All the critters I shot with my 338-06 using 200gr Hornady, 210gr NP, and 210 TSX ended up dead.
Are premiums necessary? No, Yes, sometimes & maybe.
A gentleman and his daughter both successfully used 180gr BT's out of a 338-06 on their Bison.
I was duly impressed when a 210 TSX shattered the front ball joint on an elk, continued through the lungs and liver and exited.
Shoot what you like, like what you shoot, and remember shot placement typically trumps.
I know I have had more rodeos due to shot placement than bullet failure.
