Ballistics of a .32 cal

A Tomcat followed me home from the gun store a few months ago.

You will read allot of different opinions on the stopping power of the .32 Some will claim it has none, others will say it has all the stopping power you need for the purpose this gun was meant for, which is close-up and personal.

My opinion – any gun is better than no gun. What I like about it is its concealability. My last carry gun was a heavy Ruger P89 9mm. Nice gun, with good knock-down power, but because of it’s size and weight I rarely would carry it. You can get lighter pocket guns than the Tomcat, some in 9mm but I hear shooting a box of ammo at the range can be brutal.
When I researched pocket guns before I chose the Tomcat, I read Law Enforcement blogs on the subject. Many Officers preferred the Tomcat as a back-up to their Service weapon. They wouldn’t say that if it had no stopping power.
My only complaint about the .32 is the high price of the good ammo. Winchester Silvertips cost me over $32 a box.

Thanks for the info.

Dexter’s Table For
Hatcher’s Theory Of Relative Stopping Power
The Hatcher Formula is an attempt to mathematically evaluate the approximate effectiveness of pistol ammunition at incapacitating a person. Developed by Gen. Julian Hatcher in the 1930’s, it uses the bullet momentum, frontal area, velocity, and a ‘form factor.’
The formula is:
RSP = M * A * F
where RSP = Relative Stopping Power Index, M = Momentum of the bullet in foot pounds, A = Area of the bullet in square inches, F = Form factor derived from his observations with some additions for later bullet types. The table lists an RSP for each ‘Form Factor’, whether or not that form of bullet actually exists for a particular caliber or weight. The form factors presented below include:
0.70 Fully Jacketed Pointed
0.90 Fully Jacketed Round Nose
1.05 Fully Jacketed Flat Point
1.10 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat)
1.00 Lead Round Nose
1.05 Lead Flat Point
1.10 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat)
1.00 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded)
1.35 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded)
1.25 Lead Semi-wadcutter
1.10 Hollow Point (unexpanded)
1.35 Hollow Point (expanded)

