softpoints sure are, even from short barrels and at pretty long ranges (for realistic, defensive combat). A 16" barrel can easily get a 60 gr Nosler over 3000 fps, and it will still have almost 2400 fps left at 200m. 770 ft lbs. Such a hit, at such a range, is indeed still VERY likely to render the man unable to do a thing that realistically threatens you. You don't need more. The 11" 223 "only" has 550 ft lbs left at 200m, but since it's STILL more effective out there than is the much-ballyhooed 125 gr 357 jhp, (from a 4" barrel) is at 10 ft, it's good enough. 