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Old 09-15-2004 | 01:38 PM
  #7  
Nomercy
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Gypsum KS USA
Default RE: 'Power' rankings of handgun ammo...

For the most part, what you're asking about is subjective. No, there's no denying that a .44mag is more powerful than either the rest listed, nor that the .25acp would be at the bottom of the list, however, you're forgetting a lot of things, firstly, gun design, grip design, grip material, bullet construction, and gun weight all are major players in recoil and hitting power.

Secondly, you just have ".32", what is that? .32auto, .32short, .32long, .32H&Rmag, .32special (rifle round)?? A .32H&R mag would be around the .38spcl, if not above it, occasionally above the 9mm.

The 9mm and .38special could be changed around too, as it's really dependant upon load and gun combination which kicks more or hits harder, which isn't always the same one anyway, i.e. there are a lot of 9mm's that kick harder than an average .38spcl that packs more punch...odd, but it's out there.

Depending on load and gun, the .357mag and .45acp might switch around as well.

IMHO, the .357Sig is a much better round than the .40S&W, while it is typically lighter recoiling (my experience), it packs a bit better punch down range-although the increased taylor factor of the .40 might make up for this. It's basically a little higher pressure than the 40 because of the neck on the case, it gets higher energy because of this, but it sheds it a bit faster because it's a lighter bullet. However, it's downrange accuracy is considerably better than the 40's...My only experience was a Glock package I bought, a 40 and 357Sig bbl, great fun great gun, but as far as what I wanted it for, a .45 or 9mm was a better choice.

+, +P, +P+ are all designators of "high pressure" rounds...higher than standard SAAMI regulations, typically it's not worth while to buy it, unless you're hunting with it. Put a +P load in a typical gun not rated for higher pressures and you'll likely only be holding half a gun and only have three fingers after the shot.

You've left a LOT of rounds off your list, certainly several that are more popular than some you listed even. The .41mag, .45colt, .25acp, .22lr/.22mag, and many popular rounds above the .44mag, not to mention a great deal of rounds that fit within the range you've listed.

What's the general purpose of your question, thinking on buying one, or just curious as to what we all think is stronger than the others?
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