All Defensive Calibers Perform Equally

Published on April 7, 2017
Duration: 7:35

This video debunks the myth that all defensive handgun calibers perform equally, arguing that 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 Magnum have distinct performance differences. The instructor criticizes the reliance on gel tests, advocating for real-world hunting and barrier penetration data to assess caliber effectiveness. The FBI's ammunition testing is also re-contextualized, emphasizing hit probability over raw power for their specific operational needs.

Quick Summary

Expert firearms instructors argue that claims of equal performance among defensive handgun calibers are misleading. While ballistic gel tests show similarities, real-world factors like barrier penetration and hunting effectiveness reveal significant differences, with more powerful calibers like .357 Magnum and 10mm outperforming 9mm in these critical areas.

Chapters

  1. 00:42Introduction: Misinformation on Caliber Performance
  2. 01:10The Myth: All Calibers Perform the Same
  3. 01:52Critique of Gel Tests
  4. 02:23Real-World Performance Indicators (Hunting)
  5. 02:55Barrier Penetration Tests
  6. 03:51Revisiting FBI Ammunition Testing
  7. 05:10Conclusion: Caliber Differences Matter

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some people claim all defensive handgun calibers perform equally?

This claim often stems from misinterpreting ballistic gel tests, which show similar penetration and expansion for various calibers. However, these tests don't account for real-world factors like barrier penetration or the energy transfer needed for hunting or stopping power in diverse scenarios.

How does ballistic gel testing mislead comparisons between handgun calibers?

Ballistic gel primarily measures penetration depth and expansion. While useful, it doesn't replicate the complexities of real-world threats, such as shooting through car doors, windshields, or clothing, where different calibers exhibit significantly varied performance.

What is the actual takeaway from the FBI's ammunition testing regarding caliber choice?

The FBI's report indicated that for their operational needs, 9mm was deemed as effective as .40 S&W because it allowed for more hits on target. The emphasis was on hit probability – hitting the threat multiple times with 9mm was considered more effective than missing with .40 S&W.

What are better indicators of real-world handgun caliber performance than gel tests?

Real-world indicators include observations from experienced hunters who use handguns for game like deer or feral hogs, as well as tests demonstrating penetration through intermediate barriers such as automotive glass or doors. These scenarios highlight the superior performance of more powerful calibers.

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