Favorite handgun caliber?

RedRocker · Nov 24, 2005

( Well, I've got .22, .380. .38 Super, .38 Spl .45ACP and .45 LC. If I could have only one, it'd be the .45LC. With handloads, it can be a very versatile caliber. The only problem is that my Ruger Blackhawk is not the most concealable weapon.

XL )

Hi Rick, check your PM's. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cp1969 · Nov 24, 2005

( Why would you feel expansion is not needed? The full energy of the round will not be excerted on the target if it passes through without expansion. The best way for the energy to be transfered, is for the bullet to remain inside the target. Therefore, if the bullet expands more force is excerted and it is less likely to exit. Is't that correct? )

No argument that the full energy of the round will not be transferred. But I have never felt energy was a good measure of killing power. If it was, a .22-250 would be slightly better than a .45-70 in stopping power. Or, in pistol cartridges, compare a .221 Reminton Fireball soft point vs. a 1250 fps .44 Mag solid. Both have about the same energy. The .221 will expand nicely and stop inside almost anything you shoot it at--the .44 will go through about anything you shoot it at.

Back on topic, I guess the term 'favorite' can mean different things. I answered the question earlier based on number of rounds consumed and by that measure, my favorite is the .22LR. Looking at it a different way would be to answer the question, "If you can only have one handgun, what caliber would it be?" To answer that one, I would have to say .44 Mag. It can be loaded down to popgun levels if need be, and a 1250 fps SWC load is as hot of a load as I'd ever need. Favorite gun for that load would be a 4" M29 S&W.

HGM · Nov 24, 2005

Yea, I tend to agree the way you explain it. The only thing I would like to add is that the size and weight of the bullet plays a large roll in energy. like 800lbs pressure on an nail vs a 2x4 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I too like the 44, though I dont currently own one. My .357 is my favorite carry gun, like my .40 also.

anthonyk · Nov 24, 2005

In our state, DPS (the Texas Department of Public Safety) did what was probably the most comprehensive study of the issue.
They reviewed literally hundreds of officer involved shootings across the state and the results were surprising. The .357 was found to be the most effective in rendering a suspect unable to function. That generated mucho controversy, but ultimately led the state troopers to adopt a semi auto Sig in the .357.
The interesting thing though is that almost ALL special ops, SWAT, and Anti Terrorist officers carry the .45.
There was a very interesting article in the Washington Times yesterday by a serviceman in Iraq. He detailed what worked and what didn't. The M-16 was universally despised by the troops as was the SAW (squad automatic weapon). Both extremely prone to failure and jamming due to the fine sand.
The 9mm, while reliable in functioning, was found to NOT be effective at stopping bad guys. Most of the troops were trying to obtain .45s and almost all of the special ops and rangers already had them.
Guys, this has been hashed out in gun magazines ad nauseum. I still say, shot placement is the first issue, and if that's good, even a BB gun can get your attention.
anthony

HGM · Nov 24, 2005

I totally agree with you...

I also saw the article you saw. I found it ironic that all the arms they are trying to get their hands on are 50yrs old. Gota love the spray and pray technology huh?

By the way,I like my .45 too but its a little large for concealment.

cp1969 · Nov 25, 2005

I wonder where the military people will get ammo for the .45s they acquire? I thought that caliber was replaced by the 9mm in the '80's (big mistake).

anthonyk · Nov 25, 2005

It was replaced, (you're right, big mistake) but the more specialized ops groups are able to use the .45.
Now, they all want it.

anthony

RobertN · Nov 26, 2005

Good glass costs money, but can be the best thing to buy. This is true with a rifle or pistol scope, spotting scope, binocs, and really true on camera's.

Good glass will give a better sight picture, less glare, and will gather more light in the morn/eve.

A good Leupold can cost $500-1000 or more. A good Nikon or Canon 300mm-2.8 lense can cost twice that. But, it is really good glass, and makes the difference when the shot counts.

Dargo · Nov 26, 2005

Although I mentioned earlier that the .45 is not necessarily my favorite caliber, and I do think it is outdated, I did count today and I do own 23 firearms chambered in .45 ACP. I suppose I must like it a bit. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RobertN · Nov 26, 2005

My Rem 700V consistently shoots sub MOA. It is a 20 year old model, in 308. It is bone stock from the factory. Until recently it had a medicroe Simmons 3-9x40 on it.

I shot 5 rounds of ball ammo in it, which had it sighted pretty well(bore sighted first). After that, I fed it Federal 168gr match ammo for 100 rounds; it gave me some practice and it gave me nice brass to handload with. Since then, I have fed it handloads on the Federal brass with Sierra 165gr Game Kings BTHP which are about as close to a match bullet as you can come in a hunting bullet.

I have been very impressed with this rifle. It has shot exceptionally well right out of the box. Even with a brand new barrel, it shot sub-MOA. Right now, it is not stock; I put a recoil pad on it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif No, it does not kick, especially with the varmit weight barrel. I just wanted the extra length to make it fit me better /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif