I know the current wisdom is that most handgun calibers are OK but not great at stopping power (I know...it's a myth...). Is there an actual handgun caliber that does stand out?

I've heard 10mm, .357 Sig... but does anyone have any info on a handgun caliber that is really anything to write home about?

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
Is there an actual handgun caliber that does stand out?

S&W 500

Evidently it's been a few days since a handgun caliber thread appeared on the first page.

fritz since I seen 'handguns' in some pretty serious calibers nowadays. So I was going to spot you your .500S&W and raise you my .308. But I decided to check the difference and its actually not very much surprisingly, at least to me. What exactly do we learn in these threads?

.22lr

All you need to know:

in agreement with the above suppressed .22lr really stands out as effective. Proven over decades of use.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
All you need to know:

Sorry I didn’t mean to start a caliber argument - I’m just wondering if there was something that stood out from the “ok” performance of handgun rounds compared to rifle rounds.

5.7x28mm?

7.5 FK?

Outstanding caliber depends on situation. Personally like the 10mm, 7.62x25 and have a 32acp when deep concealment is required.

That's a pretty broad question as you've phrased it...

IF you're talking conventional semi-auto pistol in a portable/carriable package in 'generally acknowledged' calibers, 10MM is probably near/at the top...357SIG and 9x23 Win are a bit behind, but not much. The 5.7 is definitely zippy...

Now if you're opening to custom revolvers.....475 and 500 Linebaugh are probably tops. .454 was king of the hill for quite awhile.

$.02 worth,
Boss

460 S&W Magnum

That’s already topped with the .500s@w previously noted.

I'll be the one to call out proficiency, training, and shot placement are all more relevant than caliber in a pistol. Capacity favors 9mm. Barrier penetration favors bigger stuff. None come close to a rifle. Go with whatever you shoot best and whatever you can buy the most ammo for.

For many years, the proven stopper on the street was the 125gr .357 Magnum.
If you can shoot it well, it is still a good choice.

I had this really long post typed out about revolvers and limp wristng and barrel length and chamber length vs grip capacity......

357 magnum. I vote 357 magnum. For power and versatility.

9x17 is 9mm Kurz or .380
9x18 is 9mm Makarov
9x19 is 9mm Parabellum
9x20 is 9mm Browning Long - slightly longer case than 9x19, semi-rimmed, but lower power and obsolete
9x21 is 9mm Italian or IMI - longer case with the same OAL as 9x19 for countries where civilians cannot have military 9x19
9x23 is 9mm Largo or Steyr (older lower pressure), or Winchester (newer higher pressure) - longer case and OAL like a .38 Super but not semi-rimmed

I was thinking of a rimless 9x20 loaded to higher than 9x19 pressures with the velocity of .357 Sig that fits existing 9x19 frames and actions.

But the 9x23 can equal a .357 Magnum with an OAL that should fit 10mm/45ACP actions with a grip width and capacity similar to 9x19, but a bit longer front to back. Would have been nice if it had gotten further...

Um...12 gauge? Can you say 'really stands "OUCH"'?

I’m of the school that the deciding factors are magazine capacity and lower recoil which allows a shooter to put more rounds on target in a shorter time period. More hits means a greater chance one, or more, bullets will find vital organs. Hits are more effective than misses, regardless the cartrige's power. One must assume assailants will pose a threat even if shot multiple times. Maneuver and cover are just as important to gunfight survival as the gun.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
What exactly do we learn in these threads?

We learn that people continue to start banal threads about handgun calibers.

Massad Ayoob has written that the .357 Magnum, in its full-power 125-grain JHP loading, was very effective in the hands of Kentucky State Police. This is also very nasty to shoot, with sharp recoil, flamethrower muzzle blast and thunderclap report, and damages some guns. But you should never, ever count on anything to "stop" with just one shot.