Hatcher’s Theory Of Relative Stopping Power
Bullet
Name Weight Velocity Energy Bullet Type RSP
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Fully Jacketed Pointed 3.033
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.899
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 4.332
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Lead Round Nose 4.332
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Lead Flat Point 4.549
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 4.549
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 4.766
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 4.766
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 4.766
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Lead Semi-wadcutter 5.416
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Hollow Point (expanded) 5.849
.22 Long Rifle 33 1500 165 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 5.849
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Fully Jacketed Pointed 2.536
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.261
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 3.624
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Lead Round Nose 3.624
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Lead Flat Point 3.805
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 3.805
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 3.986
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 3.986
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 3.986
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Lead Semi-wadcutter 4.529
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Hollow Point (expanded) 4.892
.22 Long Rifle 36 1150 106 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 4.892
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Fully Jacketed Pointed 2.823
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.630
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 4.033
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Lead Round Nose 4.033
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Lead Flat Point 4.235
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 4.235
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 4.436
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 4.436
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 4.436
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Lead Semi-wadcutter 5.041
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Hollow Point (expanded) 5.445
.22 Long Rifle 36 1280 131 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 5.445
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Fully Jacketed Pointed 3.110
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.998
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 4.443
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Lead Round Nose 4.443
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Lead Flat Point 4.665
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 4.665
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 4.887
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 4.887
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 4.887
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Lead Semi-wadcutter 5.553
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Hollow Point (expanded) 5.998
.22 Long Rifle 36 1410 159 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 5.998
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Fully Jacketed Pointed 2.445
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.143
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 3.492
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Lead Round Nose 3.492
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Lead Flat Point 3.667
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 3.667
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 3.841
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 3.841
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 3.841
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Lead Semi-wadcutter 4.365
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Hollow Point (expanded) 4.715
.22 Long Rifle 38 1050 93 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 4.715
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Fully Jacketed Pointed 2.818
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.624
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 4.026
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Lead Round Nose 4.026
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Lead Flat Point 4.227
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 4.227
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 4.429
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 4.429
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 4.429
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Lead Semi-wadcutter 5.033
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Hollow Point (expanded) 5.435
.22 Long Rifle 40 1150 117 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 5.435
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Fully Jacketed Pointed 3.076
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.954
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 4.394
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Lead Round Nose 4.394
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Lead Flat Point 4.613
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 4.613
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 4.833
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 4.833
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 4.833
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Lead Semi-wadcutter 5.492
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Hollow Point (expanded) 5.932
.22 Long Rifle 40 1255 140 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 5.932
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Fully Jacketed Pointed 3.065
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 3.940
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 4.378
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Lead Round Nose 4.378
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Lead Flat Point 4.597
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 4.597
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 4.816
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 4.816
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 4.816
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Lead Semi-wadcutter 5.473
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Hollow Point (expanded) 5.910
.25 (6.35mm) Auto 50 760 64 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 5.910
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Fully Jacketed Pointed 8.084
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 10.394
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 11.549
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Lead Round Nose 11.549
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Lead Flat Point 12.127
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 12.127
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 12.704
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 12.704
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 12.704
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Lead Semi-wadcutter 14.437
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Hollow Point (expanded) 15.591
.32 (7.65mm) Auto. 71 905 129 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 15.591
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Fully Jacketed Pointed 7.529
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 9.680
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 10.756
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Lead Round Nose 10.756
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Lead Flat Point 11.293
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 11.293
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 11.831
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 11.831
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 11.831
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Lead Semi-wadcutter 13.445
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Hollow Point (expanded) 14.520
.32 S&W 88 680 90 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 14.520
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Fully Jacketed Pointed 8.693
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 11.176
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 12.418
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Lead Round Nose 12.418
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Lead Flat Point 13.039
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 13.039
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 13.660
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 13.660
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 13.660
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Lead Semi-wadcutter 15.523
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Hollow Point (expanded) 16.765
.32 S&W Long 98 705 108 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 16.765
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Fully Jacketed Pointed 22.168
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 28.502
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 31.669
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Lead Round Nose 31.669
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Lead Flat Point 33.253
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 33.253
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 34.836
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 34.836
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 34.836
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Lead Semi-wadcutter 39.586
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Hollow Point (expanded) 42.753
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 110 1295 410 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 42.753
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Fully Jacketed Pointed 23.732
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 30.513
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 33.903
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Lead Round Nose 33.903
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Lead Flat Point 35.599
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 35.599
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 37.294
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 37.294
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 37.294
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Lead Semi-wadcutter 42.379
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Hollow Point (expanded) 45.770
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 125 1220 413 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 45.770
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Fully Jacketed Pointed 30.367
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 39.043
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 43.381
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Lead Round Nose 43.381
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Lead Flat Point 45.550
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 45.550
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 47.719
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 47.719
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 47.719
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Lead Semi-wadcutter 54.226
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Hollow Point (expanded) 58.564
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 158 1235 535 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 58.564
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Fully Jacketed Pointed 33.124
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 42.588
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 47.320
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Lead Round Nose 47.320
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Lead Flat Point 49.686
