FMJ?
In general, I agree with dbledoc; his experience is similar to mine in inner city ER's. In addition, I agree with his summary of the available medical literature - there are no definitive clinical data that directly address bullet design and probability of incapacitation. Unfortunately, much of what is published in the popular press or shown on You Tube only very remotely represents ability to incapacitate a malefactor. There is NO SUCH thing as significant hydrostatic shock effects in handgun calibers, because they do not achieve sufficient velocities; temporary "stretch cavities" commonly shown in gel on You Tube are meaningless because this has been shown as not unrelated to significant tissue damage. Penetration is more critical than expansion, since handgun projectiles can incapacitate only by penetration of vital organs or large blood vessels. Accuracy is more important than other considerations.
I have not seen any reliable, non-speculative data on bystander injuries, lawsuits, prosecutions, etc. due to overpenetration, although it seems reasonable to have some concern for that risk.
In general, I agree with dbledoc; his experience is similar to mine in inner city ER's. In addition, I agree with his summary of the available medical literature - there are no definitive clinical data that directly address bullet design and probability of incapacitation. Unfortunately, much of what is published in the popular press or shown on You Tube only very remotely represents ability to incapacitate a malefactor. There is NO SUCH thing as significant hydrostatic shock effects in handgun calibers, because they do not achieve sufficient velocities; temporary "stretch cavities" commonly shown in gel on You Tube are meaningless because this has been shown as not unrelated to significant tissue damage. Penetration is more critical than expansion, since handgun projectiles can incapacitate only by penetration of vital organs or large blood vessels. Accuracy is more important than other considerations.
I have not seen any reliable, non-speculative data on bystander injuries, lawsuits, prosecutions, etc. due to overpenetration, although it seems reasonable to have some concern for that risk.