The effectiveness of different revolver calibers in stopping cattle during attacks has been highlighted in Mary Roach's book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers." The larger .45 Colt bullets were shown to be significantly more effective, bringing down the animals with fewer shots. In contrast, the smaller .38 caliber bullets demonstrated a much lower impact, failing to stop the cattle even after multiple shots.

This insight has contributed to the U.S. Army's confidence when facing bovine threats, ensuring that soldiers are better prepared for unexpected encounters with aggressive cattle. This emphasizes the importance of weapon choice in combat scenarios, showcasing how proper equipment can influence outcomes during tense situations.