powerful bullets

[ChrisF202]

Does anyone have a chart showing the difference in caliber powers, like the most poweful calibers from strongest to weakest? I always get confused with .38, .357, 9mm and which is more powerful.

[Bill]

It depends.

For instance, 9mm is generally not as powerful as .45 auto, but yet the +P+ 9mm loads are more powerful than some .357 mag loads, and most .45 loads.

Not all cartridges of any given caliber are created equally.

But, as a general rule of thumb, for handguns, it would go like this:

BB gun
.22 short
.22 long
.25 ACP
.22 long rifle
.22 WMR
.32 ACP
.380
9x18mm Makarov
.38 special
9mm
.45 ACP
.44 Special
.40 S&W
.357 Sig
.357 Magnum
10mm Auto
.45 Colt
.41 Magnum
.44 Magnum
.454 Casull
.50 AE

[Kozzy]

So .357 Sig is a better caliber then .45ACP? That would mean it looks like a great pistol caliber.

[ChrisF202]

Thanks snipe, what about common rifle calibers?

[Bill]

"So .357 Sig is a better caliber then .45ACP? That would mean it looks like a great pistol caliber."

When compared to all but the best .45s, yes, the .357Sig is a ballistically superior cartridge. the .357 Sig was specifically designed to emulate the exact ballistics of the legendary 125gr JHP .357 Magnum.

[Bill]

"Thanks snipe, what about common rifle calibers?"

There are just way too many rifle calibers, the list would have to be 200 calibers long...

[bonehead]

Thats a good list!
Before someone gets their shorts in a twist, it is important to know that there is a lot of overlap between the calibers, and "power" does not always translate to "better."

[Bill]

"Before someone gets their shorts in a twist, it is important to know that there is a lot of overlap between the calibers, and "power" does not always translate to "better.""

Agreed.

[otomik]

"Thanks snipe, what about common rifle calibers?"

There are just way too many rifle calibers, the list would have to be 200 calibers long...

well here's the list and it's longer than 2 inches (200 caliber)
http://web4.integraonline.com/~bbroa...eral_Info.html

.357SIG terminal ballistics are similar to 9mm Para except .357SIG is flatter shooting.

[Bill]

.357 Sig terminal ballistics are much closer to that of the .357 Magnum. Which is the whole point...