If you put much faith in the stats accumulated by Marshall/Sanow in their 'One Shot Stats', you'll note that a +P 158gr LHPSWC round, from a 2"-er, is actually significantly better than a 230gr 'ball' round in .45 ACP. This round is only suited for thin skin targets - but it will open to double or more it's impact area. I have chrono-ed the Remington R38S12 version, ~$21/50 when ordered through my pusher, at 834 fps from my 2" 10, 912 fps from my 3" 65, and 994 fps from my 6" 66. Again, great for a massive wound channel in a thin-skinned target.
I wonder if a 148gr plated full wad-cutter, like the hollow back variant Berry's Bullets made, would produce a deep wound? The old trick of turning it around - presenting a deep hollow front - might have some use, too - or, as many believe, would it act like a crude HP? Still, a full WC, even at 148gr, may just be the answer. I have gotten ~750 fps with 3.3gr Titegroup, the 148gr HBWC, in .38 Special brass - fired from my 2" 10. No pressure signs - but boogeys from my 6" 66 @ 800+ fps. Probably not much deformation... it may not have the KE required to break bones, either. I'll stick with the 158gr LHPSWC and LSWC +P's... I have the former in my 10's speedloaders - and a Blazer shot shell (Snakes!).
Stainz