I don't believe that another caliber in the methhead's gut would have done significantly better (maybe 12ga 00 or a fragmenting .223). But I have attended tests myself and read more reports of .45 bullets failing to penetrate as well as the "thinner" calibers like 9x19, .357 Sig/Mag or 7,62 Tokarev. Solid leather jackets or skull bones can stop a .45, thats a fact. Still: Foor steel challanges or bowling pin shooting, the momentum of the .45 is unbeaten....