What advantage do heavier bullets provide in terminal ballistics?

Heavier bullets are known for providing better energy retention and deeper penetration in terminal ballistics. This advantage is primarily due to their greater mass, which allows them to maintain momentum more effectively as they travel through various mediums, such as flesh or bone. When a heavier bullet strikes a target, it typically creates a more substantial wound channel and can penetrate deeper compared to lighter bullets.

This characteristic becomes particularly important in defensive or hunting scenarios where penetration depth can determine the effectiveness of the round in reaching vital organs or achieving a quick incapacitation. Additionally, the energy retention of heavier bullets means that they lose less energy over distance compared to lighter counterparts, enabling them to deliver a more potent impact when they reach the target.

Other factors such as velocity, recoil, and wind resistance are influenced by bullet design and caliber but do not directly contribute to the primary benefits of using heavier bullets in terms of terminal ballistics. Heavier bullets do not inherently possess higher velocity, and they can generate greater recoil due to their mass. Moreover, while heavier bullets may experience less wind deflection than lighter ones, it is their energy retention and penetration capabilities that are fundamentally advantageous in terminal performance.