while I see the advantages in lower recoil and slightly flatter trajectory, I,ll point out that a sub caliber pistol bullet in some ways reduces the effectiveness of the rifle,because it lighter in weight , has less mass and has a jacket, (yeah! I hear the screaming already) but before you assume Im insane try a few penetration tests , I have, and while the difference is unlikely to cost you an elk or deer, it could, and Ive found its hard to fault the results youll get IF your rifle shoots the heavier maxi balls accurately.
theres little doubt that if your hunting deer, or even elk, it makes little or no difference, even a patched round ball penetrates far enough to prove effective,if you just use heart/lung shots
but its been my experience that a maxi ball will out penetrate, and sometimes out expand a sabot pistol bullet when both are properly loaded
if you really want to see what a maxi ball can do step up to a 58 caliber and select the 600 grain maxi,and use a long barrel hawken or similar rifle that allows you to pack a decent charge weight of propellant that allows you to push it 1200 plus fps
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categ...RIDGER-HAWKEN-RIFLE-PARTS-LIST/KIT-JB-18