03-15-2010, 05:54 PM
Veraphim Wrote:Both the .45ACP and 9mm NATO generate enough force to induce hydrostatic shock, which is a large part of the real stopping power behind a bullet anyway, so hitting someone center mass with either weapon is going to stop them fairly well. The .45ACP is subsonic though, and despite the larger bullet it generates less force than the 9mm NATO, so may not fare as well against body armor.
The comparison therefore probably moves to other factors - Reliability, fire rate, cost, etc. I don't really know much about either of those handguns in those areas, but I would expect the clip magazine for the Baretta holds more ammunition than the one for the Colt.
I think one of the formula's for stopping power is speed + size. The slower the bullet is going the more flesh it tears along with it, thus leaving a larger exit wound.
A hole is a hole either way. Direct hit to the head, heart or lungs is going to stop someone.
[should not have shot the dolphin]