[Gunsmoker]

Which round do YOU think is the better bad guy stopper?

[baz]

I must think they are equally effective, because I have SD handguns loaded with both (except I use 124 grain for the non +P 9mm). On paper, the 124 grain 9mm, even in non +P, has more energy than the 125 grain 38 spl +P, so it should, in theory, be a "better stopper."

This is a subject where I think the "grading" should be "pass/fail," and not on scale in which one is "better" than the other. I've been carrying for a year and a half, and my CCW is a 357 snubbie loaded with 38 spl +P Speer Gold dots. Being a bit of a recoil wussie, I trust myself to shoot 38 spl +P more accurately than full power 357, at least out of a snubbie. (OTOH, I have no problem shooting full power 357 out of my 6" Taurus Tracker, but that's a bit much for a CCW.) Lately, I've started reloading, and am experimenting with low power 357 magnum loads which are probably close to the power of a 9mm while being much more "pleasant" to shoot out of a snubbie (compared to full power 357 magnum loads).

Sorry, I didn't vote, because of my opinion that either one, with good shot placement, deserves a "passing" grade. I am, though, all for individuals shooting the most powerful platform they are capable of shooting, comfortably and accurately, because the extra power might just make the difference if shot placement is a bit off in a life or death situation. For HD and those bumps in the night, I keep the 6" Taurus Tracker handy with full power 357 magnum loads. No one doubts that kind of stopping power. :)