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THE STOPPING POWER OF DIFFERENT HANDGUN CARTRIDGES
2/22/2003

Posted on 02/22/2003 8:34:22 PM PST by 2nd_Amendment_Defender

General Julian Hatcher, a noted forensic pathologist, in the early 1900’s developed a good formula to determine the theoretical stopping power of a firearm cartridge. His formula has withstood the test of time and validation from other studies and data related to stopping power.

You want a handgun cartridge that has a Hatcher value of over 50 for the most effective stopping power. Values over 55 have diminishing returns in that you don’t gain any significant increase in stopping power for the extra recoil and control you must cope with. Handgun cartridges that don’t make a value of at least 50, should not considered for self-defense. If the rating of your handgun cartridge is under 30, it only has about a 30% chance of producing a one shot stop. Hatcher Ratings of 30 to 49 raise a one shot stop to approximately a 50% chance. Ratings of 50 or higher produce a one shot stop about 90% of the time.

Handgun Cartridge Type ..................... Hatcher Rating

.45 ACP full metal jacket 230 grain .......... 49.1

.45 ACP jacketed hollow point 230 grain ...... 60.7

.44 Magnum full metal jacket 240 grain ....... 92.3

*.44 Magnum lead wad cutter 240 grain ......... 136.8

.44 Special full metal jacket 240 grain ...... 51.6

*.44 Special lead wad cutter 240 grain ............. 76.5

.41 Magnum full metal jacket 230 grain ............. 54

*.41 Magnum lead wad cutter 230 grain .............. 80

10 millimeter full metal jacket 180 grain .......... 50.3

10 millimeter jacketed hollow point 180 grain ..62.1

.40 S&W full metal jacket flat nose 180 grain ...... 53.4

.40 S&W jacketed hollow point 180 grain ....... 59.4

.38 Special full metal jacket 158 grain ...... 26.7

*.38 Special lead wad cutter 158 grain ............. 39.7

**.357 Magnum full metal jacket 158 grain ..... 32.7

**.357 Magnum lead wad cutter 158 grain ............ 48.5

.357 SIG full metal jacket 147 grain ................ 36.6

.357 SIG jacketed hollow point 147 grain ..... 45.2

9 millimeter full metal jacket 147 grain ............ 32.3

9 millimeter jacketed hollow point 147 grain ... 39.9

.380 Auto jacketed hollow point 95 grain ..... 18.3

.32 Auto jacketed hollow point 71 grain ...... 11.1

.25 Auto jacketed hollow point 50 grain ...... 3.7

.22 Long Rifle jacketed hollow point 40 grain ... 4.2

* Jacketed hollow points will have the same rating as wad cutter bullets if the bullet hollow tip is greater than 1/2 of the caliber of the bullet.

* .357 Magnum ratings are taken from a firearm with a 3 inch barrel. Longer barrels will raise the rating of the round.


TOPICS: Announcements; Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: 45acp; 9mm; ammo; ammobang; bang; banglist; cary; firearms; guns; secondamendment; stoppingpower
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To: Polycarp
If you like Sig Sauer handguns, you might want to take a look at the Sig Sauer Mauser M2 handguns. I found some online auctions priced at around $450 that shoot .40 S&W and .45 ACP. They are small enough for concealed carry and only weigh about 29 ounces. The .40 S&W holds 10+1 rounds and the .45 ACP holds 8+1 rounds.

Go to http://www.sigarms.com/products/mauser.asp for more information

There are some of these handguns selling right now at www.auctionarms.com and www.gunbroker.com.


Sig Sauer Mauser M2

241 posted on 02/25/2003 3:57:25 AM PST by 2nd_Amendment_Defender
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To: Atchafalaya
Anyone have any experience with a CZ 75 or similar CZ models?

I have read reviews about the CZ models. They are good target pistols but will not feed hollowpoints reliably. If you want a target pistol that only shoots full metal jacket ammunition it would be okay. If you are looking at buying a handgun for self defense purposes I would steer you to maybe look at the Sig Sauer Mauser M2 handguns. They are priced at around $450 at online auctions. Check out my post number 241 for more information. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.


Sig Sauer Mauser M2

242 posted on 02/25/2003 4:05:22 AM PST by 2nd_Amendment_Defender
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To: Voice in your head
Yes - it is ruled as a non armor piercing round by friendly folks at the BATF.
243 posted on 02/25/2003 5:57:40 AM PST by fiftycal (9MM On Steroids)
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To: merak
Hate to say it, but it sounds like the ultimate cop gun would shoot 22 calibre ammo with some sort of a nerve agent

Not that it matters, but did you mean caliber? When you establish yourself as an English expert, you set a pretty high standard for yourself.

244 posted on 02/25/2003 7:14:30 AM PST by honway
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To: honway
The difference between calibre and caliber is meaningless; the difference between 'was dragged' and 'was drug' isn't quite meaningless.
245 posted on 02/25/2003 2:22:24 PM PST by merak
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To: merak
Once you post here awhile you may tire of giving English lessons.
246 posted on 02/25/2003 2:27:20 PM PST by honway
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To: razorback-bert
failing that a 1 kt nude should settled the hash.

