ORIGINAL: HEAD0001

I do not put alot of credibility on "kinetic energy's"---"killing ability". A 22-250 at 4,000 fps has more KE than a 45-70 at 1200 fps, but I sure know which one does a better job of putting game down. There are so many variables involved that it can get very confusing. If you step up to a 165 grain 30 caliber bullet at 3200 fps-then all of a sudden the KE becomes a factor again.

MZ's have the distinct advantage of making a big, clean hole. I think the wound channel of just the bullet is all that is necessary. That is why some hunter's use a 45-70 at 1200 fps. They say they can eat right upto the hole, and as Cayugad said-it is a big hole!!!

IMO as long as you have enough down range energy to assure penetration to the vitals, then you have enough energy to assure a clean kill. How else could a 45-70 at 1200fps kill a buffalo at 1,000 yards. It does not take alot of velocity or energy to get a pure lead conical to expand. And if you are shooting conical's just remember(again as Cayugad said) you have a 1/2 inch hole to start with. Tom.