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 49.686
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 52.052
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 52.052
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 52.052
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Lead Semi-wadcutter 59.150
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Hollow Point (expanded) 63.882
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 165 1290 610 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 63.882
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Fully Jacketed Pointed 32.074
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 41.238
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 45.820
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Lead Round Nose 45.820
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Lead Flat Point 48.111
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 48.111
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 50.401
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 50.401
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 50.401
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Lead Semi-wadcutter 57.274
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Hollow Point (expanded) 61.856
.357 Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1145 524 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 61.856
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Fully Jacketed Pointed 16.081
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 20.675
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 22.973
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Lead Round Nose 22.973
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Lead Flat Point 24.121
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 24.121
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 25.270
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 25.270
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 25.270
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Lead Semi-wadcutter 28.716
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Hollow Point (expanded) 31.013
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 110 950 220 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 31.013
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Fully Jacketed Pointed 15.388
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 19.785
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 21.983
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Lead Round Nose 21.983
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Lead Flat Point 23.082
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 23.082
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 24.182
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 24.182
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 24.182
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Lead Semi-wadcutter 27.479
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Hollow Point (expanded) 29.677
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 125 800 178 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 29.677
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Fully Jacketed Pointed 16.004
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 20.576
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 22.863
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Lead Round Nose 22.863
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Lead Flat Point 24.006
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 24.006
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 25.149
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 25.149
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 25.149
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Lead Semi-wadcutter 28.578
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Hollow Point (expanded) 30.865
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 130 800 185 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 30.865
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Fully Jacketed Pointed 16.170
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 20.790
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 23.100
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Lead Round Nose 23.100
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Lead Flat Point 24.255
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 24.255
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 25.410
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 25.410
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 25.410
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Lead Semi-wadcutter 28.875
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Hollow Point (expanded) 31.185
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 148 710 166 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 31.185
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Fully Jacketed Pointed 21.639
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 27.822
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 30.913
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Lead Round Nose 30.913
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Lead Flat Point 32.459
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 32.459
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 34.004
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 34.004
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 34.004
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Lead Semi-wadcutter 38.641
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Hollow Point (expanded) 41.732
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 890 278 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 41.732
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Fully Jacketed Pointed 18.357
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 23.601
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 26.224
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Lead Round Nose 26.224
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Lead Flat Point 27.535
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 27.535
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 28.846
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 28.846
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 28.846
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Lead Semi-wadcutter 32.780
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Hollow Point (expanded) 35.402
.38 Special (Vented Barrel) 158 755 200 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 35.402
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Fully Jacketed Pointed 24.306
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 31.250
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 34.723
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Lead Round Nose 34.723
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Lead Flat Point 36.459
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 36.459
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 38.195
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 38.195
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 38.195
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Lead Semi-wadcutter 43.403
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Hollow Point (expanded) 46.876
.38 Super ACP 130 1215 426 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 46.876
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Fully Jacketed Pointed 13.406
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 17.237
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 19.152
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Lead Round Nose 19.152
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Lead Flat Point 20.109
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 20.109
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 21.067
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 21.067
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 21.067
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Lead Semi-wadcutter 23.940
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Hollow Point (expanded) 25.855
.380 Auto 88 990 192 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 25.855
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Fully Jacketed Pointed 13.961
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 17.950
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 19.944
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Lead Round Nose 19.944
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Lead Flat Point 20.942
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 20.942
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 21.939
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 21.939
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 21.939
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Lead Semi-wadcutter 24.930
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Hollow Point (expanded) 26.925
.380 Auto 95 955 192 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 26.925
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Fully Jacketed Pointed 14.754
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 18.970
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 21.078
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Lead Round Nose 21.078
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Lead Flat Point 22.131
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 22.131
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 23.185
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 23.185
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 23.185
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Lead Semi-wadcutter 26.347
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Hollow Point (expanded) 28.455
.380 Auto 102 940 200 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 28.455
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Fully Jacketed Pointed 36.490
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 46.916
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 52.128
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Lead Round Nose 52.128
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Lead Flat Point 54.735
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 54.735
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 57.341
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 57.341
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 57.341
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Lead Semi-wadcutter 65.161
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Hollow Point (expanded) 70.373
.40 S&W 155 1205 500 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 70.373
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Fully Jacketed Pointed 37.071
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 47.663
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 52.959
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Lead Round Nose 52.959
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Lead Flat Point 55.607
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 55.607
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 58.255
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 58.255
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 58.255
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Lead Semi-wadcutter 66.198
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Hollow Point (expanded) 71.494
.40 S&W 165 1150 485 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 71.494
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Fully Jacketed Pointed 35.694
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 45.892
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 50.991
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Lead Round Nose 50.991
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Lead Flat Point 53.541
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 53.541
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 56.090
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 56.090
