This penetration issue is something I have interest in, not that I need it personally, I am mechanically inclined and this interests me.
Yesterday I was visiting a friend of mine that I worked with at Honeywell's Ordnance Division, he is a trained Gunsmith and Toolmaker, we both have 40 years in the trade under our belts.
I asked him about the velocity/penetration issue, as we both have heavy caliber rifles.
His take on the issue was at to high a velocity the bullet the bullet can bend when hitting bone, he also said hard cast wheel weight can shatter, he personally prefers the lower velocities, even if it limits range.
I found this web site yesterday and seeing their take on the issue is interesting.
http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/9-3-B-M.htmlI also read the Sledgehammer solids were such a problem that Federal stopped using them and now uses Woodleigh, Sledgehammer solids are no longer made.
There seems to be some people addressing the issue, finding them is more of a problem. I have noticed the following companies offering products.
http://site.cuttingedgebullets.com/http://montanabulletworks.com/416_Rifle.htmlhttp://beartoothbullets.com/http://www.northforkbullets.com/magento/This list is not an endorsement from me, I have bought bullets from the Montana Company.
I have loaded ammo with Sledgehammer solids, I am thinking of pulling a few and grinding a form tool to recut the nose profile.
I hope this is useful to some, but we all pay our money and make a choice.