I don’t think your numbers add up. I don’t think 230 grains at 900 fps will give you more than about 400 lb-ft of energy.
here’s the formula:
E=1/2 mv^2
To use units common with bullets and firearms, you need to do some pretty heavy duty conversions(to a non-math person)
Use mass in grains, and velocity in ft/sec
since grains is weight, not mass, you need to divide it by the acceleration of gravity(32.1739 ft/sec/sec). Also, there are 7000 grains in a pound, so divide it by 7000 as well.
That formula will give you 413 lb-ft of energy for your 45ACP bullet.
Now, compare that to a 9mm +P round.
90 grains
1500 fps
energy works out to 450 lb-ft.
413<450 so the 45 loses and the 9mm wins.
Also, I would like to point out that not many 45 ACP rounds weighing 230 grains actually acheive 900fps. Most will be right about 800-850 fps. That yields an energy value in the neighborhood of 300-350 lb-ft...maybe slightly higher.
To put that into perspective...a top performing 22 magnum rimfire bullet has an energy value of 330 to 345 lb-ft.
Theoretically, the 45ACP is pretty weak. In the real world though, the 45 drops bad guys way better than the numbers would seem to indicate.
I forgot the whole gavity thing -thanks.
It really boils down to a matter of trust -
45 worked for Gramps in France
45 worked for Dad and Uncle in North Africa and the PTO -
I carried a 45 for a number of years
and my son wished the Corps wold have issue him a 45 and not the POS M9 he did get..... (he does now have a 45 at home as do all my sons)
SO, the 9mm is good if you wish to carry one, but for serious late night social encounters, I’ll stick with Mr Johns best product..... a 45 ACP Kimber compact carry....