Which caliber has the most penetration?

Question

Which Caliber has the most penetration?
9mm, .40, or .357?
I also heard that the grain of the bullet effects penetration - does it penetrate more as the bullet gets heavier or lighter?

Answer 1

There is more than merely caliber involved in this equation, the length and action of the weapon firing the round, the type of round, FMJ, JHP, SWC... and the powder charge, and as you stated the grain weight of the bullet itself.

I have seen conflicting reports concerning the 9mm versus .40 debate many say the .40 offers better performance, yet some tests have shown the 9mm as better. I would assume in equal barrel lengths and relatively equal charges a 9mm will penetrate further but possess and transfer less energy, due to its smaller diameter.
The 9mm is about a .354 caliber so compared to the .357 the .357 will almost always win since it is almost always traveling at a higher velocity.
So with bullets of the same design, as close as possible weights, and fps I would say the .357, but it is almost always designed for higher velocities so it carries an edge.

Penetration is not always the most important factor in many instances excessive penetration is a detriment as it prevents the round from transferring its energy into the target, M-16 comes to mind immediately.

Answer 2

Depending on the particular load, probably the 357. The major determinant of penetration is sectional density; that is, a heavy-for-caliber bullet will penetrate farther than a lighter one. It'll be hard for you to find a 9mm load in the 150 gr. range (Speer's 147TMJ comes to mind, though), The Sierra 190TMJ in the 40 has a bit less sectional density than a 180gr. in 357, and of course the more usual 158gr 357 is way ahead of the 150gr 40.

Answer 3

Easy, the .357 Mag

The .357 and 9mm both use a .35 cal bullet. The 357 has much more power.

The .40 doesn't have much more power than the 9mm.

Penetration has as much to do with the force behind the bullet, not just the weight.

It really depends on what you want the gun for. If its hunting, use the 357. If its protection, both the 9 and 40 would make good choices, and you can get 15+ rounds in the clip. Twice as much ammo beats penetration, unless you're trying to shot through metal.

Answer 4

too many variables in your question..like, what game are you hunting, bigger is not always better, are hunting purely for sport and are not going to consume the meat, and is a 9mm legal to hunt in your area? In my opinion, I would never hunt with a 9mm. Firstly, if you are talking about a 9mm rifle, that is an assault rifle and more than likely is not legal to hunt with. If you are talkin about hunting with pistols in the other calibers, which, unless I am mistaken is the only weapon in the .357 caliber, are you expecting only close range shot, and if it is close range only, what does it matter. Choose what you are comfortable shooting. so, you must narrow your question and include details about what game, how long of range for shots are you expecting, and is this sporting or are you going to consume the meat or donate the meat for consumption? Sorry, wish I could help more. But I can say this, a .40 caliber bullet is larger in diameter, but has less charge than a .357. As for 9mm pistol, never had the desire to use one hunting, so not much help there. The charge and grain do affect shooting ability and carriage, but you can buy different grain in most calibers. You shoudl know your gun and which grain shoots most accurate, try different grains and use the toold for setting your sights. You can take your gun to most hunting stores and have it bore sighted and practice from there. Happy hunting.

Answer 5

.357 Sig or Magnum. But factors change when you change bullet desin.
A 125gr hollowpoint .357 will not pebetrate as much as a 155 fmj .40SW
or 115gr 9mm. But if all three use the same bullet design than .357 is the winner.

Answer 6

It would be the 10mm...so the 40 S&W is the closest design to it. The lighter bullet is going faster so it will penetrate more.

Answer 7

using similar non-expanding bullets, the .357, then the .40, then the 9mm.

Answer 8

first the cal. with the most penetration is in this order
1. .357
2. .40
3. 9mm
and yes a .357 with a 200 grain bullet with have far more penetration than one with a 125 gr. bullet. but bullet type will
play a big role also. wadcutter, jacketed hollow point, flat nose.

Answer 9

For maximum penetration I would recommend .357 Winchestor silver tipped hollow points.

Answer 10

The 9mm use hollow points.