"Most over-rated handgun cartidge"...
I used to hunt exclusively with handguns, and I am here to tell you; they are ALL over-rated!
Handguns that shoot handgun calibers are not very powerful when it comes to actually killing large animals, and I don't care what new and improved bullet you shoot. I've killed just about every animal we have here in the western US with handguns, (no wolf YET), and most were one shot kills at reasonable ranges. I've never had an animal get "knocked down" with a handgun cartridge. I've several shot deer and elk in the head/neck, and yeah, they went down right now; DRT. However, they were definately NOT "knocked down". In the last several years, bullets have come a long ways in ALL calibers. But bottom line; I've had the worst performance (using the best bullets) with all 9mm/.38's. Yes, that includes the 357 Magnum and Maximum. I don't know why, but it's been my experience that larger/heavier diameter projectiles in handgun calibers put meat on the ground MUCH better than the smaller ones do.
That said, I carry either my little Ruger in 380, or my Glock in 40S&W...both over-rated, but I guess it's better that nothing.
When I hunt with a handgun, I use a rifle caliber.
