Yes, loading down is good.
Unfortunately, many reloaders will stuff as much powder, as is safe, into their cases. It can be difficult to convince them to throttle back.
SPs with book minimum loads, or close, often shoot as accurately, but are several 100 fps slower.
Polymer tips are designed to expand violently, so they aren't a good choice for pelt hunters.
Ive had some good luck with the polymer tips...my best is a reduced load with a 60 gr. NBT...its been very fur friendly, but does leave a small exit.
Driven fast and hard, yes, they expand violently, usually. Had a couple hit shoulder bone and you could walk through the hole they made....others pass through and leave a dime sized exit...you never know what you're gonna get...
Ive also used some downloaded bonded bullets like Speer Gold dots, and those worked well...
