This is a pretty good place to start with comparing calibers, and how they might effect a target.
http://brassfetcher.com/index_files/Page1950.htm
Something that isn't brought up much is the ability of heavy bullets to maintain their speed through a target, creating secondary projectiles out of bone increasing the wounding effect.
Someone mentioned that non-expanding bullets aren't very effective as stoppers. I beg to differ. Depending on bullet shape, weight, and velocity you can
create a very large, and effective hole.
This is an exit wound created by a 440 grain, .500 caliber LFN, at 950fps(.500JRH). The effect on the animal was compared to a .375 H&H rifle.
Here is a .452" LFN hole that proved fatal:
.45 Colt, LFN, 1150 fps.
Wound channel is a function of bullet design, VELOCITY, and bullet weight.
While you can't come up with a magic bullet, you can now come up with calibers, bullets, and velocity in pistols that hit like rifles.
Perhaps instead of ending with .45 caliber, we should use that as a starting point and go up.
This one says it all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYSGuiko6Gg&feature=related
Sorry, that can't happen at those velocities.
Fackler said it
I believe it
and that's that