Deep penetration. How much penetration is effective?

[teflondog]

The amount of penetration of a 147gr Federal HST is the correct penetration.

[Chewy65]

Just remember to use ammo that permits you time to get in follow up shots. Two CM hits out of 4 shots with a puny .380 will do more damage than 4 misses out of 4 shots with a mighty 357.

[Deedle]

For self-defense, per the FBI, 12-18"

I'm generally lucky to penetrate 10" but I heard more is better up to a point. After that enough is enough, so I'm told.

[JTROKS]

I believe a nice shock effect is still required. As the petals open up the damage is more substantial when it penetrates faster. Hitting the right spot is more effective vs hitting the wrong spot, which could be a stinker. Shot placement with adequate penetration will be the climax.

[Volksgrenadier]

Do it right, brah.

[calif 15-22]

6" will get the job done if you know what you're doing. 7-9" is optimal. Anything over 10" , yet still effective, will have diminished returns. Of course, a larger "caliber" will get you better results without as much penetration.

I believe optimally, you can get away with less depth of penetration with multiple penetrations through 2 or more entry points. If your multiple penetrations can kinda come together in the middle simulating one large hole, it'll be a wet mess, but should get the job done quickly.

[Jimi Jah]

FMJ will penetrate further with less tissue damage. GI's complained 5.56 would just pass through the "skinnys" without twisting because they were too thin.

NOVX for the win...

[Saym14]

"Caliber" and placement is more important than depth of penetration.

expansion is very important too.

velocity
expansion
shot placement
caliber and weight
penetration
many variables

[Mr. Beretta]

Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement. Shot placement.

This and Federal 9mm HST 147gr non plus P is all you need to know.

[tundraboomer]

Sexual innuendo aside, for sheer penetration this is what I use.

[omega]

Ive heard reports of the 124 gr fmj 9mm NATO as being a very good manstopper from recent combat in Iraq / Afghanistan by US servicemen

they said when they shot an enemy insurgent he dropped like a sack of potatoes.