I don't think very many of you folks are going to like me…
My .45 automatics and big-bore revolvers are usually loaded with something other then hollow-point/ high performance ammunition. Why? Because I don’t believe they make all that difference in the real world. Those big expanded tunnels you see in jelly are temporary, and don’t relate to human or animal tissue, which is elastic. The primary hole does, and emergency room surgeons I’ve discussed the matter with tell me that they can’t really tell what kind of middle or large sized bullet made the wound until (or if) they recover the slug. They can tell between a small .22 or .25 projectile vs. a larger one. So is a smaller bullet equal to a bigger one? Sometimes yes, if it can penetrate and hits the right vital organ. But in general the advantage lies with the larger one, and the old saying about carrying a .45 because they don’t make a .50 does have some validity.
It’s been known for some time that if the hollow nose of a bullet becomes filled with some external material it’s more likely to implode rather then expand.
What is far more likely to stop an attack then bullet design or construction, is bullet placement. In other words making a direct hit on a vital organ, preferably in the central nervous system. Here you are dealing with a relatively small target that’s protected by bone structure.
Wounds that might prove to be fatal, but are not instantly disabling leave you with an assailant that can continue to attack. Instantly disabling should be the first and foremost intent of anyone who has the bad luck to get into a confrontation.
While it a much lesser consideration in revolvers then pistols, those who carry or use automatics should always give first consideration to what ammunition is most functionally reliable in their handgun. Whatever works, works. But be sure it works – all the time under any circumstances.
In conclusion, I would call to the attention to those that think that a particular bullet or load will always save their bacon, we have the example where recently some officers in the New York City Police Department pumped some 13 to 16 (reports vary) high performance/hollow point/.40 caliber bullets into a suspect, and he survived and is still with us. Would have solid points made any difference? I doubt it. The point is that none of those slugs connected with something vital.
Now you can go back to your discussion of what’s best, and of course flame away if you want to. Worry not; the Old Fuff has a thick skin.
