I just recently read an article about this very subject. The writer went on to point something out that I never gave a thought to. Lets say you have someone in your house, and you will be shooting at them (just for the sake of your question). The writer felt that a reduced load shotgun would probably be the better bet considering who may also be in your house (kids sleeping ect) a .45 cal bullet can go through alot of walls. Now before anyone jumps on me, NO Ive never shot a gun in my house, and NO I dont know the true affect of a .45 cal bullet compared to a reduced load shotgun, but it kinda makes sense. Heck for all I know the shotgun may do more damage, I was just reiterating what I read.