The internet on stopping power

The internet on stopping power

via Gun Nuts Media by Caleb on 6/22/12

Have you ever talked about “stopping power” on the internet? I have, and I realize that I’ll be working off that karmic debt for quite a long time. Here’s what the internet says about the stopping/killing/knockdown power of all the various cartridges. Presented in handy bullet point format because it’s Friday.

• .22 LR: The deadliest killer known to man. Seriously, there are so many forum posts that have the words “more people die from .22 every year than any other caliber combined” it will make your head explode.
• .25 ACP: Slightly less powerful than a hot cup of coffee.
• .32 ACP: Basically worthless unless you carry a Kel-Tec, then it’s “just enough.”
• .380 ACP: Basically worthless unless you carry a Bersa, a Kel-Tec, or a Ruger LCP then it’s “better than the .45 you left at home.”
• .32-20: Wait, what?
• .38 Special: Well, it’s six for sure!  So you’re fine.  Unless you have a five shooter.
• 9mm: Worthless European pea-shooter.
• .357 Magnum: People shot with .357 Magnums are known to explode in a shower of sparks and die so hard their mother gets arrested for an illegal abortion.
• .357 Sig: The Semi-Automatic Hammer of Thor.  Because Texas DPS uses it.  And the Secret Service.
• .38 Super: Wait, what?
• 5.7×28: The anti-Goa’uld round of choice, so obviously it’s perfect for shooting real threats.
• .40 S&W: An anemic version of the amazing 10mm which is simultaneously not enough gun but totally enough gun if you’re upgrading from a 9mm.
• 10mm: Don’t shoot it at the sky because it might shoot down a 747 on accident.
• .45 ACP: The ultimate round, the design handed down from God to His servant John Moses Browning to serve all men in all capacities for all time until He sees fit to end this world in fire.
• .223/5.56: Worthless poodle shooter
• 7.62 Russian: Obvious upgrade over 5.56 because it’s Russian.
• .308/7.62 NATO: Obvious upgrade over everything.
• .50 BMG: See .45 ACP.