I really didn't want to jump into this one Pluckit. But you posed a fair question which deserves an answer.

As an experienced round ball shooter, here's how I see it. Most guys shooting patched balls are using something around 75/85 grains of powder in .50's or 85/95 grains in 54's, and generally limit their shots to 100 yards. Most would also agree that a non-hollow point Power Belt with similar powder charges will be about as effective as a ball.

I've never shot a Power Belt in my life, but have read numerous reports by experienced shooters that indicate (1) Power Belts are often incredibly accurate, and (2) there's a good chance of bullet failure in deer when they are driven hard.

The problem arises when a new shooter matches his new "three pellet/magnum" gun with a light weight Power Belt, shoots great groups at the range, and then goes hunting. He may or may not get good results. But the likelyhood of bad results seem to be higher than with most other bullets (even patched balls). I suspect that's because ball shooters are shooting lighter loads, or are more experienced in placing their shots, or pick their shots more carefully, or some combination of those factors.