Different caliber sizes

[Gunsmoker]

So I went with a friend to the gun range for the first time. I fired a Glock 9mm, Smith and Wesson 9mm, Sig 9mm, and a .357 revolver. I don't know the actual model names.

I'm thinking about getting a gun for gun ranges and general defense.

The clerk at the range said the .357 was more powerful than the .45. I always thought that the bigger caliber means more stopping power. Does someone have a chart that shows the relative stopping power of the different caliber bullets? 9mm, 10mm, .40, .45, .357 , etc. (weakest to strongest)

The trigger on the .357 was so hard to squeeze. Are all the .357s like that?

I'm thinking about getting a 1911. What companies make the most reliable 1911s? Thanks.

 

[grislyatoms]

Generally speaking and IMO:

9mm, .40, .45, .357, 10mm.

Do a search and you will find tons of material caliber .vs. caliber.

This can be debated 'til the cows come home and there are always exceptions, etc., that's why I said generally.

The trigger on the .357 was so hard to squeeze. Are all the .357s like that?

No.

Good 1911's that I have experienced:

Springfield Armory

Best thing to do is go shoot more and find what you like.

 

[Archie]

So I went with a friend to the gun range for the first time. I fired a Glock 9mm, Smith and Wesson 9mm, Sig 9mm, and a .357 revolver. I don't know the actual model names.

I'm thinking about getting a gun for gun ranges and general defense.

Welcome to shooting and The High Road. You’ve found guns are fun and useful; I’m sorry, there’s no cure.

The clerk at the range said the .357 was more powerful than the .45. I always thought that the bigger caliber means more stopping power. Does someone have a chart that shows the relative stopping power of the different caliber bullets? 9mm, 10mm, .40, .45, .357 , etc. (weakest to strongest)[

This discussion will last the rest of your natural life; there is no simple answer.

The energy of a projectile in motion can be measured by kinetic energy, momentum or some variation of ‘stopping power’.

Kinetic energy is calculated by one half of the mass of the projectile multiplied by the velocity squared. (Favors fast bullets.)
Momentum is simply mass times velocity. (Favors heavy bullets.)
“Stopping Power” is a mathematical formula based on bullet weight, bullet shape and construction, bullet diameter and or cross section, velocity, and phase of moon. There are many different formulas along these lines, none of which are proved by repeated testing and none which are totally devoid of basis.

Kinetic energy and momentum are calculated items and fixed. Their relevance to actual fight stopping ability is not determined. ‘Stopping Power’ is much more debatable. Stick around and watch.

The trigger on the .357 was so hard to squeeze. Are all the .357s like that?

Double action revolvers usually have a heavier trigger pull. However, double action techniques are such that with a little practice, a double action revolver is faster to shoot and can be more accurate (in some circumstances) than a light triggered semiauto pistol. Sort of like some homely girls are more fun on a date than some pretty girls.

I'm thinking about getting a 1911. What companies make the most reliable 1911s? Thanks.

That’s another long argued question. Everyone has a favorite, and the next everyone thinks it stinks. By and large, Springfield seems to make a pretty good basic pistol. I’m a Series 70 and before Colt guy; but I’m a dinosaur in many ways.

 

[PO2Hammer]

--Instead of listening to us argue over our favorite calibers, go to a website like Winchester.com or Remington.com and look at the ballistic charts to get an idea of how the various cartridges perform as far as weight, speed and energy.
--I don't think there are any charts one the web anymore that show 'stopping power' of the various calibers, besides, the guys that came up with 'stopping power' have their own prejudices.
--The revolver you fired was most likely a S&W revolver, they may seem hard at first, but with a little practice it would become much easier.
--1911s can be quite touchy as far as reliably feeding hollowpoint ammunition unless you buy a model that someone has paid attention to during its construction ($,$$$). Sigs and H&Ks have been the most reliable in my experience (I've probably owned 25 different pistols over the years). I've pretty much settled on Sigs for reliability and ergonomics. My Glock 17L longslide 9mm has been 100% also.
--I would not trust my life to a 1911 untill I could put 500 rounds of hollowpoint ammo through it without a hitch. (that gets expensive too)
-- Take a look at a Sig P220 or a H&K USP .45 if the .45acp round is what you like (guns are just bullet launchers, it's the ammo that counts).
--Good luck and welcome.

 

[C-grunt]

a .357 is more powerfull than a .45 in terms of energy. Think of it like getting hit by a major league pitcher. You could get hit by a softball (.45) at 50 mph or a baseball (.357) at 95 mph. The .45 is bigger but moving a lot slower. Both are fine powerfull rounds.