45 +P

[FiveSeven]

Sorry, your right........ I actually meant ballistic jell. When it come to human body or even an animal there are other factors like you mention, not only that but also the different angles + possible barriers.
FBI recommends 12" minimal and pretty much most popular handgun calibers with good quality HP can do that.

[GunLover]

The two carry guns I will be using is a G36 3.78in barrel and a CDP PRO 4in barrel. After the info I collected I was thinking of 185 +p for the G36. But the CDP kinda caught in the middle of full size and compact. Should I go standard pressure or +P in the CDP? Thanks to all for your imput.

[FiveSeven]

^
+ P for Self defense for sure.....Even for 4" barrel as 1" is a bigger factor then .02" difference between the G36 and CDP PRO.

[B Strong]

There's not enough benefit with .45 ACP +P to justify the cost and increased wear.

If you use a standard pressure round with a well designed HP (which is about all of them these days) in the 5" barrel it will do the job that they're intended to do if you can do your part.

For a shorter barrel, go with a lighter weight projectile - I have always liked the old 200 grain Speer.