I have used the 160 Hornady some on deer, and will not use it again--and that was at a muzzle velocity of around 2200 from the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer round. Saw it break both shoulders and exit--and fail to reach the far ribs on a behind-the-shoulder shot.
If you really want to try that sort of bullet I would suggest the 156-grain Norma Oryx, a bonded bullet that's sort of a cross between a round-nose and spitzer. They expand widely yet penetrate pretty well, because normal weight retention is around 90%. Have used them on all sorts of stuff, in various calibers, with very good results.
I recovered one from a javelina. (Hornady)
I don’t get the belief that slower heavy for caliber bullets become “thumpers” and somehow are more effective on game. Hasn’t been my experience. The slower I’ve shot a particular bullet the less damage it has done. Additionally, construction trumps weight on penetration. Example: 160 gr Hornady RN 6.5mm.
