WDM Bell proved beyond doubt that with adequate penetration and shot placement on the CNS,
the size of the bore mattered very little. However, he did find .256 bore 160gr FMJ prone to bending,
which did not happen with 7mm Mauser FMJ,.. but still his Mannlicher carbine was his favorite DG rig,
if not for the faulty necks of the Austrian ammunition, he would have continued using it over the 7x57.
What he also found was that the larger bore .318 WR was less prone to wandering off course,
and better for reaching the brain when having to traverse the neck.
IIRC , Bell used what reliably went ‘bang’ at the time, and that he could get ammo for.
He purposely chose military turn-bolt rifles for their proven ruggedness and reliability.
The most reliable rifle/cartridge combo he used was the Lee .303cal
On his first ivory safari he also had a .450 SxS, but proved too delicate and finicky.
or just an expensive pain in the ass.
