Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewM
I do find it odd to compare a match bullet to a hunting one. I highly doubt the two bullets compared would penetrate the same amount as one would expand and one wouldn't. Regardless if they penetrate the exact amount then energy is the determining factor. A 300 would exhibit 35-40% more energy into the animal for the exact same penetration from 0-500 yards. Also the wound channel would be 22% larger assuming the diameter doubled for both which they wouldn't. Just because a bullet penetrates doesn't mean it is going to kill efficiently. Energy is wasted if the bullet goes completely through the animal.
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If you think that energy is what kills a big game animal, then I question your understanding of how a bullet kills. Just as in archery, the main purpose of the projectile, is to cause a wound channel, so the animal bleeds out. The larger the wound channel, generally the quicker the animal bleeds out. And unlike an arrow, many bullets are capable of penetrating the largest bones to reach the vitals. This is where a larger, or tougher bullet does offer an advantage, because it will normally penetrate more bone to reach the vitals. As to a bullet that exits, vs one that stops in the animal, an exit wound can be an advantage, especially if you need to track an animal. As well, a bullet that normally exits on a lung shot, will generally penetrate more bone to reach the vitals.
The only exception to all of this would be impacts to the central nervous system, but the central nervous system is a small target, with a higher risk of not making a fatal hit.