I'm just fine with most cup/cores when going medium to heavy for caliber or not pushing them too fast, in calibers 6.5mm and above.
I always think there are two reasons to use premium bullets .... Large animals and/or high velocity.
Heavy for caliber C&C from a non magnum is fine for the large ones as well lacking the high velocity. The old timers used 140gr RNs in their 6.5x55, 175gr RNs in their 7x57 and 220s in their 30-06 and these are all well known for penetration.