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 56.090
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Lead Semi-wadcutter 63.739
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Hollow Point (expanded) 68.838
.40 S&W 180 1015 412 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 68.838
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Fully Jacketed Pointed 56.036
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 72.046
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 80.051
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Lead Round Nose 80.051
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Lead Flat Point 84.054
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 84.054
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 88.056
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 88.056
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 88.056
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Lead Semi-wadcutter 100.064
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Hollow Point (expanded) 108.069
.41 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 210 1300 788 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 108.069
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Fully Jacketed Pointed 65.125
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 83.732
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 93.036
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Lead Round Nose 93.036
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Lead Flat Point 97.687
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 97.687
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 102.339
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 102.339
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 102.339
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Lead Semi-wadcutter 116.295
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Hollow Point (expanded) 125.598
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 180 1610 1036 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 125.598
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Fully Jacketed Pointed 63.642
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 81.825
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 90.917
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Lead Round Nose 90.917
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Lead Flat Point 95.463
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 95.463
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 100.008
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 100.008
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 100.008
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Lead Semi-wadcutter 113.646
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Hollow Point (expanded) 122.738
.44 Rem. Mag. (Vented Barrel) 240 1180 742 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 122.738
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Fully Jacketed Pointed 46.636
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 59.961
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 66.623
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Lead Round Nose 66.623
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Lead Flat Point 69.955
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 69.955
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 73.286
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 73.286
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 73.286
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Lead Semi-wadcutter 83.279
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Hollow Point (expanded) 89.942
.45 ACP 185 1015 423 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 89.942
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Fully Jacketed Pointed 45.947
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 59.075
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 65.639
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Lead Round Nose 65.639
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Lead Flat Point 68.921
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 68.921
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 72.203
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 72.203
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 72.203
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Lead Semi-wadcutter 82.049
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Hollow Point (expanded) 88.612
.45 ACP 185 1000 411 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 88.612
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Fully Jacketed Pointed 52.380
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 67.345
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 74.828
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Lead Round Nose 74.828
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Lead Flat Point 78.570
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 78.570
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 82.311
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 82.311
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 82.311
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Lead Semi-wadcutter 93.535
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Hollow Point (expanded) 101.018
.45 ACP 185 1140 534 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 101.018
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Fully Jacketed Pointed 47.698
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 61.326
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 68.140
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Lead Round Nose 68.140
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Lead Flat Point 71.547
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 71.547
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 74.954
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 74.954
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 74.954
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Lead Semi-wadcutter 85.175
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Hollow Point (expanded) 91.989
.45 ACP 230 835 356 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 91.989
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Fully Jacketed Pointed 54.363
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 69.895
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 77.661
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Lead Round Nose 77.661
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Lead Flat Point 81.544
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 81.544
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 85.427
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 85.427
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 85.427
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Lead Semi-wadcutter 97.076
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Hollow Point (expanded) 104.842
.45 Colt 225 960 461 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 104.842
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Fully Jacketed Pointed 54.111
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 69.571
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 77.301
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Lead Round Nose 77.301
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Lead Flat Point 81.166
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 81.166
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 85.031
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 85.031
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 85.031
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Lead Semi-wadcutter 96.627
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Hollow Point (expanded) 104.357
.45 Colt 250 860 411 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 104.357
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Fully Jacketed Pointed 40.441
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 51.996
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 57.773
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Lead Round Nose 57.773
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Lead Flat Point 60.662
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 60.662
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 63.551
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 63.551
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 63.551
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Lead Semi-wadcutter 72.217
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Hollow Point (expanded) 77.994
10mm Auto 180 1150 529 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 77.994
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Fully Jacketed Pointed 20.440
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 26.279
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 29.199
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Lead Round Nose 29.199
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Lead Flat Point 30.659
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 30.659
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 32.119
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 32.119
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 32.119
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Lead Semi-wadcutter 36.499
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Hollow Point (expanded) 39.419
9mm Luger 115 1155 341 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 39.419
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Fully Jacketed Pointed 21.467
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 27.600
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 30.667
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Lead Round Nose 30.667
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Lead Flat Point 32.200
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 32.200
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 33.733
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 33.733
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 33.733
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Lead Semi-wadcutter 38.333
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Hollow Point (expanded) 41.400
9mm Luger 124 1125 349 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 41.400
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Fully Jacketed Pointed 22.395
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Fully Jacketed Round Nose 28.793
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Jacketed Softpoint (unexpanded) 31.992
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Lead Round Nose 31.992
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Lead Flat Point 33.592
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Fully Jacketed Flat Point 33.592
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Hollow Point (unexpanded) 35.192
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Lead Flat Point (Large Flat) 35.192
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Fully Jacketed Flat Point (Large flat) 35.192
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Lead Semi-wadcutter 39.990
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Hollow Point (expanded) 43.190
9mm Luger 147 990 320 Jacketed Softpoint (expanded) 43.190
The standard Kinetic Energy equation (½mv²)uses kilograms and meters-per-second and yields Joules of KE. In Ballistics Kinetic Energy is expressed in Foot Pounds (ft-lbs) rather than Joules. Furthermore, the standard equation usually uses 980.261 cm/sec (32.16 feet per second) as a standard, but in reality that number varies depending upon your position on the earth - different latitudes or altitutes have small differences in acceleration due to gravity. Since bullet weights are expressed in grains and velocity is in feet per second, in Ballistics, you see Kinetic Energy formulas expressed like KE = mv²/450240. (The mystery factor of 450240 is (7000 * 32.16 * 2) or (GrainsInPound * FeetPerSecond * 2). The table uses latitude 41º at sealevel (32.1607 ft per second).

