It's Not Binary, Bubba .. It's a Goldilocks Zone:

Deadly Eh

 Someone new has reviewed Greg Ellifritz's 10 y.o. old statistical Stopping Power Study - a caliber-performance analysis - and is now using the same recorded facts to paint his own picture of the world .. It's worth reading and viewing .. because ALL information is good.

https://www.tierthreetactical.com/analyzing-1800-shootings-which-caliber-has-the-best-stopping-power/

You can always find some little thing to be annoyed about - if you want to get offended eh - but I might only observe that this 'TIER THREE'' commentator is rather dismissive of the .32" caliber stats - perhaps not remembering that this bore is the same as the British .303" Battle Rifles, AK 47s, and slightly bigger than the .308" rifles. - Yes I do know that the bullet weight & velocities are less than a rifles .. but the 327 Federal Magnum and the 32" H&R Magnum rounds are both well respected by "those that know".

Greg's ORIGINAL Study and comments can be found here ..

https://flicense.blogspot.com/2014/01/stopping-power-study-by-greg-ellifritx.html

STOPPING POWER is not a simple yes-no (binary?) choice - It is a whole cake-mix of ingredients where even the exact same blend will give very different results depending on other variable factors.

Bigger (40 mm) & Better? - Aint Necessarily So ..

I accept ( - after 60+ years consideration) that the bigger bore guns with heavier bullets - throwing hotter velocities do show evidence of enhanced effectiveness when directed to vital areas.

- No doubt about it.  - BUT can the shooter carry, - draw & fire, - withstand the felt blast & recoil - all while precisely and rapidly directing her shots?

The resultant HIT or MISS are binary outcomes eh.

There are obvious variable factors that have lead to compromised choices .. with the result that less powerful tools are sometimes preferred - such as the .38 Special revolver and the 9 mm semi-auto .. when considering practical issues of use affected by a range of human factors and capability.

Even more .. there are decisive issues outside of the firearm's "stopping power" function. - Can you afford to buy and feed XXX firearm? - Is the ammunition readily available in your locality? - Is your hand size & shape a good match to this gun? - Is your body mass and shape such that you can holster and wear your preferred arm comfortably if permitted? - Is your eyesight & grip strength good enough?

Four inches is often a satisfactory barrel length - while the stubby 2 or 3 inchers might roar louder and blast your ears while kicking strongly skywards. - Five to six inches can shoot a load with potentially better accuracy - better velocity and less recoil reaction - but can you find the space for these longer barrels? The secure place for a pistol - as with your purse - is on your person .. not in a vehicle nor in a shoulder bag swinging from a strap.

What is your environment .. Grizzly bear country or inner city - Cold Northern Climes or hot & humid?

- An "expert's gun" might be too complicated in function for you .. or your partner - consider the seven controls on some semi-autos versus only 3 on a standard Glock or a revolver.

Lots Of Colors & Sizes of Hogue Grips for Ruger 38 Special LCR.

I dunno if I've got this right .. but if you discard both the truly BRUTAL stuff in the upper power strata and the PIPSQUEAK rounds at the bottom of the deck .. within what remains you should have a selection that can offer that sweet-spot for you to try for yourself - before making your pick.

That absolutely perfect-in-every-way  handgun - that was never invented .. may not suite you  - because maybe your hands are too big - or too small or you've got an old injury somewhere or ..

Marty K.