M1 Carbine

[L_Killkenny]

At a range of 150 yards, a 30 carbine has about the same energy as a 4" 357 mag revolver does at point blank range... assuming the 357 is loaded with typical 125 gr factory loads.

So glad you put that stipulation in there. Nothing like a fight where one guy has a hand tied behind their back. Honest numbers using "best available" for both:

125gr .357: Muzzle = 733 fpe, 150 yards = 305 fpe
180gr .357: Muzzle = 756, 150 yards = 435
110gr .30 carbine: Muzzle = 977, 150 yards = 469.

So no, the .30 @ 150 isn't equal to a .357 @ muzzle.

I like the .30 carbine, wish I had bought a truck load of em back in the 80's when you could get em for $100-$150 each. But don't try tellin everyone that it is something it's not.

[btmj]

Where can I buy .357 125 grain loads that will achieve 1625 FPS velocity (733 ft-lb) out of my 4" GP-100? I doubt I could achieve that with a 10" blackhawk, not with any 357 ammo I have ever bought. Now with handloads? sure it is possible, I guess. But 99% of the people who use a 357 for self defense are going to load it with more typical ammo. Which by the way, is very effective.

And I am not telling people that the M1 carbine is something it is not, and I am not trying to "cut down" the 357.. Don't put words in my mouth. I am simply saying that the M1 carbine at 150 yards has about the same level of energy as a 4" 357 does at point blank range. The 357 does not need super hot loads to be effective... normal factory loads with around 500 ft-lb energy are very effective, without question.

[Steve in PA]

I haven't shot my M1 Carbine in several years, but it was surprisingly accurate enough. This picture is from a target that was at 100 yards. I was sighing in the rifle using my reloads. The rounds were hitting to the right, but after bringing the POI into the center, I was doing head shots.