Have you thought about the 405 gr. Powerbelt? I got some expansion out of the 444 gr. in wet phone books, but it wasn't a lot (the front 1/3 of the bullet) and a shot through the ribs might not create enough resistance tofacilitate any expansion. There is one local guy here that went to the 405 gr. Powerbelt (for elk) a couple of years ago. He has only taken one elk with it, and was favorably impressed. Carries the mushroomed bullet, that was found just under the hide on the off side, around in his pocket. Looks like nearly 100% weight retention. I keep meaning to try this bullet, but haven't gotten around to it so far.

I kinda settled in on the 410 gr. Hornady Great Plains - fairly inexpensive and shoot real well ahead of a MMP Ballistic Bridge sub base. I don't think they expand a bunch either - but the results are hard to dispute. It puts animals on the ground pretty efficiently.