re: Heavier gram loads for pistols

quote:

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Energy is mass x speed.

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Velocity x mass=Momentum
There's always been, and I suspect there will always be, a lot of discussion amongst handgun ballisticians (and internet experts) as to which "formula" (momentum, energy or something else entirely) is the best when trying to predict the effectiveness of a handgun round when it comes to stopping a fight. The momentum formula is quoted moreso by the "heavy and slow bullet" folks; the energy formula is favored by the "light and fast bullet" crew; in addition, there are authors who've made a living publishing books about the real world fight stopping effectiveness of different calibers.

Another thing to consider is penetration of the bullet in the target. When dealing w/ bullets of the same construction and shot at the same velocity, the heaver bullet will be expected to penetrate deeper.