Handgun Ammo Stopping Power

I have a Tomcat as well as 6 or 7 other handguns. My favorite carry piece is a Kimber CDP Ultra 45, but it is a lot bulkier. A .32 is adequate for self defense, and certainly better than nothing. I know a very large man who was shot from a distance with a .22 pistol. The fellow was a bystander hit by someone shooting at someone else. The shooter fired from inside his jacket pocket. The little .22 bullet hit this man in the stomach and dropped him to the ground. He said the pain was excrutiating and it completely disabled him.

The only negative thing I would say about my Tomcat is that the trigger takes some getting used to. You have to pull it all the way back for it to fire. It is amazingly accurate for having such a short barrel.

Migrane wrote: "Stay with Beretta and try the 9000S 9mm.

It has been discontinued, but some new ones may still be available at dealers. It is replaced by the PX-4 compact. It's available as a 13 round 9mm or a 10 round .40.

For your pocket, try the S&W AirLite (12 oz.) in .38 special. You can also shoot .357 mags in it, but you won’t have a hand left afterward.

I concur on the J-frame Smith as a great choice for a small gun. The .38 Special is a much more useful round than the .32 ACP. My favorite J-frames are the 442

, the black hammerless .38.

The other is the classic all steel Model 36 "Chief's Special", which has to be one of the nicest looking revolvers ever made. It is back in a special offering now, COOL!

The 442 is the more practical carry piece, though (weighs less, no hammer to snag). My favorite pocket gun is a .45 long colt derringer by Bond Arms. It is also a good snake gun loaded w/ .410 shotshells.

Everyone is entitled to have their favorites, but I think for most people a .45 Colt derringer is probably not a great self defense choice. But they are soulful, to be sure.

My favorite is a full size 10mm 1911, like this Dan Wesson "Razorback"

But I will admit it is, like your derringer, not an ideal choice for neophyte concealed carry use.

According to your RSP chart I am WELL defended with my Redhawk 45 Colt!

My loads are a wee bit hotter though (1250 fps and 250 grain)

According to your RSP chart I am WELL defended with my Redhawk 45 Colt!

Yeah, no doubt. But do you carry it concealed? That's a pretty big hogleg to conceal.

I bought a Kel-Tec 32acp because a friend had one and I was amazed at the accuracy of such a small pistol at the range.
I carry it because it is small and great for backup.
If I could have my choice in a firefight, it would be my M1A at 300 yds. TAP
But with the little Keltec, it is what it is. A small back up weapon. Better to have and not need than to be wishing you had a gun when the need arises.
As to stopping power, set up a little test. Use 2x4 or such from 10-15’. The little round in silvertips has pretty good penetration.
As for you guys who say it has zero stopping power, how about if you “catch” 3 or 4 and let me know how it feels.

