Looks like we have our first taker!
Originally Posted by
country1
If you go by just the energy numbers, the 9x19 has more energy than the .38 Special. However, compare the numbers of a 9x19 and a .45 ACP with the same barrel length. I would choose a .45 ACP for personal protection over a 9x19 or even a .40 S&W.
I'm not interested in comparing a .38spcl or 9x19mm to a .45acp. It's obvious that if I used a .44mag I'd have a lot more stopping power than a .22lr, but my point was specifically regarding the common misconception that a 9mm was WEAKER than a .38spcl. There is no arguement that both are weaker than the .45acp.
Let's be honest, though, the pressure difference is the real kicker between the .38spcl and the 9x19mm. It doesn't take an engineering degree to figure out the power factor difference for a similar projectile being driven AT TWICE THE PRESSURE. Twice the pressure means twice the force, means twice the potential acceleration, meaning MORE POWER from half the case volume.
Claiming that the BC gap vents all of the .38spcl's power is BS. I could equally argue that a revolver should have MORE power because none of it's energy is wasted on driving the slide rearward, nor vented through the breech... Facts is facts, double the pressure means more power in the 9mm para.
Originally Posted by
country1
Actual performance is more important than paper numbers. I have talked with farmers and ranchers who have both 9x19 and .38 Special, and they say the .38 Special performs better on problem wild animals. It is rare a second shot is need with the .38 Special, but it is normal for two or three shots to be required when shooting a 9x19 on the same type of wild animal.
In my own personal experience with dispatching wild animals, being a farmer/rancher myself, I would strongly disagree with this statement. Yes, if you're talking about the cheapest ammo that the typical farmer would buy, maybe this is true, but we're not talking apples to apples. Cheap .38spcl ammo is typically lead round nosed or lead semi-wadcutter bullets, which are actually quite effective on small game. Cheap 9mm Para ammo is typically ball ammo (FMJ), which obviously is NOT very effective on anything. I've used 9x19mm JHP's to dispatch MANY coons and oppossums that have ventured into my outbuildings at night, with nary an arguement.
Originally Posted by
country1
You mentioned your wife has a SP101 in .357 Mag. Does she have the 3" barrel or a shorter barrel? You lose velocity and energy with every inch of barrel length while gaining muzzle blast and muzzle flash. I prefer the medium power .357 Mag personal protection ammo with a heavier bullet in 3" barrels. It is a good idea to shoot your personal protection ammo in a controlled environment in very low light to see how much muzzle flash your ammo produces in that particular firearm.
Her's is the 2.25" barrel Talo Edition SP-101 (machine engraved). The load we've had the best accuracy with so far is pushing a 158grn JHP at 1170fps. Pretty moderate recoil, even for a snubbie, and plenty of umph to deliver enough energy on target.
Part of our "home defense plan" is training to shoot iso style (which is our prefered pistol shooting stance in any conditions), including training in the dark (moonlit nights at our range work out nicely), and blinking on the shot. Inside a room, you're 10-15ft away or less, so aiming with your body is just as effective as aiming with sights, and blinking on the shot helps reduce the effect of muzzle blast. Pretty much the same technique can be practiced by firing your weapon blindfolded, which is another natural POA training technique we practice.