What powder charge were you using? I use both yellow and blue/purple with 100 grains and have killed hogs and deer from 5 yards out to 110 without issues, all DRT and no flopping around. Buddies of mine are shooting 150 grain charges and have similar results you are experiencing. They get small pencil sized holes, I get big holes, quarter to half dollar size depending on which gun I use. The 1:28 twist gets quater size and the 1:32 gets the half dollar size as I think it does not stabilize but throws the bullet with a bit of tumble, it hits where I aim and works well. Great bullet but if you have doubts, switch to what works for your gun. Each gun is different. Barnes are excellent bullets but cost a little more, my philosophy is buy what you can afford, after all they are hunting bullets so why not get the best if they work in your gun. My shockwaves work well in my guns so I will not tinker with other loads after finding these.