Quote:
Originally Posted by Razor
Think of this as a pseudo-Socratic exercise. So, what are the major factors that affect "stopping power"? Which are more influential than others? Keep in mind TR's example of the 12.7mm wound, and why the subject didn't die. Is stopping power a valid characteristic if it involves many independent variables?
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Thanks for the challenging exercise. I’m not trying to sell the response as “right” to anyone – just wanted to answer
"Stopping power" is defined here as a projectile's ability to neutralize the threat posed by a target, immediately after it is hit, even if it is alive directly after impact.
Major factors that affect the "stopping power" of a projectile are its weight, velocity, length, diameter, external shape, internal shape and material composition.
Wound characteristics conducive to immediately neutralizing a target consist of penetration through the majority of the target and 360 degree expansion of the wound internally along its trajectory. This causes a higher chance of hitting a vital area, increased blood loss and shock from the internal disruption.
Though the factors are interdependent a projectiles velocity, external shape, internal shape, diameter and material composition are more important to creating "stretch cavity" than its weight and length. (far from sure about this)
“Stopping power” can not be represented in an exact figure, but the sum of observed results will show if it displays characteristics that are favorable to other projectiles; making “Stopping power” a general but valid characteristic. - Josh