I wouldn't have imagined a 55 grain ballistic tip would be very effective on even smaller big game animals. However, there is this rancher I know who keeps a .22-250 on his porch for any critters that need extermination. His ranch is in country that is home to coyotes, deer, elk, and bear. All of these animals, at one time or another, have fallen to that old .22-250. Some thrashed around for a short period of time, but not one has run off wounded. I also know a game warden who has killed an amazing variety of big game over the years with the only rifle he carries in his truck - a .22-250 Remington.