I think it can be argued that there’s ultimately more to it than shot placement though good shot placement is the key factor in dropping the bad guy. Sometimes you need to be able to shoot through walls or other barriers or even the full length of a beefy outstretched arm for example. Penetration, therefore, is a very important factor in assessing handgun “stopping power”. Indeed, penetration is the primary manner in which a handgun bullet destroys tissues. my $.02.
Yes. And there is always wound channel size. You get a bigger channel with a .45 JHP than with with 9mm ball.
But still, a small hole in the center of the chest (or head) is probably better than a bigger hole in the calf or arm.