The ballistics chart that changed my mind

[Alan]

I always assumed heavier bullets meant better penetration across the board. Then I actually looked at the data and saw how velocity, construction and sectional density all interact. A lighter bullet at higher velocity can outperform a heavy slow one depending on the scenario. The physics is complicated and simplified rules don't tell the whole story...

 

[Cpt Jon]

Ballistics loves proving our assumptions wrong, once you dig into the data, things get interesting fast.

 

[Virginia 01]

All you need to know.. look at the 5.7x 28m.
Fort Hood Massacre, 13 were killed, and 31 injured, all by 5.7 x 28m. The 5.7 bullet is 25% to 30% of the weight of a 9mm, but travels amazingly fast.

The terrorist was hit 4 times by 9mm rounds and was injured but not killed. (and he is counted as the 32nd wounded person in news reports)