O.P. question:
"Do low recoil cartridges with high sectional density projectiles kill above their pay grade?"
Answer:
Let's ask 1000+ dead elephants and W.D.M Bell what they think of the 7x57 with 175 grain bullets, or the 6.5x54 with 160 grainers.
.
.
That is as pointless as asking foxes about 17 projectiles not exiting so as to not tear up the skin.
Horses for courses fellow.