Intresting thread. I didn't learn anything about ballistics that I didn't already know, but I learned a lot about the variations of human perception.
The FBI set a benchmark, most ammo companies understandably designed ammo to reach that "standard" some calibers had to up their game with better bullet design and better performing powders. Others had to water things down a bit to avoid over performing the "standard".
I lean towards over performing ammo based on the platform its being fired from.
I get most of my dedicated SD ammo from Underwood or Buffalo Bore.
My thoughts from years of research is the debates between "light and fast" bullets vs "big, heavy, slow" bullets. Light and fast is good, speed matters. Big and heavy is good, mass matters.
My own personal conclusion, big, heavy, and as fast as possible. On the terminal end of things, I want big bullets moving fast on the threat. On my end of things, I have to be able to carry it, effectively and accurately put those big heavy bullets on target.
That's where my personal compromise and balancing percieved needs comes into play.
I own, and am proficient with several different sized sidearms and different calibers, all will "do the job" on paper. But I do tend towards the biggest pistol that I can conceal, the most accurate, and biggest/heaviest caliber.
For me, that's an 8+1 1911 loaded with 230gn +P dold dot hp from Underwood. The capacity is limited, but I carry a few extra magazines.
Best for everyone? No. But it is for me.
Now, when I can get 50bmg 48" barreled performance from a 30 shot pocket pistol that fits in my shirt pocket, laser accurate out to 1000yds, zero recoil, easy to find ammo at 1 cent per round, and silent?
Then I'll be content.
Until then, the search for the perfect balance continues.