[Salamander]

I saw a show about about the calibers used in “hits” and that smaller ones were favored because less power meant that instead of going completely through the skull leaving an exit wound, the bullet tended to just ricochet around inside, thus pretty much guaranteeing death.

*shrug*

Dunno if it’s so but it seems logical....and very gory.

[CholeraJoe]

You can accomplish that same effect by choosing the type of projectile. Jacketed Pre-Fragmented or JPF ammunition is #12 birdshot in silicone surrounded by a frangible copper casing. They expend 100% of their kinetic energy within a few inches of impact and create LARGE cavities. A .357 Glaser creates a permanent cavity the size of a cantaloupe.

Very few wounds to the torso from JPF slugs are survivable.

[Polynikes]

“I saw a show about about the calibers used in “hits” and that smaller ones were favored because less power meant that instead of going completely through the skull leaving an exit wound, the bullet tended to just ricochet around inside, thus pretty much guaranteeing death.”

You’re probably talking about a .22LR 2-3 rounds at contact range behind the ear aimed up into the skull.

[investigateworld]

The Mossad did use sub-sonic .22 cal bullets during a number of ‘incidents’.