What is critical is the ability to score hits under extreme stress.
Using a Europellet gun (9mm or .38+P), I can consistently outscore “no caliber that doesn’t start with four” shooters once the scenario adds some stress.
Not even using a charging grizzly, which I imagine adds a bit more stress that we can achieve at the range or in a shoot house.
Having trained people to defend themselves with firearms and other weapons for over 4 decades.
Having defended my self from serious attacks
Having used firearms and other weapons for self-defense.
The old saying is you fight like you train has a lot of truth to it.
The more you train the more you practice and the better you do it.
The chance of having a better out come increases.