Comments on: A primer on handgun terminal ballistics

By: Dave Ciscel

Dave Ciscel — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:47:09 +0000

Good article. That’s interesting about the sweet spot. Penetration to destroy organs is also good, something I hadn’t thought about. What the kinetic energy equation does not do is calculate or account for energy expended. Energy is dissapated by heat, by noise and by bullet deformation, and maybe something else. The momentum equation doesn’t account for those losses either but gives higher numbers to heavier bullets. Are there studies on wounds where they evaluate various projectiles and tissue damage? A compilation of coroners reports or something? Gruesome but better evidence for stopping power than incomplete mathmatical equations.

By: Christian

Christian — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:48:28 +0000

Omg finally someone who knows what he’s talkin about writes an article about this. Thank you so much, good sir. I’ve been seeking the answers I found here for 5 years or so.

By: MK

MK — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:52:21 +0000

I agree, one of the few really rational piece of literature I have read, especially your example with the .40 and 135. Many tought the Nosler JHP but looking at penetration was below all others. It is a balance of all velocity, energy and pentration. Great speed and no over penetration but if it doesn’t stop it didn’t do the job. I was just curious did you have a preference, Corobon, Federal, CCI/Speer, hornandy or others?

By: kompiler

kompiler — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:38:42 +0000

This is very useful information, I’ve had a long standing interest in this topic and thank you for writing this article.