dwever
Member
This argument is about like arguing bolt action rifles are just as good as semi autos. One word...technology.
Fact is, at a thousand yards, the best rifles are nothing but bolt actions.
A Glock 32 can shoot 90gr bullet @ 1700fps and has muzzle energy of 578ft lbs...or it can shoot a 125gr bullet @ 1475fps and has muzzle energy of 604ft lbs.
Probably not. Once good place to see trends is at Midway USA as they have no less than 130 different variations of 9mm for sale. Checking all of their +P+ and +P, the highest energy was 511 ft. lbs., with most of the +P and +P+ well short of that number.
It is convenient to find an extreme outlier to make a point even though that outlier exceeds maximum load allowable on some plastic 9mm's. But in actual use the energy from these two different loads is dramatic. For example the biggest 9mm Buffalo Bore is +P+ at 451 ft. lbs., (Buffalo Bore Ammo 9mm Luger +P+ 147 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Box of) while in .357 Magnum Buffalo Bore tops out at 783 Lbs. (Buffalo Bore Ammo 357 Mag 180 Grain Lead Flat Nose Gas Check Box of 20). Those kinds of differences are typical. In American Eagle the .357 is 540 ft. lbs., while the American Eagle 9mm 345 ft. lbs.
However, with self defense I load Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel JHP .357 Magnum at 300 ft. lbs. Plenty potent to get the job done, and not penetrate three walls in the process.
.38 Special vs. 9mm from ballistics101.com "If the shooter can do his part, either round will perform. Both calibers are a fine choice, and each has it's advantages. In a gun fight, the greatest advantage any firearm could possibly encompass, would be 100% no questions asked simplicity and reliability. Well, without any doubt, that advantage belongs to the revolver. Let's face it. Less moving parts + simple design = extreme reliability and easy operation. The revolver will not jam, will not fail to eject a spent cartridge and is far from an "ammo snob". Should you need to call upon your revolver, it will oblige and command immediate respect.
Another issue I should point out just to be fair is this, I would not typically buy a .38 Special for one simple reason, .357 Magnum! Why would I buy a .38 Special when I can have the higher power .357 Magnum and the .38 Special in the same gun? We know there are far better rounds than 9mm or .38 Special but these rounds do have their niche and do excel in those departments. But... if you bring a new variable into the equation, such as 357 Magnum, . . . ."
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