Chap,

That is an interesting article- I've been trying to find again it since the first time you posted it! It got me started looking into articles on hardcast handgun bullets and hunting with them. When it comes to muzzleloading projectiles, I think there is more similarity to large caliber handgun hunting than there is to centerfire rifles. Look at both muzzle and impact velocities, there is a lot of similarity with common ML loads. Granted, when you start bumping up charges you're in the realm of 30-30 centerfire performance so there is some hybridization that must be taken into consideration.

That being said, the most effective handgun hunting loads feature a large meplat (frontal diameter) flat nose and steep shoulders, they also happen to be hardcast lead. You are correct that they do not expand much, but the wide flat nose causes a "splash" which translates to shock and a ragged temporary wound channel. Lots of very in depth writing out there on that subject- the guys that hunt with the .454, .460, and .500 are pretty serious about their game.

Reading up on the subject is one of the reasons why I want to get a good load worked up with that .44/270gr. Gold Dot flat nose soft point. It may be the best of both worlds...