The performance of a cast bullet is the same regardless if it's .429 of .357 inches in diameter. It's not like just because the bullet grew a few thousandths fatter it's now this magic killing pill with nuclear bomb performance. It's still going to cut clean circular holes. I'm not talking velocity here, just pure hardcasts bullets. Arrows routinely go through an elk, which is a very large game animal. Can't ask for more penetration than that, and they often die slowly, bleeding to death. African game hunters require penetration because of the size of the animal, but they also pick their shot. Shot placement is key again. Even charging African animals require shot placement to stop. Any decent bullet will cavitate greater than their diameter and break bones. I want a bullet that maximizes that effect, does as much damage as possible in a dangerous game situation. If a bear is charging, I shoot and hit a leg, I want the leg wound to be as big as possible, if I hit center of mass I want it to rip a hole to the heart. I personally, don't think a bullet penciling it's way through the heart and out the ass end is the best option. I just want it to make as massive a wound as possible on it's way to the vitals. Hard cast is not the best option for that. I do agree with your statement that in lesser calibers, penetration should be favored, but given the option for a decent caliber, I'm picking an XTP, or similar type bullet.
I've shot deer with 4570 hc lead and Hornady's leverevelution bullets. The deer died quick both times. I refuse to use the Leverevelution bullets anymore as the meat devastation was horrendous. The exit wound was a fist sized hole. When dangerous game is the issue; however, that's what I want. I don't care if the bullet exits, that just means that fist size hole happened internally, which is even better. Again, I'm assuming the penetration of whatever caliber we are talking about is sufficient enough to reach the vitals.
Again, these are all arguments separate to the comments made on the thread. What you wrote is the standard 'softpoint vs FMJ/hardcast ' argument, which any hunter knows back to front.
All you had to say (IMHO) was "even in small calibres I prefer expanding bullets ". Which is reasonable. I tend to like them as well, which is why you will see me always posting on the lookout for Speer GDHP and Remington GS for 38 special.
