Big Daddy Longstroke, in my opinion the value of the
185 vs 230 grain bullets depends on the size and weight of the gun you are using. If you're using a full size 1911 or other auto, or a S&W 625 the 230 is perfect. In a lighter gun such as an Officers model or equivalent, something under 30 ozs. or so, the recoil is less with a 185. With the 3" barrels, the 230 grain bullets often don't develop enough velocity to expand hollowpoints as reliably as the 185 and 185+P grain bullets, that are going several hundred feet per second faster. So a rule of thumb that many use is 230 for full size and/or 4"-5" barrel, 185/185+P for small guns and/or barrels =<3". Yes, of course, they are all the same diameter. They both make the same size initial hole, but the mass and velocity of the different bullets, compounded by expansion, result in different penetration, wound channels, shock, hemorrhaging, and other factors associated with "stopping power." Having said all this, the main thing is to consistently hit what you aim at with your gun.