Can we "group" handgun cartridge power levels?

[Ron3]

Some people mention that the "service calibers" can perform the same, the difference is in the bullet. So 9x19/.40/.45 doesn't matter.

Well, it does at some point. I suggest the difference is when we can expect with some regularity that bullets for that cartridge can expand via JHP and penetrate "adequately".

Perhaps we can group cartridges for a little better understanding?

Group 1: Cartridges that can penetrate well enough, or expand, but usually not both when tested in synthetic mediums. These are also likely to fail to penetrate properly after barriers regardless of bullet design. The "not fit to be a service caliber group".

.25 acp, .32 acp, .380 acp, and .38 special from short (2 inch) barrels.

Group 2: Cartridges that often do have the power to expand and penetrate desirably in synthetic mediums. Many bullets here can also do well after penetrating barriers. The "service calibers".

.38 special +p from 4 inch barrels, 9x19, .40 auto, .357 auto, .327 mag, .357 mag (from 2 inch barrel), .45 acp.

Now there is some variation in these depending what you want. If you lean towards glass penetration you might prefer a tough .45 bullet. If you want to go 1600 fps you might want the 90 gr .357 auto, etc. But generally there is a lot of bullet design overlap in this group.

Group 3: These cartridges in their typical loading's perform the same as the Group 2 service cartridges. The difference is they can be loaded "hot" and are capable of more. Being loaded "hot", with longer barrels and higher sectional densities than the Group 2 cartridges, these are capable of deep penetration especially useful against tough animals.

10mm auto, .357 magnum, and .44 Special.

10mm and .357 mag also offer the opportunity of over 1500 fps velocities if desired.

Group 4: Cartridges that can give even deeper penetration and can offer stretch cavities that may start to matter.

.44 magnum and up.

This is just a thought I had about a way to group cartridges. Essentially, while there isn't a huge difference in any of these handgun cartridges, there is some. But there is very little between cartridges within a group. Bullet choice will matter much more within each.

Is this helpful? It is the way It's been in my head lately.