I don't consider foot-pounds of energy figures to bea reliable predictor of the killing power of a large-caliber, pure lead projectile such as a 54-caliber round ball. If it were, I would agree with you that 600 foot-pounds sounds puny compared to the kinetic energy developed by modern rifles. However, if you look at the energy figures for some small-caliber, high velocity projectiles, you might get the impression that, say, a .223 Remington with a 55-grain bullet would kill betterthan that .54 RB at 100 yards, when the exact opposite isactually thecase.

Many people maintain that killing power is proportional to the amount of energy "dumped" in the critter, when actually,killing powercomes from the amount of vital organ damage a bullet does. That's why bullet placement is so critical, regardless of the actual kinetic energy carried by a bullet. Therefore, a large, soft-lead round ball only requirtes sufficient velocity on impact to penetrate to, and through, the vital organ(s) in order to kill game regardless of size. Round balls of .54 caliber or larger have been proven to do this reliably, even on game as big and mean as grizzly bears.