Keep in mind the ammo they used and what you would use to hunt with are a bit different. I wouldn't hunt with military ball or fmj ammo for sure. A good hollow point should work a bit better.

And you are not going to drop a deer in it's tracks either, so stopping power is not really a factor. Stopping power has nothing to do with lethality. If you put that round in the vitals it will die. You just may have to track it for a little while. Simular to bow or handgun hunting.

There are numerous rounds that you could shoot multiple times before an animal will drop. That doesn't mean the first shot was not deadly.

Like I said before though, it certianly wouldn't by my choice for a hunting rifle, but I have seen people use worse A Muzzle Loader would be a better choice in my opinion.

Paul