MUCH better than nothing at all. Having a loaded gun and the will to use it means that you are unlikely to need to use it.
Also, its small, easy to carry and reliable with the right ammo.
If you can’t carry something larger (its hard and expensive to find a compact .40 or .45), it is a good compromise.
If you have the option, you should also consider a .357 snubbie.

A 90gr .32ACP projectile moving at 900FPS will transfer approximate 95FtLbs of torque to a soft target.

A 185gr .45ACP projectile moving at 1000FPS (slightly "hot" load) will transfer approximately 411FtLbs of torque to a soft target.

A 147gr .40S&W projectile moving at 1400FPS will transfer approximately 640FtLbs of torque to a soft target.

On a side note...my favorite reload for a .30-06 that I have pushes a 180gr projectile at 2800FPS (yes...slightly "hot" I know!). It will transfer 3134FtLbs of torque to a soft target. I think the stats on the .30-06 is why Col. Cooper's rules of gunfighting said to bring long guns if you could. :-)

However, there is a lot to be said for controlled projectile deformation upon impact with the target, and the mechanics of energy transfer immediately after this happens. This is largely a function of the bullet design, and how well it expands without flying into pieces while travelling through the target, thus losing mass.

There's an unquantifiable phenomena having to do with hydraulic shock. This is based on the fact that people are 99% water, and water turns to a solid under pressure. High speed, "smallish" projectiles do very strange things upon impacting semi-solids such as people. Hydraulic shock is why groundhogs give the illusion of exploding then shot with cartridges such as the 6mm Remington and .243 Winchester at distances well inside mid range trajectory.

We've got a Walther PPK/S chambered for the .32ACP and it's a fine weapon. It's very accurate, and I do indeed like the fact that it has a double action trigger and a safe hammer dropping mechanism. However, I carry a Colt Series 80 .45ACP day to day and trust my life to it.

Shot placement is EVERYTHING, but knowing that surviving a gunfight is going to be stressful, I like knowing that if my first shot isn't a killer, that my opponent will take TOO long to recover his wits from a bad shot placed with the .45ACP and my next shot may be better. The .32ACP doesn't provide this luxury and therefore reduces the odds of surviving a gunfight by some degree.

A philosophy to live by is to carry a handgun which is used by law enforcement professionals, or military. These types are "usually" chosen for a good reason.

I have a .32 Beretta my dad left me. I keep it loaded with silvertip hollow points. That’l increase the stopping power significantly.

$32 a box!!! I have a box at home, I think it was around $22 for the box. This was before the ammo shortage.

Anecdotal info here but my wife has one, I call it the “Noisy Cricket”. I found it pretty good at close range or inside ten yards.

My dad, a weapons specialist for the NYPD back in the day, was shot by a .32 in the early 70’s and it barely broke his woolie. It would probably hurt more if the guy tossed the gun at him than fired the bullets. He seriously thought he shot a pellet gun at him until they got back to the station and found the slugs in the liner of his coat.
He was a .357 guy and was happy that the junkie they were arresting only had a .32.
I imagine that if you shot someone in the right location, using the appropriate ammunition, it would be an effective deterrent.

I do have a S&W .357 snubby for carry. But it does print wearing summer clothes. The Tomcat is like butter.

Two things to remember;

Friends don’t let friends carry mouse guns,

Never get into a gunfight when the caliber of your hand gun does not start with a 4.

I saw an earlier post about the size of new 45’s, Try reading “ Combat Hand guns “, very good mag.

Just my thoughts.

Throw it at them it would be as effective. Get yourself something with a .4 in it.

That why I’m asking. ;^)

It’ll be fine if you can get the perp to let you stuff it in his ear.

A .32 did in Hitler and earlier his neice.

It sure beats the Hell out of a mace can. I have a 1903 Model Colt .32 hammerless that was manufactured in 1926. It is still a very reliable gun and fun to shoot.

Naturally a .32 does not have the shock and stop power of a .44 but it has sent plenty of guys to the morgue as has the .25 and even .22 shorts.

Yep, concealed. Simply Rugged holster (as cross draw) and a vest.