Today I gave the 140 grain XTP (started at about 2000 fps from my 16” Rossi 92) a chance to fail an impromptu penetration test. I set water-filled Window Wash jugs in front of an old cable spool end and shot them at 50 and 100 yards. I figured I’d be able to pick the bullet or fragments out of the wooden spool end, but such was not the case. Both shots penetrated the jug and spool, including the separated jackets which were recovered from the ground behind it. What was left of the cores achieved at least some penetration into a second spool, where I normally hang targets. It has about 10 layers of old target paper on it and I didn’t bother with peeling them off. The photos-

50 Yard Jug on the left, 100 Yard Jug on the right:

Holes In Spool End- 50 Yard Shot on the left, 100 Yard Shot on the right:

50 Yard recovered jacket:

100 Yard recovered jacket:

My take is this. While the 357 Carbine doesn’t hit like a ‘real’ rifle (ground floor of 20” 30-30) it does hit hard enough & penetrates well enough to be useful on game to the size of deer, assuming reasonable range/proper placement. It should make a kick-ass defensive carbine. It is awfully handy, cheap to feed, versatile and accurate enough to be interesting. I think it’s a worthwhile compromise.