 gr JHP
 Winchester Ranger-T 147 gr JHP (RA9T)
 Winchester 147 gr bonded JHP (RA9B/Q4364)
 
 See works/info by Dr Roberts, for additional info: