How are the 158 XTP's out of a carbine?
I know XTP's work well out of short/long in .44 mag and have shot a metric ton of them in .357 but only from 2 1/2"-6 1/2" barrels.
.44 RM XTP's cross the 4" to 18" line really well.

This really is the question, isn't it?  

If the bullet is designed for penetration and expansion at handgun velocities, how do they do when fired from a rifle at the much higher velocity?

What I really liked about the Lucky Gunner test results is how thoroughly they covered the terminal ballistics.  A similar test of for rifles is missing.  Would the good performers (high expansion, low penetration) bullets just fragment at rifle velocities?  Would the poor performers (poorly expanding, deeply penetrating bullets) begin to show merit at higher velocities?

Xtp fp is designed for 357 carbine and rifle speeds

Good to know, thanks.  I have some in storage.  

ETA - I found this on Hornady's web page for the 38 caliber, 158 gr FP XTP:

"From the onset, XTP® bullets were specifically designed to expand reliably at a wide range of handgun velocities to deliver deep penetration with every shot."

I voted .44 Mag because I already own a Marlin. I'm going to put a 2-7 scope on it.

I'd rather use an AR for HD/SD, but if all semi-autos were suddenly illegal I'd make do with the Marlin and my DW 44VH.

My wife has a CHL and several handguns, and has recently shown an interest in a rifle.  My first thought was an AR, but I’m afraid she’s not going to like shooting one.  A levergun might be a better choice, she MUCH prefers her two 38 revolvers over any semi-auto.  I’d really hate to give up my Browning 92 in 357, but if it will reliably feed 38s (I’ve never tried) it might be just the ticket.