i use the 295 gr. powebelts in my hawkins .50cal.they shoot real good. 348 shoot good and aRE probably a better bullet for deer but i like the 295.as for being expensive, no way. i shoot roundballs at range for fun. 2 weeks before season, i use powerbelts.it takes me about 5 or6 to sight gun in. thats all. rest are used for a nice buck. i dont shoot into a stump each day. i keep gun loaded and in garage so there is no temp change and i leave gun in the truck bed on way into my home. gone as long as 5 weeks and no problem with powder.hunting for 35 years with muzz and using maxi-balls. now, POWERBELTS. P.S,i use 80 grs of 2f with my powerbelt 295.no kick, no flinch, bullet will not EXPLODE,no recoil. trust ole sproul, recoil has caused many of buck to laugh at us over years.seen it, done it, lived it.