DOOD! When you start waking up with "1 kt nudes",you MIGHT consider this is the first GOOD clue that maybe,just MAYBE,you need to stop drinking. I had a couple of similiar experiences that led to me stopping.

247 posted on 02/26/2003 7:37:46 AM PST by sneakypete
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To: harpseal
Re: The 1 kt nude. That must be one ugly unclothed to be that effective

Thanks,Harp. I had skipped right over that without noticing before seeing your post. Think we should pull one of those "intervention" raids on old Bert? Next thing you know,he will be dating Star Jones and Rosie. BOTH Rosies. At the same time.

248 posted on 02/26/2003 7:40:27 AM PST by sneakypete
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To: Travis McGee
Get a five shot .44 special revolver, you won't be sorry!

I couldn't agree more! I end up carrying mine more than all of the other handguns I have,combined.

249 posted on 02/26/2003 7:47:34 AM PST by sneakypete
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To: sneakypete; razorback-bert
To date O'donut he would need a sex change first and I somehow do not think Bert would go for that
250 posted on 02/26/2003 7:57:11 AM PST by harpseal (Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown)
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To: sneakypete
Get a five shot .44 special revolver, you won't be sorry!

What brand/manufacturer? Also, what's recommended for a not too expensive .22 for practice?

251 posted on 02/26/2003 8:12:00 AM PST by 1Old Pro
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To: Polycarp
the only way to increase bullet effectiveness is to increase the severity of the wound by increasing the size of hole made by the bullet.

This can't be repeated too often. It's the reason my normal daily carry piece is a 3inch 5-shot 44 Special with either 200gr WW Silvertip hollow-points,or handloads with wadcutters. The ONLY place I disagree with the quoted study is that a large diameter bullet at even moderate velocity can penetrate deep enough and still have enough "mass" to break a spine,ending the assault on you. This is just nitpicking,though. The head is a MUCH easier target to hit than the spine.

BTW,don't waste your time trying to give me grief about the handloads because some rent-a-cop preaches against them. I've heard and read all the arguements,and concluded I know more than he does. If you don't like that,tell it to somebody who cares,and be happy following his advise. I'm not trying to sell you any books or videos,and I don't care.

252 posted on 02/26/2003 8:12:58 AM PST by sneakypete
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To: sneakypete
Seems I recall from the past Strasboug goat tests(staked goats were shot in the lungs with various handgun loads and time to fall were measured. Lots of dead goats-PETA loved this test)that the fastest, hence best load tested was a 125 gr. JHP out of a .357 mag, velocity unknown. It stopped better than any 44 mag or 45 ACP load tested. In contrast, the 38 spl. 158 gr lead round nose frequently carried in the past by many police departments and still carried by those who are politically correct, only bothered the goat slightly and he went back to grazing for quite a while.
253 posted on 02/26/2003 8:39:37 AM PST by nomorecameljocks
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To: 1Old Pro
What brand/manufacturer?

Mine is a hammerless Rossi that is DAO,and it's not made anymore. Taurus bought out Rossi,and discontinued the Rossi in favor of their own heavier and slightly larger version. Seems like the prices have doubled since then,too. I bought mine for $219 new,retail in stainless steel. It's also one of the most accurate handguns I've ever owned,and I haven't touched it. It was that way right out of the box. It's not for sale at any price.

Also, what's recommended for a not too expensive .22 for practice?

If it were me,I would get a Taurus 22LR revolver,and the matching Taurus in 44 Special. Taurus makes the 22 in more than one frame size,so make sure you get one with the same size frame and barrell length as the 44 Special you want.

254 posted on 02/26/2003 10:56:58 AM PST by sneakypete
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To: nomorecameljocks
Seems I recall from the past Strasboug goat tests(staked goats were shot in the lungs with various handgun loads and time to fall were measured. Lots of dead goats-PETA loved this test)that the fastest, hence best load tested was a 125 gr. JHP out of a .357 mag, velocity unknown. It stopped better than any 44 mag or 45 ACP load tested.

Yeah,but enemy soldiers and violent felons are people full of adreneline,not grazing goats. Give me big and slow every time over fast and small for self-defense.

BTW,factory 44Mag loads are lousy self-defense loads,just like the 158gr factory 357 Mag loads are lousy self-defense loads. The reason for this is they WILL penetrate completely,expending a LOT of their energy in the thin air behind your attacker. Better a big moderate round that stops a inch from exit.

255 posted on 02/26/2003 11:07:43 AM PST by sneakypete
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To: Atchafalaya
"Anyone have any experience with a CZ 75 or similar CZ models?"

