ORIGINAL: falcon

"P 210 Extensive testing of ML bullets has shown that the higher velocity of magnum charges does not guarantee deeper penetration. In fact, usually the opposite is true. The key is the bullet’s terminal ballistic characteristics. An overwhelming majority of ML bullets will over-expand or fragment, which impedes penetration, when impact velocity approaches 2,000 fps. When testing both 100 and 150g propellant charges, it is common to find the bullet using the lighter charge will penetrate deeper."

This is true of sabot loads. Depending on the circumstances, the over-expansion can be a good thing.i'vedressed deer and hogs thathad beengutshotbut just flopped over dead. Examination of the heart and lungs showed penetration and laceration from bullet fragments.