From what I've read - it approaches (but doesn't reach) .357 performance. It sounds like a fun plinking round and should be a decient defensive round. And you can shoot I think the 32 H&R out of it. I too agree that it would be a neat lever action round. And be another choice for small game and cowboy shooting having a rifle and handguns in the same chambering. Maybe Ruger will start chambering their single actions in it.