If the effectiveness of a bullet can be summed up in a single phrase, it would be “stopping power.” The more stopping power a bullet delivers, the more effective it will be at ending a confrontation in your favor. Make no mistake; stopping power and caliber do not share the direct correlation many people think.
Those familiar with Bob Campbell’s writing, knows he is a .45 ACP guy all the way, so why is he calling the 9mm “Every Man’s Defensive Caliber?” It’s simple. He believes, ‘Unlike some advocates of the 9mm, I do not ignore physics and claim the 9mm is as effective as the .40 or .45 caliber pistols. Of course it isn’t, because it cannot be. Physics cannot be changed. However, the balance of power and controllability is ideal for most shooters.”
The SIG P226 is a great gun—with the small grip and short trigger option, it’s gets even better. In this Range Report, Bob Campbell puts the P226 with the Short Trigger Mod through its paces by firing 2,500 rounds! Read the full story for the results.
Designed to give handgun cartridges a step up in power and energy by increasing velocity, +P ammunition is not more dangerous; it simply is loaded to greater pressure. What is your choice for a handgun defensive round?
Owners of Browning’s discontinued HP40 Hi-Power chambered in 40 S&W have an unusual but highly competent pistol in their hands.
Picking the right defensive loading can be a challenge when there are so many options. Check out this post for tips on picking the right one for your gun.