[Dave Waits]

Sheepdogs' wet-dream aside, most Semi-auto rounds do poorly in long barrels. Example; WWB FMJ,230grain. In my rock it does 835fps ave.velocity, in a friends' Thompson Semi-auto SMG with a 16-1/2" barrel it does 785fps. Same would happen with a 9mm of any type. 9mm is designed to give max velocity in a 4" barreled gun so, that means a fast-burning powder. Now, if all that powder burns in say, the first five-inches of the Thompsons'Barrel, it has to overcome the friction of the next eleven-inches of barrel as the gas-pressure drops off rapidly. Result? Naturally, the bullet slows down inside the barrel. Actually, you would lose more velocity in the barrel with the 9mm because it has half the mass so, it will lose momentum faster.

Okay, they drive a 115grain bullet at 357magnum velocities and get what? .60caliber? That's considered good? Most of the better 230grain 45ACP SD loads will expand to past .70caliber at 850 or so fps. Remember now, that's twice the 115s weight. And they will still completely penetrate a torso.

Guys, instead of trying to find the Velocity-King, you should be concentrating way more on Shot-Placement. A good hit with a 38Spl. beats a poor hit with a 44magnum.