Boils down to knowing what works from a short barrel and then picking out shelf ammo that day. Sometimes the stuff you prefer is sold out and you are on a tight schedule. Do you go without?
The XTP bullet seems to be the leader and Hydra Shock still effective. I might carry Critical Defense 9mm in that gun but American Gunner XTP in the .380.
We are mostly playing with incremental differences and interpretations as it is. The more important issues are 1) have a gun 2) have good shot placement.
The pic of an armed opponent is a good one - what do you target? The description of the heavy set cold weather dressed aggressor adds to it - why attempt a shot at multiple layers of overlapping clothing with an arm over it too? Goes to shot placement - Center of Mass isn't always the best shot.
At the close range intended for a small pocket gun using traditional targeting models is the problem. You may not be 21 feet apart in clear weather with the bell tower striking noon. Consider this - there are attachments for railed subcompacts to prevent depressing the barrel and knocking the slide out of battery when the gun is held against the body. That was the response to a disadvantage that revolvers don't suffer.
You may be too close to even attempt a COM shot and have to deal with what target there is. Shot placement at that point is more important than what's lettered on the base of the cartridge. Steel cased Monarch FMJ would do.
Don't get too wrapped up in gel tests, they can't do them all.
The XTP bullet seems to be the leader and Hydra Shock still effective. I might carry Critical Defense 9mm in that gun but American Gunner XTP in the .380.
We are mostly playing with incremental differences and interpretations as it is. The more important issues are 1) have a gun 2) have good shot placement.
The pic of an armed opponent is a good one - what do you target? The description of the heavy set cold weather dressed aggressor adds to it - why attempt a shot at multiple layers of overlapping clothing with an arm over it too? Goes to shot placement - Center of Mass isn't always the best shot.
At the close range intended for a small pocket gun using traditional targeting models is the problem. You may not be 21 feet apart in clear weather with the bell tower striking noon. Consider this - there are attachments for railed subcompacts to prevent depressing the barrel and knocking the slide out of battery when the gun is held against the body. That was the response to a disadvantage that revolvers don't suffer.
You may be too close to even attempt a COM shot and have to deal with what target there is. Shot placement at that point is more important than what's lettered on the base of the cartridge. Steel cased Monarch FMJ would do.
Don't get too wrapped up in gel tests, they can't do them all.
