Ok, but in a real, non-perfect world..
Shot placement makes discussions about which caliber is better obsolete.
...
In a perfect world, I would agree, but..
Using the right, or left, edge of the (*grey box) lower pic of each JHP caliber bullet spread, let's say the *edge is a vital nerve or organ. Hit it, by just a tad/millimeter and the damaged nerve or organ starts to disable the BG. The more it is severed, the more the, slightly, less than perfect shot, begins to disable the BG's humanly function/s.
Using the right or left *edge as the key-hit spot, now start moving each caliber over left or right, as in a near perfect shot, one millimeter at a time.
As you can see, the larger caliber/spread will touch/hit the *edge before each of the smaller calibers does, for the very most part, shot for shot. All shots being equal until the edge is completely taken out and what you have left is a_truth that IF each caliber shown is the near perfect shot, to start off with, then the larger caliber/spread is gonna hit the *edge/nerve/organ first as the shot is moved left or right.
Bottom line is: The larger caliber is gonna have a more forgiving result based on the same shot placement because they simply cover more area/spread and key contact points based on equal shot placements being slightly off, in a non-perfect world.
Bigger bullets are more forgiving than smaller bullets, being less forgiving, based on all things being equal from the beginning in a equal, but non-perfect world/shot.. placement
OMMV, of course, based on what caliber gun one can shoot with the best, first shot, accuracy, with quick, fast, follow-up shots, with accuracy, at what distance one considers the_key HD/SD distance/s. My choice and use is with a 40 caliber for, the very most part, up close and out to 35ft.
But, I also use a 45cal, and 9mm, as well, with full confidence. But feel free to shoot the messenger..
Ls