I used 250 gr XTP for years then switched to the Shock Waves. I use the yellow tip for practice and the Blue tip for hunting.
My judgement of effectively :
The XTP at close range on broadside shots with a powder load of 100 grains or less they are very effective, at long range or on long angle shots not so effective, they lose a lot of velocity and foot pounds of energy at long range and they shed the jacket and sometimes break up so long angle shots are questionable.
For larger game or long angles or long distance there are better bullets.
The yellow tip Shock Wave retains it velocity and energy much better but is very similar otherwise.
The Blue tip or bonded Shock Wave retains the same velocity and energy as the yellow tip but is much tougher it penetrates well enough for bigger game and holds together like the Deep Curl.I use the yellow for practice and the blue tip for hunting.
A picture is some times better than words. This is the last deer I shot with the blue tip, I was waiting for an other buck as I had gotten one with a bow but she had a broken leg and I felt I needed to do something about that. We only get 3 tags in my zone where my hunting property is this year and I really did not want to use one this way.
The picture is the inside of the rib cage on the side the bullet exited. I would not shoot them in the meat with this bullet. Would you believe she only went a couple of steps.