[wterrell]

[quote] Would a short barrel (1.5 inches) have adequate stopping power for self defence?...... was just wondering if maybe I was losing a significant amount of energy even with medium loads. <hr></blockquote>


G.W.Gill,

The length of the barrel should be long enough that the projectile is still in the barrel while the exploding powder is continuing to expand. The projectile should exit at the moment of maximum expansion. If the barrel is too long, there is a drag on the bullet. If the barrel is too short, you have not achieved the maximum acceleration.

One load of grain measurement will not be efficient in every gun. If the gun has a 6" barrel, the load should be different than the 6.5" barrel.

I would say that you were losing a significant amount of energy with any load.