From what I've read about the Korean War the M1 carbine wasn't even powerful enough to punch through the heavy quilted lining of a Chinese field jacket!
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I'm a combat shooter. I've tested firearms and ammunition. Within 100 yards a carbine slug will go through 10 inches of pine board and still kill. The problem with the carbine is people weren't trained on it.
Break Out by Martin Russ about the Chosin Resevoir in winter '50-'51 clearly chronicles the Marines' complaints about the M1 carbine lacking the power to kill the heavily clothed chinese. I wasn't there so I guess I'll take their word for it.