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Originally Posted by Razor
What exactly is "stopping power"? How is it measured?
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My understanding of "stopping power" is the degree to which the bullet wound incapacitates it's target. For instance, the 5.56 or 9mm have been criticized for lacking stopping power since people have been mobile after being shot with a 5.56 or have returned fire after being shot three times with a 9mm.
How "stopping power" is measured is a really interesting question. It's not something that can be perfectly measured by shooting 10% gelatin, but rather by looking at the proven results on live targets. In 1998 the FBI changed it's ammo protocol from emphasis on the "permanent crush cavity" to include the "stretch cavity" of an internal wound, in addition to it's penetration. Of the different formulas for estimating bullet efficacy none can perfectly predict the physiological response, the psychological response, the time frame parameter, penetration and expansions on a live target - all of which are important factors in achieving "stopping power".