I was referring to being in a situation where you need to use it outside a range...my view is that a larger caliber is better than smaller in that situation.
Like anything else, it's a compromise, like the old saying that the .380 you have is better than the .50 Desert Eagle or the 1911A1 in the trunk.
Where I live, if one ends up in the Dark Place, there had better be powder burns, and the magazine should be emptied, as is appropriate for a crime victim in Mortal Fear. Were I to put one shot in a perp's forehead, and have 6 or 7 rounds left, you just know the Liberal DA would call it a vigilante execution.
Were I to do this with a Hydrashock laden .45 the ME would be mad, and I'd probably have to pay to have the resulting mess shovelled up...hahahaa.
Yes, I agree a bigger caliber is better, of course. I doubt anyone would dispute that, if for no otherr reason than the BIG HOLE at the end of the barrel and its intimidation factor. Perhaps if I were larger framed I could carry the CCCMKIV for more hours without feeling I was trying to hide a 105 Howitzer. Cops look at me funny when I walk, and they are very clued-in about the "Shoulder Holster Shrug"..It makes for strained feelings all around.
Of course there is a small caliber that I really like...North American Arms that holds 2 22mag rounds. I keep it next to my wallet...pull out my wallet and let em have it :)