Since you've mentioned generalizations, I guess maybe I have made generalizations that are not necessarily valid.

The 243 - well actually 6mm - Although many swear by this cartridge, my experience has been the deer run away without any indication they have been hit. I've learned to give them 30 minutes, andfind them within 50 feet of where they were standing - without much of a blood trail. It kills really good, but does not seem to knock them over where they stand. Honestly makes me a little nervous using it - but I've never not harvested a deer I've shot at with this cartidge. One time, I was so convinced that deer was not hit I did not go looking for blood. About 3 hours later I was a little cold, and decided to take a walk. Since I was in the area - I discovered the deer down about right where I last saw it running off - my almost bad!

I've always been leary of ballistic tips, and have never tried using them for hunting. Who knows, maybe they are just fine.

I've got a Win model 70 that has disappointed me in so many workmanship ways - but doggone it, it's such a pretty rifle I still carry it, and would never part with it. This one gun when brand new had the worst trigger I ever bought - fixed for $40.00; had a floor plate that would not release - I think that added about $10.00 at the same time as my trigger was getting set, and the bolt release would not release enough for the bolt to drop out - that was another $25.00 at the gun smith. With all that disappointment, you'd think I'd hate the gun - but it is still so darn pretty...

I've got a 270 in a Rem that groups better than any other gun I've got. I've killed every deer I've shot at with it, but the amazing part is none of the bullets hit where I was aiming them.... Not even close! I'm shooting a rib shot, and break it's neck.... I take it to the range and never have a flyer - I have to make a bad shot to get one outside of the moa. Go figger - I'm totally expect the next time I shoot it in the field, I'll kill a deer hitting it somewhere other than where I aim!

Oh, and yeah on the 7 Mag. I've got 2 and neither one of them will get to 3200 fps without pressure signs - let alone +3400. I get between 3050 and 3150 with mine - 140 gr bullets. I've also got a 280 Ackley - which does everything my 7 Mag's do. Don't get me wrong, I love the 7 Mag's, but the word Magnum doesn't make them anything the 280 Ackley is not.

Which brings me to my final generality - I've spent way too much time thinking I need a more than 3000 fps cartridge, and have continued to amaze myself with how far these slow 2700-2900 fps guns shoot accurately. And I totally agree that Magnum's don't make a bad shooter, and little guns don't make a good shooter.If you don't spend time at the range, your mostly banking on being a lucky shooter. Shoot more, shoot more often, and your never br left wondering where your going to hit - unless your shooting my 270!