Yup. I like mine alot. I've had a CZ 75BD 9mm for about 6 months. So far I have about 750 rounds through it with no malfunctions. Most of the ammo has been CCI Blazer target rounds, but GeorgiaArms JHP's have fed just as well. The CZ seems fo be far more accurate than its owner and, for about $340.00, it was a good deal (IMO)for a full-size, all metal gun.

As far as concealability, take a look at the CZ 75B Compact, PCR, or P-01 - all smaller and lighter than the full size, but basically the same platform.

256 posted on 02/26/2003 11:40:17 AM PST by AngryJawa (Aw, fer cryin' out loud!)
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To: sneakypete
It's the original user friendly point and click interface.
257 posted on 02/26/2003 4:03:36 PM PST by Travis McGee (----- www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com -----)
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To: sneakypete
"..... Better a big moderate round that stops a inch from exit."

Or better still ---- a huge round, that falls to the floor immediatly after leaving a huge gapping permanent exit wound....

This permits profuse bleeding from both entry and exit wound...

Never give a mark a break..
Semper Fi

258 posted on 02/26/2003 7:36:58 PM PST by river rat (Help save the planet ...... Work toward the extinction of Jihadists....ARM THYSELF)
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To: Travis McGee
OK, we picked it up tonite.

Right out of the box, we fed it 60 rounds of those 200 grain factory Silvertip ammo.

Mrs. Lurker fired 50 of them, your humble correspondent fired 10.

Being a brand new firearm, the trigger was a bit stiff for both of our taste, but the weapon functioned flawlessly. Every round went 'boom' every time we dropped the hammer.

The factory port job was more than satisfactory IMO. Follow up shots were quick, considering that the springs were still a bit stiff. A few hundred rounds should smooth the action out very nicely IMO. The cylinder break works easily as well.

The weapon ejects spent rounds without undue effort.

Here's an interjected comment from Mrs. Lurker: "It's so light, yet it hardly kicks at all! Firing single action it's easy to put my shots in the middle of the target at 30 feet. "

End of comments from Mrs. Lurker...

Keep in mind that this thing has a 2" barrel and she's shooting factory loads through a brand new gun.

The next hundred rounds we put through it were some handloads I made today. 240 gr. JHPs with over about 5.6 grains of Bullseye. According to my books, they should be moving about 800 fps or so, perhaps a bit less.(I gotta get a chronograph...)

I managed to put 4 out of 5 rounds through the head of a standard police silhoutte target at 30 feet in about 5 seconds firing DA. The one loose round hit a couple of inches low, but I'm certain that was the fault of the shooter, and not the weapon or the ammunition.

These heavier loads had a bit more 'bark' to them, but the weapon still functioned flawlessly for both me and Mrs. L. We both thought that our groups tightened up just a bit, but that could just be because we had some time to get used to this particular weapon.

Did I mention how light this thing is? According to Taurus, it's less than 20 ounces unloaded.

Let me get to the finish, lest I be called a poor gun reviewer. The matte blued titanium finish is even overall, and there are no sharp edges or evidence of unfinished machine work anywhere that I can see. After a thorough cleaning, no evidence of poor workmanship is evident to my eye. There are no obvious tool marks anywhere.

The molded rubber grips supplied by the folks at Taurus were comfortable for both my hands (somewhat small) and my wifes hands (somewhat large). They aren't Hogues, but they are definetely adequate for a titanium large bore revolver considering what we paid for it. (I'll tell you the purchase price when I'm done here.)

This pistol has been sitting in our local gun dealers display case for about a year or so, and we figure that more than a few folks dry fired it before moving on to something else, so maybe the springs had been worked in just a bit.

This revolver comes from the factory with some kind of 'safety lock' which uses a cheesy littly plastic key to 'lock' the firing mechanism by means of a small device milled into the hammer somehow. I'll let you know how this holds up once we hit the 5,000 round mark...LOL.

Overall, we would both recommend the purchase of one of these revolvers if one could find one in the now discontinued matte blue finish. Both Mrs. L and I think that the bright blue finish looks like something a pimp might fancy, but don't let that stop you if that's all you can find.

What I will most likely do is work up a fairly 'mild' load using the 210 grain JSP or the 200 grain JHP with either Bullseye or Unique powders. I figure if I can get either of these bullets moving at velocities over 850 fps they should perform very well.

But, you didn't ask about 44 Spl loads, you just asked about this particular sidearm.

The bottom line is, I like it. It seems to be made well, and did I mention that it's small and it's really light? You could carry this thing all day long and not even know you had it, at least until you needed it anyway.

I can't wait to shop for some leather. This thing will positively disappear on a person.

That's it for now, but if you have the chance, buy one. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the purchase price. It was $409.00 US. Not bad IMO.

Regards,

L

259 posted on 02/26/2003 10:50:58 PM PST by Lurker (When I want your opinion, I'll beat it out of you.)
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To: river rat
Yep, let 'em bleed both ways.
260 posted on 02/26/2003 11:17:00 PM PST by Travis McGee (----- www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com -----)
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