My favorite is .357 Sig for all of the reasons mentioned at the top of this thread. Second is a .40 S&W. Third would be .45 ACP and 9mm at the bottom. 9mm is capable given today's self defense loading, but it has the potential to make shooters look better than they are. Too many guys build confidence with soft shooting 9mm target loads, then load up with high end defense ammo that they can't afford to shoot on occasion.
All that said, I still recommend 9mm for new shooters. A new shooter needs to shoot a bunch to get comfortable and build skill. Save the higher powered stuff for later on if you want. Practice with 9mm target loads and carry with 9mm standard pressure HD loads. Later, maybe dip your toe in the waters of the higher powered stuff and see if it's for you. A lot of folks are fine with staying with 9mm.
Just be careful of carrying with ammo that you can't afford to occasionally practice with. Shooting somewhat quickly is not too hard a skill to master with target ammo. Needing to shoot quickly with higher powered ammo that you are not familiar with is dangerous.
All that said, I still recommend 9mm for new shooters. A new shooter needs to shoot a bunch to get comfortable and build skill. Save the higher powered stuff for later on if you want. Practice with 9mm target loads and carry with 9mm standard pressure HD loads. Later, maybe dip your toe in the waters of the higher powered stuff and see if it's for you. A lot of folks are fine with staying with 9mm.
Just be careful of carrying with ammo that you can't afford to occasionally practice with. Shooting somewhat quickly is not too hard a skill to master with target ammo. Needing to shoot quickly with higher powered ammo that you are not familiar with is dangerous.