As for the .357, I have an old 1980 gun magazine where they tested several rounds out of 5/16th inch MILD steel plate and the .357, .38 super and .44 mag all penetrated. The .38 special didn't even make a large dent. The only test I've done with my new .357 has been to shoot clean through a hot water heater that none of my other pistols (.40 s&W, 9mm nato) have even come close.
As for the .25, you can have all kinds of stories of failed stoppages and instant kills, but I've had one and done a few penetration tests with it and I can tell you that it's very capable to hitting the vitals. I can't immagine anyone popping the slug out like a pimple. Is it an ideal choice? Heck no. But I'd definately say it's more effective than a .22 in the small autos. Keep in mind that Evan Marshal's stats are comparing a small .25 auto to the .22 lr with longer barrel revolvers. The .22 long rifle loses alot of it's velocity out of the short barrels. I was really suprised with the results mine gave after hearing all the storys about it being practically a BB gun. Not true at all from what I've seen.
Tim
As for the .25, you can have all kinds of stories of failed stoppages and instant kills, but I've had one and done a few penetration tests with it and I can tell you that it's very capable to hitting the vitals. I can't immagine anyone popping the slug out like a pimple. Is it an ideal choice? Heck no. But I'd definately say it's more effective than a .22 in the small autos. Keep in mind that Evan Marshal's stats are comparing a small .25 auto to the .22 lr with longer barrel revolvers. The .22 long rifle loses alot of it's velocity out of the short barrels. I was really suprised with the results mine gave after hearing all the storys about it being practically a BB gun. Not true at all from what I've seen.
Tim